Crashes cause cancellation of women's St. Paul Criterium
Riders agree with decision
Officials called off the St. Paul Criterium after two major crashes caused a delay in race proceedings Wednesday evening. Just two laps of the 1.2km circuit remained when the second pile up in the first turn forced race officials and team directors to make the joint decision.
Race leader Brianna Walle (Team Tibco) said the majority of the riders agreed with the call.
"It made sense to me," Walle said after the race. "Both crashes were pretty bad. There was so much disarray and nerves that it was safer to call it quits. There were still people down on the road, so it was a good decision."
Despite gaps forming in the field in the latter part of the race, the overall favourites were together before the stage was nullified. UHC and Tibco had formed lead out trains at the front were set up to deliver their sprinters to the line.
Tomorrow, the pro women will tackle an 85-mile road race that winds through scenic Goodhue County before hitting four spectator-friendly circuits in Cannon Falls. Racing starts at 4 p.m. local time.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
A former professional and two-time cyclo-cross US national champion, Beard is also an award-winning journalist and cycling commentator. Since leaving competition, she has written for several major cycling media outlets, worked as media director for major US stage races and consulted with men's and women's professional cycling teams.
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
€50 million in six years and a €200 million buyout clause – Tadej Pogacar's new contract revealed
'The Tour will be central to my season in 2025' – Slovenian outlines new season goals -
Pan-Am Cyclocross Championships: Lauren Zoerner and Ian Ackert retain U23 titles
Jenaya Francis earns silver for Canada in U23 women's race while USA's Jack Spranger takes U23 silver for men -
Zoe Bäckstedt carries road racing form into cyclocross season with an eye on Worlds
Geert Wellens joins Canyon-SRAM as new cyclocross director -
Baloise Trek say SRAM chain failures cost European cyclocross championship medals
Manager Sven Nys points to ongoing issues with components