Tour of the Gila: Kristin Armstrong wins stage 3 time trial

Kristin Armstrong (Twenty 16-Ridebiker) won the Tour of the Gila Tyrone time trial, but a strong headwind prevented her from gaining enough time to threaten the lead of Mara Abbott (Amy D Foundation). Abbott put in one of her best time trials to date, coming just 21 seconds off the reigning Olympic champion.

Armstrong's performance was good enough, however, to move past six riders from stage 2's breakaway back into second overall. But more importantly, Armstrong said her victory shows that she still can best the best in the world, including reigning world time trial champion Linda Villumsen, who finished fourth, 1:21 behind Armstrong.

"Today, like in any time trial in an Olympic year, is very important. There was some great competition here. Lauren Stephens is known to be a great time trialist, and Linda Villumsen - it's great to be able to show that I can be on the top step of the podium against the World Champion. That's a big win for me," Armstrong said.

The women set out on the out-and-back 26.4km test, heading over two climbs into the wind before turning around with a strong tailwind for the second half. Claire Rose (Podium Ambition) set the fastest early time, but was eclipsed by Stephens, who cried out in agony as she crossed the line for the new fastest time.

The Tibco rider's stint in the hot seat didn't last long, however, as Armstrong came speeding through five minutes later with the winning time of the day.

Armstrong then faced a tense wait as the final riders were due to come into view. World champion Linda Villumsen came in a distant 1:22, followed by Glaesser and Walle. It wasn't long before the red jersey of race leader Abbott came flying though the line, minutes before previous second-placed rider Abigail Mickey.

"Mara Abbott had probably the ride of the day," Armstrong said. "Today's conditions were quite a bit different than 2012 when I set the record, and so I had to fight through it. I knew what the turnaround split had to be to break the record again, and when I saw - even partway out - the headwind was so brutal that it was like a 27 minute climb, and turn around and pedal and coast. It didn't matter what size gear you had on.

"That's what's so intriguing about the Tour of the Gila, you never know what you're going to get."

Armstrong is 2:12 down on Abbott in the general classification, and is down two teammates from crashes. Jessica Cerra had successful surgery for an arm fracture, and Allie Dragoo also dropped out due to injuries.

"We had it rough the first day, but we're going to finish the second half really strong. I'm just proud in an Olympic year that I can come back and stand on the top step of the podium. It makes me super happy."

Armstrong had looked toward the time trial to make up a 2:34 deficit to Abbott from the first stage's mountain top finish, but said the conditions today were not favourable for creating big time gaps. "I think more crosswind, maybe calmer conditions would have been better for me. Today was just a direct headwind going out and tailwind back, and there wasn't much time to be gained coming home.

"Mara and I have never gone head to head in this time trial. She's a very strong competitor, she lives at altitude, and she loves to go uphill. She's the world's best climber, so it's great to be in good company. She is looking toward Rio just as I am, and it's fun to be here competing with her."

Full results