Tough time trial trims the field in Cascade Cycling Classic

BEND -- A tough time trial course on a windy, hot day in Bend took it's toll on the riders during the 16-mile out-and-back time trial. Former Euro pro lead-out man and U.S. National Road Race Champion Fred Rodrigues (rock Racing) was one of 14 riders who failed to make the time cut and were dismissed from the race. National Cyclocross Champion Ryan Trebon of Bend also fell victim to the time cut, as did Emiliano Jordan, recently racing around Portland with Ten Speed Drive.

But not everyone had it so rough in the stage, which was won by Bissell Pro Cycling Team's Tom Zirbel in 32:50.3. Portland-based Land Rober-ORBEA continues to have the best Oregon finishes. Jim Camut crossed the line in 36:03 for 52nd. Roman Van Uden followed in 69th.

Salem's Omer Kem, a domestique for Bissell, finished 73rd, covering the course in 36:41. Josh Liberles (Ten Speed Drive), a recent transplant to Portland from New Mexico, finished in 37:12.5 for 95th on the team's new BH Bicycles mass production, UCI-spec'd TT bike, a unit the Pro Tour team racing in France doesn't even have yet. Land Rover-ORBEA's Carson Miller finished 110th. His teammate Michael Northey and Evan Elken were 116th and 125th, respectively. Former OBRA racer and Bissell pro Aaron Olson (Oakley/Sidi) finished 130th at 38:04.2. Team Oregon's Kennett Peterson covered the course in 38:06.1 for 132nd. Bend Bike N Sport's Ryan Mckean was 151st. Land Rover-ORBEA'S Joshua Bartlett rounded out the Oregon contingent in 140th.

WOMEN
Once again, hometown racer Chrissy Ruiter (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team) was the fastest Oregon woman, covering the course in 40:19.1, more than a minute and half off the time of winner Jessica Phillips (Lip Smacker). Teri Sheasby (Bend Bike N Sport) was the second-fastest Oregon woman across the line at 41:56.7 for 34th.

Veloforma's Robin Secrist finished 43rd with a time of 42:27.2. Hood River's Alice Pennington clocked in at 44:02.4 for 65th. Portlander Hilary Billington was 78th at 44:44.6. Vanderkitten Racing's Melissa Sanborn was 86th, with a time of 45:56.6.

RACE NOTES:
On the more serious side of things, women's stage winner Jessica Phillips (Team Lip Smacker) was fined $70 and forfeited her stage prize for failing to attend the Awards Ceremony. Ouch!

Check VeloNews.com for complete Cascade Classic reports and more Cycling Action photos.