Despite a heavy training week going
into the weekend’s races, Arden Stelly won the Women’s 1/2/3 Rock Hill
Criterium on Saturday and took second in the Road Race on Sunday. In Saturday’s crit, Arden attacked early,
staying away solo for nearly 20 minutes of the 45 minute race. The other racers were finally forced to
chase, bringing her back just as the counter attacks began. Soon, two strong racers got away and Arden
managed to bridge up to them, knowing she had the full support of her teammates
in what remained of the field. In
Arden’s words, “On the last lap, I was sitting 2nd wheel, waiting for the lead
rider to attack on the hill on the backside of the course. She waited, though, until just before the
final turn. She went really hard, but I caught her wheel and stayed on her. I
was able to get around her with maybe 150m to go and won! Soooo excited!”
Arden raced aggressively again in
Sunday’s 57-mile road race. The
description of the finish in her words:
“The sprint started early--just after the last turn. Longest, hardest sprint
I've ever done. Barely edged out a girl for 2nd.”
Congratulations Arden!
