VAC's Goldstein hangs tough on final day; wins Tour of the Gila!!

oday's stage, known as the Gila Monster, features a rolling course, that culminates on a tough steep climb up to the WildHorse Mesa. The VAC women were ready for an aggressive stage, as they knew that the other teams would try to dethrone Goldstein from the top spot. But the girls were quick to cover the early moves, and no break was able to get a gap prior to the base of the final climb. As the road pitched upward, the climbers took the lead, and a select group of 5 riders crested the Mesa. In that group were Goldstein, Felicia Gomez and Julie Beveridge from Aarons, Cheerwine's Leigh Hobson and TIBCO's JoAnne Kiesanowski. Missing from this group was Kristin McGrath from Colavita, who was second on GC. So it was Aaron's who set a fast tempo to widen the gap to McGrath and other chasers. With 500 meters to go, Gomez attacked, but Hobson was on her wheel, and Hobson took the sprint, followed by Gomez and Kiesanowski. Goldstein followed in 4th place. The finish resulted in Goldstein claiming the overall, with Hobson moving into 2nd place, followed by Gomez.

"The race played out really well for us," commented Goldstein. "The girls covered all the right moves, and I was able to position myself well for the climb. It was a great race. I'm really happy!"

Next up for the VAC women is the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, beginning on May 13.

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