The USA's Nature Valley Grand Prix stage race will be featured in a TV program that is set to air nationally on the Outdoor Life Network and in the Midwest on Fox Sports Net North.
OLN:
2:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, September 11
6:30 PM EST on Wednesday, September 14.
Fox Sports Net North:
6:30 PM Central Time on Saturday, September 17
12:30 PM CT on Wednesday, September 21.
(Check local listings)
The Nature Valley Grand Prix men's race saw an epic battle between veteran John Lieswyn (HealthNet p/b Maxxis) and youngster Shawn Milne (Navigators Insurance). Lieswyn claimed the lead at the Mankato Road Race, then surrendered it to Milne in Minneapolis. Although Richard England (Advantage Benefits/Endeavour) won the brutal Stillwater Criterium in impressive style on the last day, Lieswyn was able to come from behind to take the overall title. With his retirement looming, this is likely to be the final big win of Lieswyn's storied career.
In the women's race, it was a tour de force for Christine Thorburn of Webcor Builders. Thorburn claimed the leader's jersey at the Saint Paul Riverfront Time Trial prologue, then she and her teammates defended it successfully through the Stillwater Criterium. US National Criterium champion Tina Pic (Quark) claimed the women's Freewheel Bike Sprint competition.
The Nature Valley Grand Prix is part of the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival and is one of the top four stage races on USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar. For more information, visit: www.MinnBikeFestival.com
