Tour of Connecticut - NE

USA, May 16-18, 2003

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Stage 3 - May 18: Housatonic Valley Classic, Danbury, 190km

Navigators and Prime Alliance divide the spoils

Davidenko takes final stage, overall to Clinger

The Tour of Connecticut wrapped up today in Danbury, CT with Prime Alliance's David Clinger claiming overall victory. Fought over arduous terrain, Clinger triumphed against strong challenges, but it was Navigators rider Vassili Davidenko who took the honours for today's stage.

The 120 mile stage saw an early break with New Zealander Glenn Mitchell (Navigators) and Mike Sayers (Health Net) gaining four minutes on the field. The looks strong and stayed out there for most of the day before they were reeled in as the race headed into the finishing circuits.

Attacks were constant, but the Navigators team worked hard to contain the race, bringing everything back. Chris Horner (Saturn) showed of his form with a potentially dangerous attack, but he too was caught and the race headed towards the finish line with the peloton all together, lending an opportunity for the sprinters to take over.

Davidenko found the perfect wheel with Fraser and waited until just the right moment to spring around him for the win. "He was amazing", said Fraser "He just came around me so quickly, it was a great sprint".

Overall leader, Clinger was ecstatic with his win and extremely happy with the efforts of his teammates "I can't say enough about what my team did today," said Clinger. "Matt Decanio rode at the front for about 40 or 50 miles."

Photos

Images by Zui Hanafusa/miyashojicycling.org

Shooting past the start/finish line
Leaning into the corner
Vasilli Davidenko wins the Men's race
Iona Wynter (Genesis Scuba)
Laura Van Gilder (Saturn)
Tina Mayolo (Diet Rite)
Tina Mayolo wins the Women's race
Riders shoot past the camera
Warm weather made for exhaustive racing
Flying down the main street
John Eustice in organiser mode
Radio the café, I'm out of coffee
The Mayor of Danbury wins the fun race

Images by Cecila Cole

Jonathon Vaughters drives the Prime Alliance train ahead of teammate David Clinger, who stiched up the overall classification.
Vassilli Davidenko (Navigators) found the perfect wheel with Fraser and waited until just the right moment to spring around him for the win.

Results

1 Vassilli Davidenko (Rus) Navigators           4.48.24
2 Gord Fraser (Can) HealthNet
3 Ivan Dominguez (Cub) Saturn
4 David Clinger (USA) Prime Alliance
5 Mike Sayers (USA) HealthNet
6 Oscar Pineda (Gua) 7-Up Maxxis
7 Russell Hamby (USA) OFOTO
8 Kevin Monahan (USA) 7-Up Maxxis
9 Jim Giuliano (Can) Atlas
10 R. Langley (USA) Snow Valley
     
Final general classification   
    
1 David Clinger (USA) Prime Alliance            7.25.00
2 Danny Pate (USA) Prime Alliance                  1.27
3 Ivan Dominguez (Cub) Saturn                      1.46
4 John Lieswyn (USA) 7-Up Maxxis                   1.49
5 Mike Sayers (USA) HealthNet 
6 Chris Horner (USA) Saturn                        1.54
7 Jonathon Vaughters (USA) Prime Alliance          1.59
8 Andy Bajadali (USA) OFOTO                        2.01
9 Chris Baldwin (USA) Navigators                   2.01
10 Mike Jones (USA) West Virginia                  2.17
    
Best Sprinter: Glenn Mitchell (NZl) Navigators
Belimo Best Climber: Glenn Mitchell (NZl) Navigators
Saturn Teamwork Challenge: Prime Alliance