Ilesic and Miller win Clarendon Cup

Image 1 of 31

Overcast skies and light rain gave way to sunshine Saturday at the Air Force Association Cycling Classic's Clarendon Cup. UnitedHealthcare's Aldo Ino Ilesic held off Jamis-Hagens Berman riders Demis Aleman and Luis Amaran in the 100-kilometer elite men's race to cap an exciting day of racing, which saw Team TIBCO's Amanda Miller edge Pepper Palace Pro Cycling's Allison Arensman in an equally entertaining 50-kilometer elite women's race.

"We don't care who wins, as long as someone wins," Ilesic said of UnitedHealthcare's team effort.

While none of Ilesic's teammates joined him on the five-man podium, they were a big reason why he took home the Clarendon Cup. Ilesic was among the six-man breakaway that later grew to eight riders and lapped the field with 33 laps to go.

The technical demands of the one-kilometer course - the Clarendon Cup has been referred to as the 'Race of 500 Turns' - contributed to a crash in the final few laps, and UnitedHealtchare took advantage to capture its fourth consecutive win in the event.

"When they stepped on it, they stayed on it," race announcer Richard Fries said of the UnitedHealthcare riders' ability to position themselves to push Ilesic to the front. "The thing about this race is you think the riders can't go any faster, and then, with 10 laps to go, they start going so much faster. It's visible for the crowd. It was unreal speed."

Local rider Timothy Rugg, who finished sixth in the men's pro race, was awarded the Most Courageous Jersey. Rugg was one of three Kelly Benefit Strategies riders to finish the race.

The women's elite race nearly produced one of the greatest upsets in the Clarendon Cup's 16-year history. Arensman, 19, and Miller, 26, broke away from the pack midway through the 50-lap race and eventually lapped the field.

"This was Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed," Fries said of the showdown between the relative unknown (Arensman) and the experienced veteran (Miller). "Arensman was brilliant. She was opportunistic and took advantage of the TIBCO defense. It took all of Team TIBCO to fend her off in the sprint."

Miller ultimately edged Arensman by 0.08 seconds. Laura Van Gilder of Mellow Mushroom took third.

The Air Force Association Cycling Classic continues Sunday in Crystal City.

Results