Laforge dominates all North American field

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The women's Junior race looked like a Canada Cup. Every racer was from the host country with the exception of Jill Behlen of the United States. The Junior women started two minutes after the Junior men and competed for four laps of the Bromont course.

Kristina LaForge rode away from all the top Canadian women and won by five minutes over Cayley Brooks who was wearing a string of white pearls made fashionable by U23 sensation Emily Batty. Anna Schappert finished third followed by Jill Behlen. Canadian national champion Laura Bietola was fifth today.

The Junior Women competed on the same course as the Elite racers. LaForge turned twenty-one minute lap times on her way to victory. Laura Bietola won the uphill start, but by the end of the first lap the finishing order seemed to have sorted itself out.

"I had a good start but by the end of the race I had almost no strength left in my arms and upper body [because of the technical nature of the course]," said LaForge. "The course was much easier today, however, much drier. I could do almost everything I wanted to. It was easier to pass than a couple days ago.

"I didn't expect to win today but I am very, very happy."

The Junior racers will next meet at the Champerey, Switzerland World Cup. Many of the Canadians will now head to the Canadian Games, while the Americans move down the road to the U.S. Cup race at Mount Snow, Vermont.