Abbot victorious in Osseja

Mara Abbot (US National Team) and Emma Pooley (Cervelo TestTeam) worked together on the Tour de l’Aude’s fourth stage, and both riders benefited from the cooperation. For Abbott working with her British rival gave her a stage victory at the French race, while Pooley’s reward was a strong lead in the general classification.

Pooley trailed Abbot across the line after 97 kilometres of racing, with the pair 43 seconds ahead of third placed Evelyn Stevens (HTC-Columbia). Pooley had started the day 1:03 minutes behind Adrie Visser (HTC-Columbia), but the Dutch rider was over three minutes behind on the day’s stage.

The time loss swung the pendulum in Pooley’s favour by 2:34 minutes, with five stages remaining. "I am very happy today. It is always great to be in the leader's jersey of Tour de l'Aude," said Emma Pooley. "So far I have a good gap over Adrie Visser. We still have some races to go, and something can always happen but I am confident."

The attack by Pooley and Abbot came from a six rider breakaway that escaped during the mountains. Pooley had the advantage of having team-mates Sharon Laws and Regina Bruins in the breakaway with her and Abbott.

"It was a nice day today, we had sun, no wind and now as well the yellow jersey," said Cervelo TestTeam sport director Egon van Kessel. "The peloton with our other riders reached the finish about 3:20 later so there are still five of our riders in a good overall position. Our team is in a comfortable position for the upcoming stages."