Van Gilder Makes Her Move at Providence, Day 1 – Report, Photo Gallery UPDATED

Van Gilder solos to victory. © Keith Hower

by Keith Hower and Molly Hurford

Laura Van Gilder proved today that technical skills and a powerful engine ultimately dominate races. The top three finishers at Providence were Van Gilder, followed by Mary McConneloug in second and Sally Annis in third.

Annis, Van Gilder and McConneloug broke off early, they had a gap within the first half lap over the rest of the field. Up top on the third lap, Van Gilder and McConneloug upped the pace and opened a 100 yard gap over Annis by the time they rolled past the pits, and Annis simply never was able to close.

After that move, Van Gilder and McConneloug kept it tight for the rest of the race, and it seemed like Van Gilder was driving most of the last lap trying to pressure McConneloug , she set her up and jumped her on the curb section just after the gravel road, soloing to the finish line. After a few second place finishes behind British National Champion Helen Wyman early in the season, Van Gilder is back on the top of her game.

Cyclocross Magazine caught up with Van Gilder after the race, and found out how the race went:

Talking about her winning move on the last lap after the gravel road, before the last uphill section, she said, “I jumped her [McConneloug] on the right turn near the tree on the curb. I know that Mary is a really great competitor, so I knew that she would drive it to help it stay away, I worked with them [Annis and McConneloug] initially to create the gap”

Talking about breaking away with Mary and Sally throughout the first lap and a half, and then attacking and dropping Sally at the midway point of the race after the cement stairs: “I know there is a lot that can happen, I made a lot of mistakes last weekend that cost me a podium place, so I figure that until you get clear of that final corner, and don’t roll a tire on the pavement, you know, I knew I had it.”

When talking about hoping her move would stick till the finish, she said, “We kept the pressure on, we didn’t really push it that hard, We were also accessing each other abilities.”

And of course, Van Gilder always remembers her sponsors, saying, “I would like to thank C3 presented by Mellow Mushrooms.”

Click here to find out what happened in the Men’s race.

Stay tuned for full results.

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Results