CARRERA de SAN RAFAEL - PRESS

PRO WOMEN'S RACE PREVIEW:
Escalation of Forces

As reported in this space last week, the Pro Women's race could be the most exciting action of the evening with two locally-based National-level pro teams looking to claim San Rafael as their territory.

Value-Act Capital is sending a full roster, including two sprinters that know the Carrera parcours well, Martina Patella and Courtenay Brown. Team Value-Act has spent the last two months at top national races with guest-rider Katie Mactier, Australian national road race champion and World pursuit champion. Mactier's tutelage has helped ValueAct grow into a cohesive team that can compete at the highest levels.

However, defending Carrera champion Rachel Lloyd of the PROMAN cycling team has a clear message for all comers: Bring it.

In June, Lloyd snared second place at the tough Nevada City Classic, and then in July took wins in Davis and the Northern California/Nevada Criterium Championships in consecutive weeks. As if the Lloyd's form wasn't enough, the PROMAN team is packing the double-threat of Helene and Kristin Drumm, the sensational Shelley Olds, whose consistent podium presence landed her an invite to the Olympic Training Center, along with Tracey Ford, Kistina Seley, and Nicola Cranmer.

Escaping this group won't be easy, but the Jazz Apple team doesn't do easy races. Hailing from New Zealand, this young team has been on the podium at the toughest one-day races on the West Coast over the last month. Malindi Mclean took the silver at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, and Rushlee Buchanan claimed the bronze at Nevada City-and they're not even twenty yet. Backing them at Carrera will be Alison Shanks, New Zealand's Time Trial Champion, and Susy Pryde, who draws on her years of racing experience to coach the Jazz Apple team.

If you thought you saw fireworks on the Fourth of July, just wait for Saturday night in San Rafael!

Carrera parcours is tougher than it looks
SAN RAFAEL TRACK CONDITIONS LOOKING GOOD FOR NIGHT RACING

San Rafael is considered to be one of the best race venues in the state, with central access to spectators, media, sponsors, transportation and lodging.
But the track itself is favored by the racers for its fast pavement, sweeping turns and picturesque setting.
Located in the heart of bustling downtown, the finishing strait shoots right up between popular restaurants and historic buildings, lined each side by spectator-friendly sidewalks.
In only nine-tenths of a mile and four turns, racers get an adhesion-testing full-speed corner at Fourth and A Streets, a gradual climb and right turn to D Street, then the D Street climb where the race is often won or lost, and then the blazing-fast straight to A Street.
The City of San Rafael takes pride in its hometown race, as evidenced by the Department of Public Works' careful preparation. Streets are thoroughly swept before the races, pavement fixes are made, and hundreds of metal crowd barriers are placed to protect spectators.
Watching over the event is San Rafael Police, who ensure that traffic in the area runs as smooth as possible, and San Rafael Fire, on hand with paramedics to assist crash victims in the race. Our thanks are given to all the City workers who make this possible.
Illuminating the streets at night well enough for racers to perform their best is no easy task. Ghilotti Construction's light towers will be positioned at key places along the Carrera track, easing the transition from daylight to dusk.
Spectator access is wide-open for the whole course, but look for the Carrera corner marshals-cross the course only when they give the ok!

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