ABBOTT CLIMBS TO VICTORY IN REDLANDS

ABBOTT CLIMBS TO VICTORY IN REDLANDS

Redlands, CA, 3 April 2008 - Mara Abbott climbed to victory in the prologue of the Redlands Bicycle Classic today finishing the 5 kilometre steep uphill time trial in a time of 11'10". Katherine Carroll of Aarons Cycling finished 25 second behind her to take second place, with Abbott's teammate Kim Anderson rounding out the podium another one second behind.

Abbott's ride earns her the yellow leaders jersey and the climbers jersey going into the first stage.

Abbott was excited with the victory with the race being something she had been focussing on.

"I'm excited," she said. "Redlands is a race that I really really love. It's one of the first big races I did so it's amazing to do the full circle and come back and do well in it. Everyone in the town is also excited about the race which makes it even more special to do well here."

During the ride Abbott very "in control. This is my third time doing this course. I felt like I knew what I had to do and at the top I knew I'd had a good ride," she added.

On what to expect in the next few days Abbott explained, "The riding we've done together so far in California has been fun and this is our last race here before we head to Europe, so I hope we can do well."

Anderson was also extremely excited after the stage. "This is a surprise. I've been looking forward to this race. It's been a big goal and to make the podium in the prologue is very exciting for me."

She added, "I felt really good on the way up the climb. I held back a little at the beginning so I felt really good all the way. In hindsight, I shouldn't have held back so much."

"I love this race. It's beneficial that the five of us have been doing so many races together in the last month. We've really learnt a lot about each other and I think we have a good chance to defend the jersey. I'm excited about it."

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