Numainville fifth in Winston Salem Classic

Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Joëlle Numainville flew the flag for the Bigla Pro Cycling Team on Sunday during the Winston Salem Cycling Classic when she placed fifth for the Swiss team.

The Canadian finished off great team work from the girls earlier in the race, particularly Iris Slappendel and Sharon Laws who were active at the front of the race.

High temperatures and a fast pace took its toll on the race as the peloton was eventually whittled down to 30 riders. Several attacks took place, one of which Slappendel formed part of but non stuck until 2 laps to go when Alena Amialiusik (Velocio-SRAM) and Amber Neben (Visit Dallas Cycling p/b Noise4Good) made what ended up being the race winning move.

The final time up the climb, Amialiusik put in an attack that saw her solo to the line. Neben held on for second.

The rest of group came to the line in fractions with Numainville leading a small group across the line.

Joëlle Numainville
I'm really happy because I didn't have a super good Spring as I got sick and just couldn't get over it. I was trying hard to train while and race but it wasn't my best Spring. I went training in Colorado the last few weeks at altitude and I've just been focussed on having a good second part of the season. I knew I was in good shape here and I think next week will be good. I'm also looking forward to nationals at the end of the month. That's a pretty big deal. I'm happy with today's result because it's good start to this part of the season.