Report by Heidi Goldberg

(June 10, Philadelphia, PA) The Liberty Classic (a Triple Crown race) is the big one in these parts - a 57 mile road race with 4 laps around Philadelphia, each one featuring the famed Manayunk Wall, a very steep hill that rips apart the field on every lap. 120 women lined up for this Pro Cycling Tour event. I was guest riding for ADG-Joe’s, a Baltimore team. The intimidating field included women from around the world including many Germans (T-Mobile included) and New Zealanders. The race is televised and every part of the course is packed with huge cheering crowds.

The first lap was all about positioning and avoiding crashes. I managed to keep an ok position and made it up the wall no problem. In fact it was slower than I remember in the past (or maybe I am stronger?). After 4 laps of the Manyunk Wall, lemon hill, and strawberry hill, avoiding about 4-5 crashes, I was pretty beat but managed to stay with the field the whole time, despite getting gapped briefly on the descents.

If you can hold on through all the hills the finish becomes a sprinters race. I am no sprinter. 500 meter flat all out to the finish. The top three were Ina, Regina, and Gina. (If only my name was Heidina!).

I finished 44th - in the money and part of the front group. Not too bad considering the depth of the field. Overall it was a fun day - Liberty is my kind of race! Plus I got my photo in Cyclingnews see it here. (I am the one to the right)