Krista Doebel-Hickok made it two-for-two for Rally Cycling at the Sea Otter Classic, taking victory in Friday’s road race. The American used the uphill finish to her advantage and launched a powerful uphill sprint to beat Emma Langley (Team TIBCO – SVB) to the line. Sara Poidevin rounded out the podium in third place.
“I’m really delighted,” said Doebel-Hickok. “I don’t often give myself the chance at the win but I raced smart and strong. This race is special to me because it was one of the first big races that I did before turning pro in 2013.”
Well, that’s a new finish line expression 😬😂🦦🚲❤️ pic.twitter.com/X8RgOw2DSp
— Krista Doebel-Hickok (@KristabelDH) October 9, 2021
The women competed on a challenging 54-mile route that included laps around Fort Old National Monument before finishing on the climb of Barloy Canyon Road, a stone’s throw from Thursday’s circuit which was won by Emma White. The route proved to be the perfect parcours for Rally Cycling’s strong team.
“We wanted a really hard race, so we attacked a lot,” added Doebel-Hickok. “In the end, it was a group of four heading into the final climb. Sara rode hard into the headwind and then I attacked off Langley’s wheel. I could feel her trying to pass, but I was able to hold it.”
The Sea Otter Classic was Doebel-Hickok’s first race back since fracturing her radius bone during stage 5 of the Giro Donne in July.
“It felt like I never left,” said Doebel-Hickok. “Injuries are just part of the sport, and I’ve shown that I can come off them with good form.”
The team’s final race of the season will be the Into the Lion’s Den criterium in Sacramento on October 30. The event has a total prize purse of $100,000 and will be an exciting way to close out 2021.
Sea Otter road race results
1 DOEBEL-HICKOK Kristabel – Rally Cycling 2:41:31
2 LANGLEY Emma – Team TIBCO – SVB ”
3 POIDEVIN Sara – Rally Cycling 0:20
4 WARD Maddy – Team TIBCO – SVB 1:23
5 FRANZ Heidi – Rally Cycling 1:36
6 WHITE Emma – Rally Cycling 2:22
7 WHEELER Jennifer – Seattle 5:36
8 POTTER Rebekah – Sisterhood of Cycling 6:10
9 RAYNOLDS Matilda – Port Melbourne 7:39
10 O’MARA Alana – Palo Alto 17:03
