Despite the three Category 1 climbs on the final stage, this year’s Mt. Hood Cycling Classic in and around Hood River, Oregon, was largely won (and lost) on the time trial stages.

Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) set the stage for his overall win by breezing to victory in both the stage 1 prologue and the stage 3 time trial. His lead going into the last stage was enough to hold off the climbing prowess of challengers Andy Bajidali (Vitamin Cottage) and Justin England (Health Net-Maxxis).

Scott Moninger (Health Net-Maxxis) was well positioned going into the stage 3 time trial, but a broken chain 50 meters past the starting chute quickly put him five minutes behind the rest of the GC contenders. While teammate Chris Wherry sprinted to victory at USPRO in Philadelphia, England powered away from the field through the snow at the Vista Ridge Summit to capture the final stage.

In the women’s race, Leah Goldstein (Trek-Red Truck Beer) gave a commanding performance to overcome the powerful Ford-Basis squad led by Chrissy Ruiter and clinch the overall title.

Goldstein won the stage 2 Cooper Spur circuit race, stage 3 time trial, and final Three Summits road race, as well as placing third in the stage 4 Downtown Criterium.

Mt. Hood Cycling Classic
Final overall
Men
1. Svein Tuft (Can), Symmetrics, 7:47:11
2. Andy Bajidali, Vitamin Cottage, at 1:03
3. John Hunt, Cal Giant/Village Peddler, at 2:17

Women
1. Leah Goldstein (Can), Trek-Red Truck Beer Racing Team, 8:15:37
2. Chrissy Ruiter, Ford-Basis, at 1:44
3. Irene Mercer, Tamarack, at 3:16

For complete results, see www.mthoodcyclingclassic.com.