Women on the Tour

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SANTA ROSA -- Emilia Fahlin, a 20-year-old from Sweden who rides for Columbia-Highroad, won the women’s criterium race Sunday at the Amgen Tour of California then gave high praise to Riverside native and team owner Bob Stapleton. Columbia is one of the few major pro cycling teams to field men’s and women’s squads.

Fahlin said Stapleton’s resolve and financial support and having the ability to train with top male cyclists has made her a better competitor. ‘That adds so much,’ she said. ‘I think we have the best team in the world and for me that’s so great. I have to thank Bob so much.’

The Columbia women’s team won 68 of the 130 races it entered last year and Stapleton takes every chance he can to get the women front and center. When Columbia made its traditional team presentation last Friday in Sacramento, it was equal opportunity with the women introduced together with the men. ‘We get the same support, same clothing, same chances for training,’ Fahlin said.

Laura Charameda, a former racer who organized the women’s criterium, said she hopes some day that the Tour of California will also offer a full stage race for the women.

‘That would be cool,’ Fahlin said. ‘But I have to get better climbing the hills before then.’

-- Diane Pucin