Kirchmann and Fraser secure third places at Old Pueblo Grand Prix

A series of talented Canadian cyclists competed at the Old Pueblo Grand Prix held on March 8 in Tucson, Ariz. National criterium champion Leah Kirchmann (Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies) placed third in the women’s criterium and veteran sprinter Gord Fraser (Quarq) placed third in the men’s criterium.

The Canadians on Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies included Annie Ewart, Denise Ramsden, Kirchmann, and the Americans were Janel Holcomb, Lauren Hall and Amber Pierce.

Hall won the criterium by attacking mid-race and lapping the field. Her teammate Kirchmann secured the third spot on the podium, behind Erica Allar (Colavita-Fine Cooking) in second place.

“We came into these races with no pressure,” said the team’s performance director Kevin Field, who resides in Ottawa. “We just wanted to blow out the winter cobwebs and have the riders get their race sensations back – and did they ever. Lauren is on super form right now, and the whole team was awesome. In a race like this, we just try to be as aggressive as possible and also tactically sound. Obviously, the team executed these things perfectly in their first race.”

Other Canadians in the race included Jamie Gilgen (Infinit Canada / Cyclepower) in seventh and Joanie Caron (Garneau Factory) who placed 17th on the day.

Retired pro racer Gord Fraser stretched his legs during the men’s criterium and ended up lapping the field with a small breakaway. He placed third behind the day’s winner Conor Mullervy (Champion System) and Alex Ray (Hincapie). Fraser recently accepted a new position as Power Coach for the power meter manufacturer Quarq.