Women doing what we love...racing

Women's TT results from Amgen Tour of California

Bakersfield Professional Women Time Trial Results

Place, #, Name, Team, Time

1st: 1 Kristin Armstrong Exergy TWENTY12 39:59.28
2nd: 2 Alison Powers NOW and Novartis for MS 41:23.88
3rd: 7 Jade Wilcoxson Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies 41:58.08
4th: 4 Alison Tetrick Exergy TWENTY12 42:09.68
5th: 9 Robin Farina NOW and Novartis for MS 42:32.92
6th: 6 Tayler Wiles Exergy TWENTY12 43...:40.40
7th: 3 Emilia Fahlin Specialized-Lululemon 43:42.02
8th: 5 Janel Holcomb Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies 44:12.46
9th: 10 Loren Rowney Specialized-Lululemon 44:15.59
10th: 8 Bridie O'Donnell Vanderkitten-Focus 44:23.34

Mourning and learning

Today I learned that B4T9 isn’t just about the women who are on the team, it’s about all female cyclists; about women who share a love of the bike, about mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, grandmothers and partners. Some of us are bike racers, some are recreational cyclists, some philanthropists, even some who don’t ride a bike at all.  We all share a love of the sport; for how it empowers women and helps us achieve a healthy fitness level. Cycling allows us to share time with friends, explore new places and meet new people. Every time we throw a leg over the bike and start to pedal we are brave—whether that moment is at a charitable event, a ride with the kids to the beach or even when there’s a chance at standing on the podium at a local bike race.  Every pedal stroke or new mountain top we reach makes us happy, but with that we know and accept that, as with any activity, there are risks of injury and sadly sometimes death.  It is not something we take lightly, accept or want to happen.  Yet, unfortunately it happened this past weekend and we lost Suzanne Rivera and we as a collective group are mourning.  Our team is like family; we share rides, meals, houses, carpools, victories and losses.  We laugh and cry together. …and we have learned that our family is larger than just the team from the amazing outpouring of support from women who ride, race and/or just follow our journeys.  From professionals to beach cruiser gals we have felt so much love and understanding that it is hard to grasp.  As we grieve today and in the days to come, coping will be more difficult than the longest climbs or the hardest races we will ever participate in. If you were lucky enough to meet Suzanne you knew instantly her strength and her joy and for those who did not meet her we know that you would have been inspired by her.  We as a team and a world of female cyclists know that the men, women and children who allow us to follow our passions have strength greater than any of us and this does not go unnoticed.  We grieve for you too, for your sacrifices, your losses and your worry.

Sad news

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write to you this sad news.  Today, B4T9 teammate Suzanne _____ passed away as a result of a crash at the Mariposa Women’s Stage Race.  Suzanne was a friend, a bike racer, a mother, a wife, an athlete and an amazing fun, spirited woman who we all enjoyed immensely. 

Although new to our team, Suzanne fit in well, was always smiling and encouraged others.  We as a team and as individuals are heartbroken, devastated and sad beyond words that could be written at the loss of Suzanne.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzanne, her family and friends on this most anguishing day and for the difficult days they face ahead.

I personally, and all of the team, want to express our gratitude to the nurses, racers and friends who gave their all on site to administer every life saving measure possible.  Everyone was courageous in their effort.

Thank you for your support, prayers and thoughts for the family and friends of Suzanne at this difficult time.

Details of services will be posted at a later date.

With great sadness,

Jill and the B4T9 Team members, sponsors and supporters.