Kirchmann wins California stage 2, Komanski takes race lead
Leah Kirchmann outsprints Lauren Komanski and Trixi Womack to take stage 2 in the women's Amgen Tour of California
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Leah Kirchmann of Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies won a hilltop sprint ahead of Lauren Komanski (Twenty 16) and Trixi Worrack (Velocio SRAM) to take the victory on stage 2 of the women’s Amgen Tour of California in South Lake Tahoe. Komanski’s strong finish was enough to move her into the overall race lead ahead of Worrack.
The 49.6-mile (79.8km) stage was busy from the start, but UnitedHealthcare chased down breakaway attempts throughout the early goings, keeping things tightly controlled until Allie Dragoo (Twenty 16) soloed free as the midway point of the day neared. Dragoo was able to nab an intermediate sprint and a time bonus, but was eventually reeled back in. Katrin Hammes (Tibco) and Allison Jackson (Twenty 16) were the next to get clear, but were reabsorbed not long after they opened a small gap.
The high-paced action whittled the pack down to a group of less than 30 riders as the day neared its close, and as the peloton hit the final climb to Heavenly Mountain Resort, things started to stretch out in the bunch. Leah Kirchmann stayed near the front of affairs until the final 200 meters, when she powered ahead and held on to take the stage victory.
Lauren Komanski, finishing second, took over the lead in the general classification from Katie Hall, who dropped to third. Stage winner Leah Kirchmann moved up to fourth overall.