In what was described as a perfect performance, Canadian Tara Whitten of Team TIBCO/To the Top Dr. Vie Canadian athlete successfully defended her Track Ominum World Championship in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands over the weekend. Whitten beat out American standout Sarah Hammer and Dutch power Kirsten Wild to take her second consecutive ominum crown. Tara Whitten was also world champion in 2010. Congrats Tara “Lightning” Whitten,” says Dr. Vie who has personally seen Tara race in Team Pursuit and Omnium.
“It feels even better the second time around,” says Tara.
Whitten was never far from the front during any of the six races that comprise the omnium, including three 2nd place finishes. She took over the lead from Wild after finishing 2nd in the fourth race in the omnium, the Individual Pursuit, and solidified it with another 2nd place in race five, the Scratch Race. Whitten’s TIBCO Dr. Vie teammate Joanne Kiesanowski also put in a strong ride in the omnium to take 9th place in the final standings.
“Tara is an amazing athlete. Tara is also a Ph.D. student in neuroscience….yes indeed. Moreover she is a role model for all athletes and in particular young girls. Tara’s intergrity and values is beyond reproach. She is an athlete that our kids can look up to as an example of what can be done when you face challenges – make a choice to overcome them – and find your true calling,” says Dr. Vie, sponsor or Tara Whitten through Team Tibco USA womens cycling team. Click here to watch Dr. Vie’s interviews with Tara before the finals in Holland.
What’s happening with the rest of Team Tibco Dr. Vie women?
Over in Italy
Team TIBCO also had a five-rider squad contesting the first World Cup of the season, the Trofeo Alfredo Binda in northern Italy. The Team put in a strong effort on the hilly, 121 km parcourse. In the race of attrition, Meghan Guarnier found herself in the front group once the race had hit the finishing circuits. However the good position was negated when she was crashed out late in the race. The race was won in epic solo fashion by current World Time Trial Champion Emma Pooley (Garmin-Cervelo), who soloed for the final 69 km to take the win.
Much closer to the USA:
Team TIBCO also had a seven-rider squad that included juniors Alexis Ryan and Tara McCormick, taking on the San Dimas Stage Race, in final preparation for next weekend’s NRC-opening Redlands Classic.
“We had a really strong weekend of racing,” said Team Directeur Sportif Lisa Hunt. “Erinne (Willock) and Carmen (Small) both rode really good opening time trials and everyone was very active during the stage 2 road race. And Jennifer Wheeler was an absolute force during Sunday’s criterium.”
Our women race around the globe…spreading the message of love, strength and humility. True role models for our youngters.
Bravo!
Get ready to meet our champs (Tara Whitten, Joelle Numainville and USA team) in Gatineau during Dr. Vie Tibco weekend of girl power – May 2011. Join us, eat, meet and be merry.
Always
Dr. Vie
Montreal, Canada
514-233-8756