Armstrong powers to TT win, Rowney ninth

Armstrong (Exergy TWENTY12) passed several riders on the 29.4km course and was the only one to record a sub-40 minute time, stopping the clock at 39 minutes and 59.28 seconds with a sprint to the finish.

Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS) started the race in a searing hot Bakersfield a minute ahead of Armstrong but finished 1:24.60 behind the American for second with rookie pro Jade Wilcoxson (Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies) almost two minutes behind the winner for third.

Loren Rowney (Specialized-Lululemon) was the best placed Australian in ninth with Victorian veteran Bridie O’Donnell (Vanderkitten-Focus) rounding out the top 10.

The 23-year-old Rowney has enjoyed much success with her new team this season winning a stage of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic in Australia in January as well as a stage of the women’s Tour of New Zealand and day two of the Redlands Bicycle Classic in America.

Armstrong, 38, won the women’s time-trial at the 2008 Olympic Games and is eagerly awaiting the June 15 announcement of the USA team for London 2012. Armstrong said her winning ride, over a longer distance than what is usually raced, fit in perfectly with her training.

Results
1 Kristin Armstrong (Exergy TWENTY12)0:39:59.28
2 Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS)0:01:24.60
3 Jade Wilcoxson (Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies)0:01:58.80
4 Alison Tetrick (Exergy TWENTY12)0:02:10.40
5 Robin Farina (NOW and Novartis for MS)0:02:33.64
6 Tayler Wiles (Exergy TWENTY12)0:03:41.12
7 Emilia Fahlin (Specialized-Lululemon)0:03:42.74
8 Janel Holcomb (Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies)0:04:13.18
9 Loren Rowney (Specialized-Lululemon)0:04:16.31
10 Bridie O'Donnell (Vanderkitten-Focus)0:04:24.06