Sensing imperilment, the Cheerwine train ventured to the front for their dynamic sprinters, Laura Van Gilder and Kelly Benjamin, and their crew concertedly chased down the attack. But Lauren was on remarkable form, able to respond to the immediate counter, sprinting for the forthcoming prime. Tibco then threw down their 'full house' hand, clambered to the front, pulling back Lauren from her spirited foray. Ruth had no time to tarry, and escaped off the front at the critical moment of the catch sending the Jazz Apple jersey off the front yet again.

Thirty five minutes into the fifty minute event, Ruth was joined by two riders, and the field began to signal their state of lethargy with increasing hesitation in the chase. Only a hefty prime prize instigated a flurry of attacks, which brought back Ruth's lead group before Susy went away with longtime ex-team-mate, Pam Schuster of team Helen's. The duo worked well together and stayed away for the longest surviving break, caught 10 laps before the finish. Ruth countered, signaling that the Jazz Apple contingent were not going to leave anything in the tank by race end, and forced all the major players to bring it back together.

Saving a trump card for the finale, Ali Shanks rocketed from the bunch, going solo with 4 laps to go. The wind was a major factor, and the field flustered to get any organized chase together. Ali moved away establishing a strong gap, demonstrating impressive power before leaving for Europe and the final stages of her Olympic build-up. However, Cheerwine and Tibco burnt up all their rocket fuel to bring her back, and Ali was caught with just under one lap remaining.

It was then that Lauren once again hit the red blast-off button, leaving a trail of smoke up and over the course's short climb. The field panicked for a moment, and it looked like Lauren's move might stick before the experience in Cheerwine organized at the front and clawed Lauren back. Into the gallop, Malindi was in excellent position on Tibco's sprinter, Brooke Miller who was the eventual winner but was unluckily swamped into the final turn and shut out of any placing. Emma Petersen, the team's junior racer had had a solid ride at the front of the race, supporting the critical moves.

The young team proved they were a force off the front for the entire race, clearly making the narrative for the prestigious Manhattan beach GP in 2008. Everyone was commended by their fellow race contemporaries for an impressive Jazz Apple display, and collected the fair share of prime prizes for their efforts.

The afternoon spelled a volleyball 'friendly', or as much competitive angst as the girls could muster post-race on the shores of Manhattan Beach. Pictures attached.

Next weekend has the Jazz Apple Team visiting the Bay Area for the Leesville Gap Road Race and Vacaville criterium.