Getting Dirty In the South -- EVOL Takes on Rouge Roubaix

EVOL Elite Racing’s Kate Powlison and Kristen Legan kicked off the season with a bang last weekend down in Louisiana at Rouge Roubaix bike race. Traveling with friends Liz Barcheck from Mosaic Bicycles and Meredith Miller of Noosa Pro Cyclocross Team, the women formed a Boulder composite team that they lightheartedly termed the “Boulder Babes”. In its 17th year running, the Rouge Roubaix 102 mile road race served up a beautiful day with plenty of action in the back roads of Louisiana and Mississippi. While the course was mostly asphalt, three key gravel and dirt sections proved to be the deciding elements of the race.

The first dirt section quickly split the field leaving a lead group of seven women, five of which were from Boulder, Colorado, including Powlison and Legan. The second dirt section threw riders straight into a steep, loose climb and allowed Legan and DNA Cycling’s rider, Lauren De Crescenzo, to establish a gap on the others.

The lead two split just before the final hilly, gravel section and De Crescenzo powered ahead to take the win. Legan chased hard to stay in front of the chase group and was able to hold onto second place. Powlison, part of the chase group, road strong despite arriving at the hotel at 2am before the race. Work obligations had Powlison in Los Angeles in the days leading up to the race and she arrived just in time to kit up and go race. In true Powlison fashion, she rallied to finish the day strong and then quickly found post-race beers for celebration.

The EVOL ladies relished the chance to race on new roads and meet enthusiastic women cyclists in a new community. The Rouge Roubaix women’s field doubled in size this year and EVOL was excited to be a part of this growth. While we were all disappointed at the lack of recognition for the women’s field and the embarrassingly disproportionate prize money between men and women, the director of Rouge Roubaix has promised to make changes for next year’s race.

Powlison and Legan want to send a huge shout out to the Mosaic Cycles team who took us in, fed us, and helped with all the logistics of the trip. Also, thanks to Chris Diminno of Gourmet Century who kept us well fed with delicious and healthy meals throughout the weekend. And last but not least, thanks to TheRadavist for capturing the weekend in photos and words and being a huge support for the “Boulder Babes” composite team.

EVOL ladies are looking forward to a full season of racing. Now that we’re in the full swing of things, check back for more race updates and stories from our racers!