Jakob Piil (DEN) of the CSC pro cycling team won the 2003 Wachovia Cycling Series-Lancaster today in front of approximately 8,000 rain drenched fans in a time of 3:23:42.   Ironically, Piil, whose middle name is Storm, also captured the Lancaster title in 1999,  the last time it rained throughout the race. <?xml:namespace prefix = o /?>

Mark McCormack (USA) riding for Saturn finished second and CSC?s Julian Dean (NZL) was third.   In the largest men?s professional field in the 12-year history of the Lancaster race, an internationally diverse field of 163 pro riders from 20 teams started the race and a drenched 23 athletes crossed the finish line after riding for over 3 ? hours.

With two laps to go of the 91-mile race, Piil put his stamp on the Wachovia Cycling Series-Lancaster by attacking, then dropping the group of nine which had been out front for most of the day by opening a 29 second gap.    When Saturn?s counter-attack cut Piil?s advantage to 18 seconds, Piil?s three teammates put a stop to any other attempts.   Following a final surge from Piil, his lead increased to 1:05 and with seven miles (one lap) left, he had a 1:10 gap and finally won with a 1:18 lead.

?Racing here in the United States is always special,? said Piil.   ?It?s not everywhere where the people are so supportive, especially on a day like today.?

Piil now leads the 2003 Pro Cycling Tour point standings.   Next up on the four-race Wachovia Cycling Series, America?s elite week of cycling, is Thursday at 4:30p.m. in Trenton followed by June 8 ^th in Philadelphia for the Wachovia USPRO Championship and Wachovia Liberty Classic.  The four-race Wachovia Cycling Series is the key sequence of events within the seven-race nationwide Pro Cycling Tour (PCT).

Results:

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