Team Binh Duong take control after third stage in women's tour

HA NOI (VNS)– Woman cyclist Cao Thi Cam Le held the yellow jersey while her squad was elevated to top team after the third round of the Binh Duong International Women's Cycling Tournament today.

Team-mate and veteran Vo Thi Phuong Phi finished first in the stage with a time of 1hr 21.20min.

Their squad, Binh Duong Environment and Water Supply-Drainage, were hosts of the 51km stage around Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat City.

The local team planned for Nguyen Thuy Dung to open an early attack to lure their rivals, allowing Phi to save her energy.

And it paid off. The former national cyclist was able to come through in the last 50m to secure her first stage. She was followed by Nguyen Thi That of Vinh Binh An Giang Rice and Zainal Nurul Suhadah of Malaysia, the only foreign team this year.

"I am really pleased, said Phi after stepping down from the podium. "It was all thanks to planning and co-operation between our coaches and team. They cleared all obstacles in my way to the finish."

Le was not in the top three, but her total time of 6:29.41 was enough to keep the yellow jersey for overall leader. Nguyen Thi Thi of Vinh Binh An Giang and Vo Thi Bich Lam of Dong Thap Domesco Pharmacy were second and third, respectively.

That led the race for the green jersey with highest points at 61. Her teammate Thi and Le were closed behind, with 42 points each.

Le and Phi's performances helped team Binh Duong into top place, replacing Vinh Binh An Giang who dropped to second. Dong Thap are third.

"After three stages the speed of the race was much better despite sloppy and hilly terrain," said Doan Kim Phach, deputy chairman of the Viet Nam Cycling and Motor Sport Federation. "All athletes competed well, especially the title favourites. .

Tomorrow (March 5), racers will cycle 97km from Da Lat to Bao Loc City. – VNS