Emilia Fahlin of HTC-Highroad won her second short time trial in the space of a week, when she clocked the fastest time over the 3.5 kilometers of today's split stage at the Tour de l'Ardèche.
"It was also a short time trial," said Fahlin, " but it was totally different to the prologue. It went straight uphill and then down a technical descent to the finish."
"I'm surprised to win again but I'm really happy," she added. "The mountain stages come in the next few days, which will be a lot harder, but these wins have given me some confidence so we're excited to race hard and give it everything.
It was a good day all around for HTC-Highroad, as Ellen Van Dijk won today's time trial at the Holland Ladies Tour. Emma Pooley of Garmin-Cervélo, meanwhile, currently leads the general classification at the Tour de l'Ardèche, which concludes on Saturday.
True confessions? I really just wanted to post this photo. Because it's awesome. That shot is from the Aspen Women's Race. Thanks to Christopher See for making the trip. And for bringing home the happiness.