Ehrlich wins UCI Time Trial
Stage 4: Builders First Source Time Trial
- Emily Ehrlich (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28 39:09
- Lauren Stephens (USA) (AEGIS Cycling Foundation) 40:22
- Marlies Mejias (CUB) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28 40:47
Points Jersey: Marlies Mejias (CUB) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
Leaders Jersey: Emily Ehrlich (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
The pivotal Stage 4 time trial took riders on a 30K out-and-back course along a quiet, dead-end country road—known for its smooth pavement and minimal traffic. It proved to be a defining moment in the race. Emily Ehrlich delivered a commanding performance, putting over 1:13 into Lauren Stephens to seize the leader’s jersey. After earning a silver medal at the Pan American Championships a week prior, Emily was disappointed with that result—but this ride marked a powerful comeback and a confident statement ahead of the U.S. National Championships later this month.
"Tour of Bloom was a great reconvening of the team after some time apart working on our own individual goals. We picked up right where we left off with flawless tactics, great chemistry and tons of fun. For me I had my eyes set on the time trial. It was longer than most TTs, but similar to Pan Ams TT. This kind of TT was all about personal measured suffering, without any landmarks or big features on the course, it was truly a race of internal struggles." Commented Emily Ehrlich. "I was happy with my performance as it felt like my first peak performance of the season. My fitness, race form, and mindset is heading in the right direction and still stepping upwards and I'm very excited to see how far I can continue to push in the near future."
Marlies Mejias secured another podium in 3rd, delivering a composed and breakthrough time trial. She paced herself brilliantly, stayed mentally sharp, and locked in her hold on the green points jersey heading into the queen stage.
Bethany Ingram also impressed, earning her first UCI top-10 time trial finish—a breakout result in just her second TT appearance. “I was surprised to finish 10th in the time trial. With all of my time on the track this spring, I wasn't sure how such a long effort would go, but I was pleased with the result and am motivated to improve!”
