Tour of America's Dairyland: Van Gilder wins second straight, holds overall lead

Laura Van Gilder, with the wisdom gained from two decades of racing, found the finish line first Saturday night for her second staight win in the Tour of America's Dairyland.

The Mellow Mushroom rider followed the wheel of Kristen Lasasso in the sprint secured her overall lead in the USA Crits Championship Series and the Tour. The Giro d' Grafton served as the third race in the 11-race series, which moves to Waukesha for the Carl Zach Classic on Sunday.

Chasing the Crit points and cash prizes, a group of seven broke away mid-way through the men's pro race in the Giro, and Clay Murfet (RideClean/Patentit.com) proved to be the fastest. Juan Pablo Dotti (AeroCat Cycling Team) and Neil Bezdek (Team Mountain Khakis) took second and third. Two of the series' dominant figures, Rahsaan Bahati (SKLZ/Pista Palace) and Jonathan Cantwell (Fly V Australia), missed the winning break, but waged their own battle for the series lead in the field sprint.

When the streets cleared, Bahati was standing on the podium in the white and yellow cow-print jersey.

The women's pro race in Waukesha starts 3:30 and the pro men take the line at 6:30, capping a day of racing that includes the juniors, the masters and top amateurs.

The women's field rolls in the Giro d' Grafton.