Relative newcomer Heather Labance (Skylands) scored a big win in her young career Saturday as she solo’d away on the last lap. A self-described all ’rounder, Labance prefers to not duke it out in a sprint finish. Riding without teammates, she had to chase down several attacks (‘rookie mistake’, she says), but nevertheless felt strong. Just when a sprint finish seemed inevitable, Labance jumped on the short climb from Betty Tyrell’s wheel and held off the field by 3 seconds. Said Labance: “Betty is a strong experienced rider that I know to watch. She usually tries to get away. I had my eye on anyone who tried to get away–I knew there were strong sprinters in the field including Sarah Caravella and Caryl Gale. Basically at this stage I mark everybody!”

1. Heather Labance Skylands

2. Sarah Caravella Fugi

3. Caryl Gale CRCA/Team Lipton

4. Kathleen Billington Diet Cheerwine

5. Hannah Long CRCA/Sanchez Metro

6. Pam Kiely Harvard University Cycling

7. Beth Renaud CRCA/Comedy Central

8. Ellen Moses CRCA/Comedy Central

9. Margo Herman Velo Bella

10. Maureen Mcowen CRCA/Conrad’s

Race photos here.