THE RIDE The Tour of California Women's Criterium in Santa Rosa on February 15

THE RIDER Emilia Fahlin, 20, a Swedish Columbia-Highroad team member and the race's winner

THE FINAL WORD I didn't see any crashes but there were a few. I raced here last year, too, and if I'm in California I will do it again next year. Big crowds come out to see the men. They were planning a three-stage women's race but it got cancelled. It would have been fun, and exactly what women's cycling needs.