Columbia-HTC rider Kim Anderson successfully fought to take home the yellow jersey as the overall winner of the Route de France Friday.  The American rider and her Columbia-HTC teammates celebrated the win after the 132-kilometre stage from Blanzat to Chatelguyon.

“This is such a great outcome, and it’s great to be in this position,” said Anderson afterward.  “The stage was a lot less stressful than I thought it would be.  I only really had to watch [US National Team rider] Evelyn (Stevens) who was in second.   Once we got into the circuits my teammates really kept the pace.  I just held on, stayed patient, and when Evelyn finally did attack, I just thought ‘I really can do this.’”

Anderson said she had great confidence in today’s stage, feeling the support of her team.  “The team and (Sports Director) Ronny (Lauke) had so much confidence in me going into today.  I just focused on that and didn’t want to disappoint after all the work they did for me.”

Anderson’s victory marks the Columbia-HTC women’s 43rd win of the 2009 season.