International Du Quebec in Canada, despite being reduced to only three riders.

Jeanna Jones did not make the start on Friday after a heavy fall, but helped by the inclusion of seven-time world champion Jeannie Longo of France, Team Bermuda's Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley were managing to hang on to the leaders during the weekend's stages.

Longo was in third place overall yesterday morning behind leader Sarah Symington of Britain and second-placed Ceris Gilfillan as the race entered its finale.

Prior to yesterday Claude and Hawley found themselves in 26th and 37th place respectively after a gutsy performance in Vermont's mountains.

The race was due to end yesterday when the remaining 51 riders completed the 90.3 kilometre stage with a six kilometre climb to the Mont Sutton ski resort.