April 7 2001. Now in its eighth year, Ore-Ida has repeatedly gone against the grain by ignoring FIAC rules on length of women's races. Last year's race, a 19-day juggernaut broke every rule in the books, and the '91 edition promises to do the same. This has made it politically incorrect for many European national teams to attend, even though Rabdau has courted them yearly. As for the FIAC's position, only one has to look back to the late Jacques Anquetil, five-time Tour de France winner.
Old values die hard.
It may seem risky to take such a stand, but the outspoken Idaho native feels the race is in the perfect position to effect a change in women's cycling. HP Extends Sponsorship of HP LaserJet Women's Challenge Cycling Race Hewlett-Packard Company and Women's Challenge, Inc. today announced an agreement extending HP's title sponsorship of North America's toughest cycling race through 2002. The HP LaserJet Women's Challenge, which attracts more than 120 of the world's best road cyclists, will continue to run annually in the second and third weeks of June through Idaho's rugged terrain. Now in its 18th year, the Women's Challenge ranks as one of the world's best races for the caliber of the field and the demanding nature of the courses. Velodrome Racing 1980 Photo Contest Winner.