"This was a huge, huge target for me," she told ESPN.com after the race. "I'm thrilled. It's bittersweet, too, to beat Amber."
Stevens credited the team's physiotherapist for helping riders deal with high heat and humidity on the rolling course. She plans to race with HTC in Sunday's road race at nationals, as well.
"We really want that [national champion] jersey on our team," Stevens said.
Armed with a Dartmouth degree, a dogged work ethic and a quick mind but still unsure of her life's passion, Stevens worked on Wall Street for four years wearing a suit and feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. She labored for long hours under artificial light and felt herself grow pasty and restive.
