Lauren Stephens of Dallas was all smiles at the podium Friday as she donned the pink jersey in the morning and the afternoon that signifies she was the overall leader in points.

Stephens, 27, won Thursday’s time trials and was fifth in the Friday’s road race.

“I love this race,” Stephens said. “This is the only one I have been to all six years since I started competing. I won the time trials in Cat 3 [low amateur division] the first year I came out, and I have always loved this course.”

Stephens was third overall at last year’s Joe Martin Stage Races and she and her team, Tibco, have their eyes on first this time.

Stephens’ teammate Patrica Schwagger of Switzerland won the road race Friday, and the Tibco team is in good position going into the weekend at No.2 overall.

“I was running with the lead pack, and I just got a good break on position and I went with it,” Schwagger said. “You have to be in the right spot at the right time and take advantage of it.”

“It’s really about the team, but I think we have a good chance,” Stephens said. “Most of these teams know each other from competing around the country. You have to get in a good position and then come out and run a good race to win it Sunday in the criterium.”

Sports, Pages 29 on 04/26/2014