Despite a hectic day, Boise cyclist Liza Rachetto captured the makeshift women’s pro title at the Twilight Criterium in Downtown Boise on Saturday.

Because only six racers entered the event, organizers gave them a choice between the scheduled race with only six riders or competing with the men in the Category 2/3 field. Either way, the $500 purse would still be divided between the top women finishers.

The women elected to race with the men, and the curveball didn’t throw Rachetto, as she led the field with three laps to go.

“I was in the back and moved up at the end to stay safe,” Rachetto said.

The race featured an eclectic group with men, women and even youngsters vying for the lead. Fifteen-year-old Will Barta of Boise’s B.Y.R.D.S. cycling club challenged the leaders in the late stages of the tight race.

Rachetto will travel to Bend, Ore., this week to compete in her next race — a busy schedule for the cyclist who retired in 2008 because of rheumatoid arthritis. She returned to the sport in 2009 by entering in the Giro d’Italia, a world-class stage race in Italy.

“Doing one-day races is my strong point because it takes me a while to recover from stage racing. I didn’t want to give it up because exercise helps my joints,” Rachetto said.

It was a big win for the Boisean, and getting it in front of a local crowd added a nice touch to the victory.

“She’s a great sprinter, and we’ve been racing for years so it was awesome to see her win (in her hometown),” second-place finisher Jen Weinbrecht said.

DOUBLE-DUTYFOR ONE RACER

Eric Ketelhut of San Diego competed in back-to-back races during the hottest part of the day. The high temperature was 89 degrees.

Ketelhut, a former Boise State student, had a large lead in the men’s Cat 4/5 race before Nicholas Lee of Boise overtook him for the victory in the first race of the day.

Lee, 26, is in his first year of racing and was competing in his first Twilight Criterium. It was his first career victory.

Ketelhut couldn’t let his disappointment linger because he was due at the start line for the men’s B Masters race.

“My legs are worked, I’m ready to go,” Ketelhut said.

Before he returns to San Diego, Ketelhut plans on whitewater rafting in the area to cap off an exhausting but rewarding trip, he said.

MISCELLANEOUS

- In the 25 years of the race, there has never been a Twilight Criterium without local racer Bob Hoene in the field. He was introduced to the crowd before the men’s Cat 2 race.

- Saint Alphonsus placed first-aid tents at the corners of the rectangular track that were used sparingly.

At the first corner at 9th and Grove, perhaps the most dangerous part of the course, trainer Shari Johnston and crew hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.

“Dehydration and road rash are mostly what we’re looking for,” she said.

There were few, if any, mishaps that required medical attention.

- More than 100 volunteers helped put on the event.