Recently on Cyclingnews.com |
 Mont Ventoux Photo ©: Sirotti |
USA Cycling Pro championships - CN
USA, September 1-2, 2007
Main Page Results Overall standings Race Details Live report Next Race
Race 1 - September 1: USA professional time trial championships, 32.4 km
Zabriskie barely holds off challengers to defend TT title
By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor in Greenville, South Carolina
Pate second by a second, Raisin wins by starting
|
With only 33 riders on the start list today for the time trial, a casual observer might think it reflects poorly on US time trialing. That could not be farther from the truth, as it was all about quality and not quantity today in the rolling hills of upstate South Carolina. The depth of the field shone in the results as Dave Zabriskie (Team CSC) won his second championship in a row only one second ahead of Danny Pate and eight seconds ahead of Timmy Duggan, both of Slipstream-Chipotle and future teammates of Zabriskie. In fact, the top eight finishers were all within a minute of last year's world silver medalist.
"Obviously it is disappointing, but to get beat by the guy who was second at worlds last year puts it in perspective," said Pate. "I'm happy to be second place. I wasn't sure how close it was -- I kinda figured he beat me, but I didn't think it would be quite so close."
Pate was in first place until Zabriskie came in, with everyone counting the seconds on the clock over the finish line. "I didn't wear a radio again this year," said Zabriskie who relied on George Hincapie's brother Rich to drive the follow car. "At the turn around I saw Baldwin and I knew I was quite a bit ahead of him. I was going as hard as I could go. All I could hear from George's brother was fifteen, so I thought it was a minute and fifteen. I lost a little aggression on the way back, and coming into the finish I heard, 'He's gotta finish in two second or he's going to lose!' so I started sprinting!"
Slipstream dominated the entire day until the very end with Pate assuming first place after knocking Duggan off the top spot -- a place he had held since finishing as the first rider. "It was intense but the good guys come at the end," said Duggan about his time on the hot seat. "I was surprised to beat Julich so after that I held out some hope to stay on the podium."
|
With Zabriskie heading to the American outfit next year, the podium was a virtual sweep for Slipstream, something that team director Jonathan Vaughters was certainly pleased with, albeit bittersweet. "One way or the other we have the national champion," he said. "But Danny has been part of our family for longer and an upset victory would have been more fun. He did the fastest second half of anyone! I'm glad he did such a good ride. I hope he didn't burn too many matches because he can do well tomorrow, too."
Zabriskie also indicated his hopes for next season. "It's exciting -- I'm excited for my future and the team," he said. "Today was good, I think I see a good future with the team with what happened today."
Another measure of the depth of the field was last year's runner-up Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United), who was surprised with his eight place. "I have been here all week to do the preparation to adjust to the climate, so I don't think it affected me. I felt like I was riding way faster than I was last year! Honestly, I was thrilled with my ride -- my preparation, my training -- the legs felt great."
"I went faster the second half -- I lost 38 seconds to Dave going out and only 20 on the way back. It's a small amount of consolation. But I feel like I am repeating myself all year long -- everyone else is stepping up."
|
With four riders in the top ten (five if you count future riders), Slipstream is in a good position to contend for the road title tomorrow. When asked if the team will chase if Zabriskie is up the road, Pate joked, "Maybe not if he hadn't won today; but now, definitely!"
Looking forward to the road race, Zabriskie said he will try to be a factor. "I think tomorrow will be a lot harder than last year, there will be a lot more people and we only go up the hill four times. I'll try to stay in it a little longer this year!
The biggest surprise of the day was the sight of Tyler Hamilton (Tinkoff Credit Systems) on the start list, and under the Tinkoff Credit Systems name. However, Hamilton rode in a Cervelo skinsuit and on a Cervelo bike indicating he is still in a legal battle with is former employer. Halmilton finished a quiet sixth place with virtually the same time as Bobby Julich (Team CSC) and rode off without a word.
|
Besides crowning a national champion the time trial served another purpose -- the re-debut of Saul Raisin (Credit Agricole) as a professional racer. The north Georgia native was the first starter today, in his first race since a near-death crash that looked to end his chances of ever walking again, let alone riding a bike. While he did finish last, though only by nine seconds, his fist pump across the finish line showed this was not a race about times or places.
"It brought back the old memories of me racing," he said, breaking down in tears. "I felt strong out there. I had a great day. I felt like I won the race before I even started, it was a personal victory for me!"
Raisin embraced his fiancee, parents and other well-wishers for a while after finishing; but before rolling away from the group he did promise his next goal is a full return to racing in 2008, starting with the Tour of California.
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Jonathan Devich /www.epicimages.us
- David Zabriske time trials his way to a second consecutive national title.
- Saul Rasin (Credit Agricole) gets ready for his first race back since his life threatening crash.
- Saul Rasin (Credit Agricole) in the start house.
- Saul Rasin (Credit Agricole) made the US TT Championships his first race back.
- Saul Rasin (Credit Agricole) heads out onto the course.
- Saul Rasin (Credit Agricole) making good progress along the route.
- Graham Howard (Priority Health) comes through fast early in the day.
- Graham Howard (Priority Health) heads back through after the turn around.
- Brad Huff (Slipstream-Chipotle) seemed to be having a good ride more than half way through.
- Bobby Sweeting (AEG-Toshiba) gives it his all on the technical course.
- Jake Rosenbarger (BMC) heads towards the turn around.
- Curtis Gunn (Succesful Living) had a decent ride today coming in only 2:05 back.
- Bryce Mead (Jelly Belly) looking good in full TT mode.
- Clayton Barrows (Rite Aid) with the turnaround gettng close.
- Timothy Duggan (Slipstream-Chipotle) rolls through on the way to third place.
- Mathew Crane (Healthnet-Maxxis) came in 2:16 back for a good ride today.
- Nick Reistad (Jelly Belly) focuses on the next hill to come.
- Michael Creed (Slipstream-Chipotle) had a good ride today at only 56" back.
- Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefits) having a good ride.
- Tyler Hamilton (Tinkoff Credit Systems) showed up to go after the stars and stripes jersey.
- Josh Thornton (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada) looking towards the return ride.
- Daniel Ramsay (Succesful Living) giving it all he's got.
- Thad Dulin (Jittery Joes) gave it a go in the TT today.
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Priority Health) came in at 1:12 back.
- Michael Creed (Slipstream-Chipotle) keeping things going.
- Josh Thornton (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada) heading towards the finish.
- Bobby Julich (CSC) rounded out the top five today.
- Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) flew by and came in second by only 1.4 seconds.
- Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) was a little off his ride from last year.
- David Zabriskie (CSC) getting closer to another TT jersey.
- David Zabriskie (CSC) has a cool down after the finish.
- David Zabriskie (CSC) signs a stars and stripes jersey for a fan after receiving his own.
- Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) seemed to be happy with his second place finish today.
- David Zabriskie (CSC) takes home a little cash for his efforts.
- The top three: David Zabriskie (CSC) 1st, Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) 2nd and Timothy Duggan (Slipstream-Chipotle) 3rd.
Images by Trish Albert/www.southeasterncycling.com
- Saul Raisin (Crédit Agricole) looks towards the finish.
- A Priority Health rider gives it everything he's got.
- An AEG Toshiba rider is lost in thought in the final kilometre of the TT.
- Thad Dulin (Jittery Joes) concentrates.
- Antonio Cruz (Discovery Channel) in full flight
- Phil Zajicek (Navigators) nears the finish
- Bobby Julich (CSC) had hoped for a podium spot today.
- Last year's Silver Medalist, Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) was just off the day's pace.
- David Zabriskie (CSC) grimaces while giving his all on the way to the win.
- The US National Time Trial Championship podium third: Timmy Duggan (Slipstream), first David Zabriskie (CSC) and second: Danny Pate (Slipstream) (from left)
- Saul Raisin (Credit Agricole) answers a question during the post race press conference.
Images by Rob O'Dea/www.RobODeaPhotography.com
- Kelly Benefits' Jonas Carney shares some experience with Reed Mumford.
- Ben Jacques Maynes looks serious warming up.
- Saul Rasin returns to racing after his near death crash and fans were thrilled to see him.
- Saul's view…
- Josh Thornton was the sole rider for the Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team, presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- Slipstream was strong all day.
- Tim Duggan set a fast pace and kept it high on his way to a 3rd place finish.
- Clayton Barrows shows the effort on his face.
- Slipstream was the strongest team on the day.
- Grabinger gets 'er done.
- Matthew Crane for HealthNet rode well on his way to a top-20 ride.
- Brad Huff overtakes Saul Raisin with three kilometres to go.
- Reed Mumford shows great form for Kelly Benefit.
- Josh Thornton of Florida enjoys the southern heat.
- Kodak Gallery - Sierra Nevada rider Josh Thornton represents.
- Thornton lights it up.
- Thornton takes advantage of the smooth SRAM TT shifters.
- Team cars are getting more and more exotic with each passing season.
- Ben Jacques-Maynes looked early on like he might continue his impressive TT results in big races.
- Jacques-Meynes looking strong.
- Tony Cruz flew the flag for Discovery Channel in their final USPRO TT Race.
- Tyler Hamilton raced in privateer garb despite still being under contract to Tinkoff…and under a cloud of doping suspicion.
- Hamilton rode well but clearly looked a little heavier than in his Olympic days.
- Bobby Julich was absolutly on fire early for CSC.
- Julich lit it up and set strong splits for teammate Zabriskie who would ride last.
- Former World Jr. TT Champ Danny Pate was focused.
- Pate shows the form that earned him the rainbow stripes and a 2nd place today.
- …and a matching BMW!
- Zabriskie was the fastest on the road as was his new BMW M5 follow car.
- One for the ages…Zabriskie enroute to back-to-back championship titles.
- Cruz puts it all on the line with three kilometres to go.
- Julich kept a rapid cadence
- Blazing a trail…
- Successful Living!
- Tom Zirbel rode well for Priority Health
- The face says it all!
- Friedman puts the power down for Slipstream.
- Former champion Chris Baldwin rode well for Toyota-United, but was off the pace a bit.
- Baldwin slots into eigth place.
- All eyes on Zabriskie as he rode out the final meters.
- Down the finishing stretch it was clear Zabriskie was the man to beat.
- Tyler Hamilton showed up to race with his one-man team.
- Jonathan Vaughters seemed tempted to race.
- Bobby Julich takes a steady warm-up.
- It's important to visualize a successful TT.
- Bobby Julich's unique drivetrain.
Images by Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc
- It's great to see Saul Raisin competing again after his life threatening crash in Europe. He had the honour of being the first competitor on course today.
- The guard house at the Cliff’s community was transformed into the start house for today’s event.
- Howard Graham (Priority Health - Bissell) powers up the hill mid course.
- Up close and personal with Jacob Rosenbarger (BMC Pro Cycling).
- Michael Lange (Successful Living) still smiling, out of the saddle on the hill.
- Nick Reistad (Jelly Belly) is focused on one thing...the finish line!
- Timmy Duggan (Slipstream-Chipotle) looked smooth, choosing to stay in the saddle on the hill.
- Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast) was in perfect aerodynamic position as he applied power to the pedals.
- Joshua Thorton (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada Brewing) approaches the right hand turn into the finish.
- Local rider Thad Dulin (Jittery Joe’s) put in a great effort and ended the day in 14th place.
- The pain of an intense effort was evident on Michael Norton’s (Rite-Aid) face.
- Curtis Gunn (Successful Living) stands hard on the pedals as he heads for home.
- Ian McKissick (BMC Pro Cycling) looked smooth and powerful on his way out on course.
- Michael Creed (Slipstream-Chipotle) adjusts his gearing for the upcoming hill.
- Steven Cozza (Slipstream-Chipotle) heads for the last turn, out of the saddle.
- Phil Zajicek (Navigators) catches a quick breathe as he crests the hill.
- Tony Cruz (Discovery Channel) looked comfortable yet very focused during his race against the watch.
- Bobby Julich (Team CSC) rode hard and ended up in fifth place on the day.
- Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) powers his way home turning a high cadence.
- Matthew Crane (Health Net-Maxxis) turned in a great performance on the day.
- The strain of the grueling course show on Daniel Ramsay’s (Successful Living) face.
- Tom Zirbel (Priority Health-Bissell) had a strong race and was just seconds off the podium.
- Michael Friedman (Slipstream-Chipotle) had a great day against the watch today finishing ninth.
- Ben Jacques-Maynes (Priority Health-Bissell) turning perfect circles heads for home.
- A study in focus and intensity with Phil Zajicek (Navigators).
- David Zabriske (Team CSC) en-route to his second US Pro TT title.
- Tyler Hamilton (Tinkoff Credit Systems) back in the US and finding his way to sixth place on the day.
- Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) heads into the finish stretch focused on the finish line ahead.
- Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle) enjoys the spoils of being on the podium.
- Podium (L-R): Timmy Duggan (Slipstream-Chipotle), David Zabriske (Team CSC), and Danny Pate (Slipstream-Chipotle).
- The winner’s check is presented to David Zabriske (Team CSC).
- The champagne was flying courtesy of David Zabriske (Team CSC).
- David Zabriske (Team CSC) explains his day to the press.
Results
1 David Zabriske (USA) Team CSC 39.34 2 Danny Pate (USA) Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle 0.01 3 Timothy Duggan (USA) Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle 0.08 4 Tom Zirbel (USA) Priority Health presented by Bissell Pro Cycling Team 0.15 5 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.49 6 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Tinkoff Credit Systems 7 Michael Creed (USA) Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle 0.56 8 Christopher Baldwin (USA) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team 0.59 9 Michael Friedman (USA) Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle 1.02 10 Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) Priority Health presented by Bissell Pro Cycling Team 1.12 11 Michael Grabinger (USA) Succesfulliving.com presented by Parkpre 1.28 12 Daniel Ramsay (USA) Succesfulliving.com presented by Parkpre 1.42 13 Bernard Van Ulden (USA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 14 Thad Dulin (USA) The Jittery Joe's - Zero Gravity Pro Cycling Team 1.49 15 Curtis Gunn (USA) Succesfulliving.com presented by Parkpre 2.05 16 Steven Cozza (USA) Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle 2.07 17 Graham Howard (USA) Priority Health presented by Bissell Pro Cycling Team 2.10 18 Brad Huff (USA) Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle 2.11 19 Matthew Crane (USA) HealthNet presented by Maxxis 2.16 20 Ian Mckissick (USA) BMC Pro Cycling Team 2.22 21 Tony Cruz (USA) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 2.24 22 Phil Zajicek (USA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 2.31 23 Jacob Rosenbarger (USA) BMC Pro Cycling Team 2.59 24 Nick Reistad (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 3.03 25 Joshua Thornton (USA) KodakGallery.com - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Cycling Team 3.10 26 Clayton Barrows (USA) Rite Aid Pro Cycling Team 3.16 27 Reid Mumford (USA) Kelly Benefit Strategies / Medifast 3.19 28 Bobby Sweeting (USA) AEG Toshiba - Jetnetwork Pro Cycling Team 3.25 29 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 3.39 30 Michael Lange (USA) Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle 3.51 31 Michael Norton (USA) Rite Aid Pro Cycling Team 4.02 32 David Winston (USA) AEG Toshiba - Jetnetwork Pro Cycling Team 4.24 33 Saul Raisin (USA) Credit Agricole 4.33
