Team Slipstream diary

Throughout the year, Cyclingnews will feature a regular Team Journal from Team Slipstream/Chipotle, with entries from various members of the squad, who will share their experiences and feelings of competing in North America and Europe. Cyclingnews is proud to be a supporting sponsor of Team Slipstream/Chipotle, providing some of North America's most promising cyclists with a great opportunity to develop as riders, racing among some of the world's top racers in professional events.

Index to all entries

April 4, 2007

Presence felt in Critérium International

Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle made it's presence known Saturday in one of cycling's most prestigious events, the 76th Critérium International - the biggest race the team has entered to date.

The team's young Aussie sprinter Ben Johnson took top honours in the King of the Mountains competition in Stage 1. Grey skies greeted the peloton at the start, and the day's stormy weather served as a fitting backdrop for an aggressive day of racing. Breakaway attempts formed often and were caught, until finally a five man group formed and gained a significant advantage.

With just 16km to go, this group was finally caught by the hard-chasing peloton. Timing his move perfectly with the catch, Ben Johnson attacked and maintained a small advantage to win the KOM points at the top of the côte de Barbe-en-Croc.

Team Slipstream/Chipotle's leader Danny Pate demonstrated on Sunday during stages 2 and 3 of Critérium International that his health and form are improving - good signs as he returns to the States this week to contest the US Open and Tour de Georgia.

During the morning's road race (98.5km from Les Vieilles Forges to Monthermé), Pate attacked early - on the first ascent of the Côte du Mont Malgré Tout. He was quickly joined by three others, including eventual overall race winner Jens Voigt. Unfortunately Pate suffered from his hard attack and fell off the lead group's pace. Nevertheless, it was a sign of good things to come for the afternoon's time trial.

The final stage, an 8.3km time trial in Charleville-Mézières, the former Under-23 time trial World Champion proved he belongs in a class with the worlds best riders. Pate set an early fast time and remained on the leader board for quite some time before ending up with a fine 11th place result. Slipstream teammates Huub Duyn (46th) and Steven Cozza (47th) also rode well.