cycling utah March 2000
Battling a strong outbound headwind and warm, muggy conditions, David Zabriskie (7 UP/Colorado Cyclist) showed why he is considered one of America's brightest young stars as he blitzed the opposition to win today's U-23 National Time Trial Championship.
Contested on a six-mile out-and-back stretch of highway on the southern end of Staten Island, Zabriskie used his European garnered fitness (he just returned from a six-week National Team trip to the Continent) to take ninety seconds out of teammate Michael Creed....and at least three minutes out of everyone else; Said Zabriskie afterwards, "I was getting a little tired at the end of the European trip, but, as soon as I hit American soil, I felt re-energized."
Using a 56x16 gear on the outward legs, which were both into a headwind and slightly uphill, Zabriskie switched to a 12-cog on the way back, reaching speeds approaching 40 miles per hour on the straight roads: "As far as I'm concerned, all time trials should be held on freeways!", enthused the Utah native. Brandon Lovich (DeFeet/LeMond), Michael Luther (Knapps/Redpac), and Brad Buccamboso (Nutra Fig) rounded out the top five.
The Men's U-23 Nationals continue Sunday with the 117-mile Road Race in the town of St. George.
Results
1. David Zabriskie (USA) 7 UP-Colorado Cyclist 54.02.9 (44.40 km/h)
2. Michael Creed (USA) 7 UP-Colorado Cyclist 1.31.4
3. Brandon Lovich (USA) DeFeet-LeMond 3.01.8
4. Michael Luther (USA) Knapps-Redpac 3.06.0
5. Brad Buccambuso (USA) Nutra Fig 3.28.8
6. Ryan Miller (USA) Nutra Fig 3.33.2
7. Josh Thornton (USA) CCB-Volkswagen 3.43.5
8. Dallas Burnam (USA) River City Racing Club 3.55.1
9. Rusty Beall (USA) Wizards Of The Coast 4.00.6
10. Ryan Lane (USA) Net Zero 4.28.0