| Up next in Beijing: Men's and Women's Time Trials |
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| Written by USA Cycling |
| Tuesday, 12 August 2008 14:42 |
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Three days after the U.S. squad missed out on the medal stand in the road race events, the U.S. Olympic Team will field four medal hopefuls in the men’s and women’s individual time trial in Levi Leipheimer (Santa Rosa, Calif.), David Zabriskie (Salt Lake City, Utah) Kristin Armstrong (Boise, Idaho) and Christine Thorburn (Sunnyvale, Calif.). All four athletes are capable of winning the race against the clock. In fact, the potential exists for the 2008 squad to trump the most successful day in U.S. Olympic cycling history in which Tyler Hamilton, Dede Barry and Bobby Julich won gold, silver and bronze respectively in the same event four years ago in Athens. A look now at the Olympic Time Trial, set for Wednesday morning in Beijing: What:  Women’s Time Trial When: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 11:30 a.m. (11:30 p.m. E.D.T.) Who: U.S. Competitors: Kristin Armstrong, Christine Thorburn History:  Best American Finish: Silver Medal (2), Dede Barry, 2004; Mari Holden, 2000 What:  Men’s Time Trial When: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1:30 p.m. (1:30 a.m. E.D.T.) Who: U.S. Competitors: Levi Leipheimer, David Zabriskie History:  Best American Finish: Gold Medal, Tyler Hamilton, 2004 On the women’s side, Armstrong and Thorburn are both medal hopefuls who have specifically targeted the time trial at these Games as their top priority. A three-time world championship medalist (gold in 2006, silver in 2007 and bronze in 2005), Armstrong is considered one of the favorites while Thorburn is a definite medal contender who is looking to improve upon her fourth-place finish at the 2004 Games. A bronze medal at the 2006 world championships also illustrates Thorburn’s ability to podium when it matters the most. International competitors who could also factor into the medal count include reigning world champion Hanka Kupfernagel (GER), Judith Arndt (GER), Christiane Soeder (AUS), Karen Thurig (SUI) and recent road race gold medalist Nicole Cooke (GBR).  Zabriskie, a time trial stage winner in the Tour de France, a world championship silver medalist and two-time USA Cycling professional champion, has been America’s most successful and consistent rider in the event over the course of the last several years. Leipheimer, also a time trial stage winner in the Tour, has proven he can contend for a gold medal as well. Both riders missed the 2008 Tour de France and are well rested – an advantage that could mean the difference between winning a medal and finishing just off the podium. The U.S.’ most formidable challenge in the men’s race will come from traditional cycling powerhouses Australia, Spain, Russia and Switzerland. After his road race performance, Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara is a heavy favorite, while other international competitors expected to be on the medal stand include Alberto Contador (ESP), Cadel Evans (AUS), Michael Rogers (AUS) and Denis Menchov (RUS). Outside contenders include Laszlo Bodrogi (HUN) and Vladimir Karpets (RUS). Having competed in the road races earlier in the week, all four competitors will be familiar with the course at race speeds. The hilly, 24-kilometer circuit along the Great Wall between Juyongguan and Badaling will also serve as the time trial course. The men’s field will complete two laps for a total of 48 kilometers, while the women will do one lap. The circuit, which features a 10-kilometer climb from Juyongguan to Badaling, followed by a descent back, suits the style of the American athletes who are considered either strong climbers, solid all-around riders or time trial specialists. Â
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