As we are less than a month away from the US Pro cycling championships in Greenville on August 30-31, fans are beginning to wonder who will be on hand to contest the races for the stars-and-stripes jerseys? Being that this year was an Olympic year, will some of the riders from the Olympic race choose not to ride in Greenville? Also conflicting with the championships this year is the Vuelta Espana.
One of the biggest question marks for the championship must be the defending champion Levi Leipheimer. His Astana team are going to the Vuelta to win it all with Alberto Contador, and Levi may be called upon to support the Spanish super star. Meanwhile, Leipheimer's teammate Chris Horner won't ride the Vuelta after breaking his collar bone in Elk Grove. Whether he'll have the form or impetus to contest the races in Greenville is still up for discussion.
Other question marks include both Christian Vande Velde and his teammate David Zabriskie of the Garmin-Chipotle team. Both riders are coming off appearing in the Olympics, and each may want to recharge their batteries after a long trip abroad. George Hincapie is also coming off the Olympics, and after a long early season, the Columbia veteran may want a few days rest ahead of the world championships and Tour of Missouri races in September. Being that the race is in his hometown though, expect Hincapie to take to the line.
Last among the question marks is CSC veteran Bobby Julich. The Reno, Nevada resident has been absent from the scene dating back to the Giro d'Italia. He was not on the Tour de France squad, and was not considered for the Olympic team. Whether he'll show up in Greenville is anyone's guess. Stay tuned to EuroPeloton for additional updates and developments on the natinal championships in the coming days.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment