Garmin-Chipotle's Steven Cozza Rider to Watch for 2009

Cozza doing what he does best: Leading an early break and putting a hurting on the main field

Garmin-Chipotle's Steven Cozza, known by some as "The Peoples Champion," recently completed a successful 2008 season for his Garmin-Chipotle squad. At only 23 years old, Cozza seems on the precipice of greatness, and 2009 could see the Californian make an even bigger impression on the world cycling scene. An outspoken critic of cheating and dopers, Cozza is exactly what cycling needs over the next decade to help restore it's tarnished image as a sport full of cheaters.

Although 2008 didn't see Cozza take to the top step of any podiums, it was still a successful year for the Garmin rider. He rode strong in the early season at the Tour of California, and was often seen pushing the leading breakaway or riding at the front of the chasing pack. His kamakazi attitude showed clearly throughout the race, as he fearlessly rode as intensely as he could for each stage.

Bad luck bit Cozza shortly after, as the Petaluma, California native was struck down with a broken collar bone at the beginning of the European classics season at the Three Days of De Panne stage race. Therefore, he was unable to take the start line at Flanders and Roubaix. Nevertheless, after a stint back in the states to regroup himself, Cozza seemed ready to do battle again, and proved his strength at the world championships in Varese, Italy, with an amazing top 25 in the elite road race. Using his endurance and tactical sense, Cozza was able to make the final split. And although he wasn't able to stay with the final surges, it was apparent that the youngster is getting closer and closer to competing with, and perhaps beating the world's best.

During the off season, Cozza will concentrate on fishing, motor-cycle riding and being with family, before preparing once again for a long cycling season. As Garmin team director Jonathan Vaughters has said many times, Cozza has the potential to be one of the best domestiques in the history of American cycling. I would go one better than Vaughters, and say that Cozza has the ability to one day try for the overall in a Race like Tirreno-Adriatico or, with some more climbing work, the Tour de Swiss.

In terms of his one day potential, Cozza's performance both at the world championships and the early season Monte Paschi l'Eroica Italian classic showed that he can thrive on a variety of courses and conditions. But it was his impressive 10th place at the opening prologue time trial at the Tour of California that truly showcased his natural ability as a top-flight time trialist. If he can continue to progress as a time trialist, Cozza may one day find himself as a national or even world time trial champion. A run at the yellow jersey in the Tour isn't out of the question either. For Cozza, the sky truly is the limit, as he continues to improve season over season. For that reason, he'll be one of EuroPeloton's favorite riders over the next few years. Ciao Cozza, and forza!!!