BARTA RUNNER UP AT USA UNDER 23 TIME TRIAL NATIONALS
Louisville, Kentucky – William Barta finished second Thursday at the USA Cycling Amateur Time Trial Nationals while a total of five Axeon Hagens Berman riders finished in the top 10 at the 24-kilometer race against the clock in Louisville, Kentucky.
Neilson Powless finished third, defending champion Geoffrey Curran was fourth, Ian Garrison was fifth and Chris Blevins was eighth. The team's two other entrants, Jonny Brown and Edward Anderson, ended outside the top 10, 12th and 15th respectively.
Under sunny skies but with 24 kilometer winds, Barta laid down a 41-minute and 56-second effort and was only beat by Brandon McNulty (Rally Cycling) who rode 12 seconds faster. Powless finished 24 seconds back of McNulty to round out the podium. It was Powless’ third podium in a week after taking second at the US professional national road race and third at the pro time trial.
“Today’s course was identical to last year’s U23 nationals, but it ran much faster,” Axeon Hagens Berman Sport Director Jeff Louder said. “I’m proud of how all our riders raced today, especially Will. He laid down a really good performance but time trials are always a race of truth, and today the strongest rider was McNulty.”
Friday, Axeon Hagens Berman will enter the same seven riders in the 177-km Under 23 road race that comprises 23 laps of a circuit.
“Tomorrow’s race is nearly a criterium because it is so technical with lots of twists and turns around a 7.7-km loop,” Louder said. “It will make for a dynamic race. Taking the second spot on the podium today definitely gives us fuel for tomorrow and we are showing up with something to prove.”
By: Fitzalan Crowe
