A 7-11 Domestique Covers the Early Breakaway
Philadelphia, USA, June 14, 1987
1987 Champion:  Tom Schuler (USA) 251 kms (156 miles) in 6h04’43” (41.43km/h) Record Time
1987 US National Champion: (1st) Tom Schuler (USA)
The powerful 7-Eleven team returned to 1987 USPRO Championships in Philadelphia with one goal, taking back the Stars and Stripes jersey of National champion. With a prize list of over $100,000 the USPRO Championships is one of the richest single day races in the World. A stellar list of riders came to the start line to compete for a chance at a big payday.
History tells us that early breakaways don’t usually survive, but in 1987 the race would be different. Roy Knickman (Toshiba) was a motivating force in a twelve rider breakaway that formed on the first lap. The group included 7-Eleven’s Tom Schuler, who was just covering the early attack for his team. The group opened a six minute lead after only three laps.
Coming off a successful European spring campaign Knickman wasn’t satisfied with a twelve rider group and attacked over the Manayunk Wall with 50 miles to go. Tom Schuler alertly responded to the attack and joined Knickman. Through the start-finish line with one 14.4 mile lap to go the two had a 1’46” lead over the peloton. Cesare Cipollini (Team Prince) and teammate Jorgen Marcussen slipped away from the chasing pack and bridged quickly up to the breakaway. Cipollini pushed the pace over the Wall for the final time. Schuler and Marcussen struggled but held Cipollini’s wheel. Knickman faded but after a mad dash down the Wall he reconnected with the breakaway.
The break had a solid lead as they descended Lemon Hill for the final time. Positioning became critical as the four riders went under the 1 km to go banner. First to jump was Marcussen at 400 meters with teammate Cesare Cipollini on his wheel. Schuler focused on Cipollini, who was the best sprinter in the group. When Knickman's finsh burst came at 250 meters Schuler easily followed. The 7-Eleven support rider crossed the line two bike lengths ahead of Cipollini.
From faithful domestique covering an early breakaway for his team to US National champion Tom Schuler completed a magical day in Philly.
SPECIAL NOTE: Second place finisher Cesare Cipollini (Team Prince) is the older brother of “future” super sprinter Mario Cipollini.
Top 10 |
1. Tom Schuler (USA) 7-Eleven 6h04’43” (41.43km/h) Record Time |
2. Cesare Cipollini (Ita) Team Prince |
3. Roy Knickman (USA) Toshiba |
4. Jorgen Marcussen (Den) Team Prince |
5. Rolf Sorenson (Den) Danish National Team +2’11” |
6. Gerry Fornes (USA) Lakesport-Basso |
7. Ferdi Dierickx (Bel) A.D. Renting |
8. Roberto Gaggioli (Ita) Team Prince +2’15” |
9. Michael Marcussen (Den) Danish National Team |
10. Pascal Dubois (Fra) Toshiba |
USA National Championship Podium |
1. Tom Schuler (USA) 7-Eleven |
2. Roy Knickman (USA) Toshiba |
3. Gerry Fornes (USA) Lakesport-Basso |
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