Hincapie Would Not Be Denied
Philadelphia, USA, June 8, 1997
1997 Champion:  Massimiliano Lelli (Ita) 251 kms (156 miles) in 5h54’50” (42.44 km/h) Record Time
1997 US National Champion: (8th) Bart Bowen (USA)
The 13th edition of the CoreStates USPRO Cycling Championships got off to a beautiful start with clear blue sky and comfortable temperatures. But the finish would be some what less beautiful. An American favorite was greeted with controversy after the finish of the race.
The problem arose late in the race. US Postal Service’s George Hincapie had a puncture on the next to last large lap and even though he got a quick wheel change the gap was significant. Hincapie’s chase back to the pack was helped as he moto-paced (drafted) behind his team car. The moto-official gave him numerous warnings, which were apparently ignored. The period of pacing time was deemed to be in excess by the race officials. When Hincapie was the first American to cross the finish line, he was awarded the Stars and Stripes jersey as US National champion. But forty-five minutes later the ruling was announced and Hincapie was disqualified.
Italian Massimiliano Lelli rode brilliantly all day and collected the CoreStates USPRO Championship victory in new record time. He bettered the course record of 6h01’54” set by Paolo Cimini (Ita) in 1990.
Lelli raced aggressively, trying to escape the peloton by accelerating over the Manayunk Wall every time in the closing laps. However, it wasn't until the final half lap that the Italian managed to break the grip of the U.S. Postal Service team and Team Saturn.
Not known for his sprinting Lelli attacked over Lemon Hill on the final small lap with three kms to go and opened a small gap. Quickly the gap extended and the inspired Italian didn’t look back. Massimiliano Lelli of the Saeco-Cannondale squad crossed the finish line alone to gain an 11 second victory.
As a result of Postal’s George Hincapie's disqualification, the Stars and Stripes of the US National Champion went to the 1992 winner Bart Bowen, who finished eighth overall.
Top 10 |
1. Massimiliano Lelli (Ita) Saeco 5h54’50” (42.44 km/h) Record Time |
2. Scott McGrory (Aus) Die Continentale +11” |
3. Angel Canzonieri (Ita) Saeco |
4. Andrea Tafi (Ita) Mapei-GB |
5. Thomas Konecny (Cze) ZVVZ-Giant |
6. Gilberto Zattoni (Ita) Amore & Vita |
7. Cezary Zamana (Pol) Mroz |
8. Bart Bowen (USA) Saturn |
9. Frank McCormack (USA) Saturn |
10. Jonathan Vaughters (USA) Comptel |
USA National Championship Podium |
1. Bart Bowen (USA) |
2. Frank McCormack (USA) |
3. Jonathan Vaughters (USA) |
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