Hincapie Would Not Be Denied

Philadelphia, USA, June 7, 1998

1998 Champion: George Hincapie (USA) US Postal 251 kms (156 miles) in 6h06’35” (41.08 km/h)
1998 US National Champion: (1st) George Hincapie (USA)

U.S. Postal Service rider George Hincapie, disqualified from the 1997 race, returned to the First Union USPRO Cycling Championships with very little concern for last year’s frustration. 

A year ago Hincapie had a puncture on the next to last large lap and got a quick wheel change. His chase back to the pack was helped as he moto-paced behind his team car. The period of time was deemed to be in excess by race officials. The moto-official gave numerous warnings to Hincapie, which were apparently ignored. When Hincapie was the first American to cross the finish line, he was awarded the Stars and Stripes jersey as US National champion.  Forty-five minutes later the disqualification was announce and Hincapie was disqualified. "That was last year and it’s over," Hincapie said. "This is this year and I have come to win.”

Hincapie’s powerful U.S. Postal Service team began to take control of the race after the usual early breakaway featuring five riders had a built a five minute lead. The breakaway slowly faded under the USPS pressure and was caught before the final climb of the Manayunk Wall.

Entering the final three “Lemon Loops” Saeco’s Eddy Mazzoleni attacked with Tyler Hamilton (USPS). The move forced Polish team Mroz to drive the chase.  The break came back inside 1 km to go as the lead out trains started.

Frankie Andreu was Hincapie’s final lead out rider and took him to the 300 meters mark in great position. On the left side of the long finishing straight two Saturn riders, Frank and Mark McCormack, started the final surge to the line. Hincapie followed Saeco’s Massimiliano Mori and powered past to take a half bike length victory. The Stars and Strips jersey of US National champion was his.

After the victory Hincapie said "You can imagine the pressure when you have Lance Armstrong and Frankie Andreu working for you and believing in you.  I didn’t have any choice but to win."

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