Fred Rodriguez Repeats as USPRO Champion

Philadelphia, USA, June 10, 2001

2001 Champion: Fred Rodriguez (USA) Domo-Farm Frites 251 kms (156 miles) in 5h57’56” (42.15 km/h)
2001 US National Champion: (1st) Fred Rodriguez (USA)

Defending First Union USPRO champion Freddy Rodriguez returned to Philly struggling for results in 2001.  With the mentoring of teammate Johann Museeuw Rodriguez spent recent weeks doing the tough training necessary to repeat as the USPRO champion. 

The race went off as aggressive speed.  A large early breakaway built an 8 minute lead before the chase began in earnest.  As the time gap fell to 4 minutes attacks in the peloton behind split the group.  The hard chase caught the remaining breakaway on finishing straight two laps later.

A major attack on the final climb of the Manayunk Wall shattered the field.  Mapei's Pedro Munoz Horrillo went over the climb with Fabrizio Guidi, Jakob Piil, Trent Klasna, Hincapie and Rodriguez to form the winning breakaway.  The six rider group entered the final three “Lemon Loops” with a 30 second gap. 

The “elite 6” began to attack each other on Lemon Hill.  Piil went off and was brought back by Hincapie.  Klasna tried to get away on the descent but again Hincapie closed it down.  As the breakaway hit the roundabout at Logan Square Freddy Rodriguez took advantage of the advice from Johann Museeuw and dove to the inside to power away from the group.  Trent Klasna chase but “Fast” Freddy Rodriguez would not be caught.  Rodriguez crossed the finish line 5 seconds ahead and recaptured the prestigious USPRO championship victory. 

Trent Klasna and George Hincapie finished second and third respectively completing the USA’s sweep of the podium.

(R to L) George Hincapie, Freddy Rodriguez, and Trent Klasna

"Fast" Freddy Rodriguez 2001 USPRO Champion

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