European Neo-Pro Wins Philly
Philadelphia, USA, June 6, 2004
2004 Champion:  Francisco Ventoso (Spa) Prodir-Saunier Duval 251kms (156 miles) in 5h53’13”
2004 US National Champion: (4th) Fred Rodriguez (USA)
The field of 178 riders will race the 251 km (156 mile) Wachovia USPRO Road Championships in Philadelphia. The best teams from the US and top riders from the European peloton came to contest America’s premier one-day cycling event. Motivated by a $135,000 prize list and the prestige of the National Championship jersey, the event attracted a stellar start list.
2001 National Champion Fred Rodriguez of Italian team Acqua y Sapone added “The jersey is more important for us.” Echoing those sentiments Webcor’s Chris Horner said “We’ll be racing for the jersey.”. The stage was set for the 20th running of the USPRO Road Championships.
The race left the start line at a rapid pace. A group of 26 riders broke away from the peloton on the way to the first ascent of the Manayunk Wall. Slowly the time gap grew to nearly 10 minutes, when Bobby Julich’s Team CSC began to chase. Methodically the peloton chipped away at the gap and after nearly 124 miles in the lead the race came back together.
An early unsuccessful breakaway
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CSC and Webcor (Chris Horner 4th wheel) lead a hard chase |
After a short lived four rider breakaway generated by Chris Horner the race came back together again entering the three short “Lemon Loops” prior to the sprint. The field had dwindle to only 44 riders as the bright yellow clad Suanier-Duval lead out train took control of the race coming off Lemon Hill for the final time.
Around the traffic circle at Logan Square Suanier-Duval led the single file peloton as it surged down the middle of Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Like clock work Francisco Ventoso powered around his final lead out man and took the victory.
"This is the biggest victory for me ever," the young Ventoso admitted. "I'm a first year professional, I'm beyond happy!"
The race for the National Jersey came down to a photo finish. The results of the photo had ‘Fast’ Freddy Rodriguez winning his third National Championship.
Top 10 |
1. Francisco Jose Ventoso (Spa) Prodir Saunier Duval 5h53’13” |
2. Antonio Bucciero (Ita) Team Saeco |
3. Gordon Fraser (Can) Health Net |
4. Fred Rodriguez (USA) Acqua y Sapone - Caffe Modambo |
5. Plamen Stoyanov (Bul) Hoop CCC - Polsat |
6. Alberto Loddo (Ita) Prodir Saunier Duval |
7. Piotr Chmielewski (Pol) Action ATI |
8. Lars Michaelsen (Den) Team CSC |
9. Kirk O'Bee (USA) Navigators Insurance |
10. Russell Hamby (USA) Sierra Nevada Cycling |
USA National Championship Podium |
1. Fred Rodriguez (USA) Acqua y Sapone |
2. Kirk O'Bee (USA) Navigators |
3. Russell Hamby (USA) Sierra Nevada |
Full Results
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