Big Names Ready To Race

Hincapie and Zabriskie hope to defend their titles and keep coveted stars and stripes jerseys

In addition to the dual championships, the Roger C. Peace U.S. Handcycling National Criterium Championship is once again scheduled. This is the season finale for the U.S. Handcycling Series, presented by the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The event will return for the second year in a row with a time trial on Saturday and the National Handcycling Criterium Championships on Sunday. Handcyclists use their arms to pedal their machines instead of their legs, and these amazing athletes are always inspiring.

The Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) will again be the venue for the US Pro Individual Time Trial Championship presented by Duke Energy on September 18, 2010. Five-time National Time Trial Champion Dave Zabriskie will attempt to defend his title by completing the 20.7-mile course the quickest. The Garmin-Transitions rider has never lost a race against the clock in Greenville, but that won't keep others from giving their all to win this race of truth.

Riders will complete three laps of a closed 6.9 mile loop on the CU-ICAR campus, where speeds can reach more than 40mph. The course is close to downtown and the spectator-friendly cloverleaf design provides almost non-stop action from start to finish. You won't want to miss this family friendly atmosphere as the riders fight for the right to be the US Professional Time Trial Champion.
Downtown Greenville will host Sunday's US Pro Road Race Championship on September 19, 2010. More than 125 of the country's top professional bicycle racers are expected to tackle the 110 mile race on a very challenging 22 mile course that incorporates downtown Greenville, Cleveland Park and four difficult ascents over Paris Mountain. In addition to providing spectators with an excellent opportunity to get close to the action, the demanding Greenville course has played a pivotal role in past race results. The road race will start and finish near the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park in the historic West End of downtown Greenville.

Hometown hero and Tour de France Stage winner, George Hincapie will be back with his new BMC Racing Team to defend his title. The three-time National Champion has been wearing the USA Stars and Stripes Jersey all year in the peloton and he has no intentions of giving it up.

"It's awesome to wear the stars and stripes jersey," said the five-time Olympian. “It’s not like a leader's jersey that only lasts for one race. You get to wear this jersey for the whole season. That's really special. People immediately recognize the jersey, and they always cheer for it. I think it's probably every American's dream to wear this jersey, and I love wearing it."

It might be every American’s dream to wear it, but only a select few get the privilege. There are a number of Americans on Hincapie’s BMC Racing Team, so he should have lots of help in this year’s race. That doesn’t guarantee victory, but certainly helps his chances.

"The race has always been pretty hard, because I haven’t had that many teammates in the race," said Hincapie. "We have quite a few Americans on BMC this year, so we should have a pretty good chance of winning the race. We can spread the work around a little, but it also means that one of my teammates might be in a position to win. Obviously, the goal will be to have someone on BMC win the race, but I would like to win it again."

One of Hincapie's teammates is recent Furman graduate, Chris Butler. Butler echoed Hincapie's comments about the team goal and he'll be giving his all for the team effort in the road race. "The team goal is to win the race, preferably George, but we also have some other serious contenders on the team. Personally, I would love to help anyone on the team win it."

That's the sort of team attitude and motivation that will make the BMC Racing Team hard to beat on Sunday. Hincapie and Butler will both have a substantial cheering section on hand, and there is something special about racing in front of friends and family.

"I love having the race in Greenville," says Hincapie. "My whole family comes to town for the weekend, so it’s super special to race right here in my own backyard."

If you were downtown last year, you know just how special it is to win in front of a hometown crowd, and Hincapie is sure to do his best to win his fourth national title. For the first time, he will have the support of a strong team. But some of those teammates may find themselves in a position to be victorious. One thing is for sure: the racing action will be fast and exciting, because every American bike racer dreams of wearing the USA Stars and Stripes Jersey. Don't miss your chance to witness the crowning of a USA National Champion.