June 18, 2004 – The U.S. National Time Trial Championships were held today
near Redlands, CA, on a hilly, sun drenched, and breezy 48K (28-mile)
course. The 24K out-and-back course was covered twice, giving race
fans the opportunity to see the riders a total of three times during the
race, and gauge the riders’ performance via the intermediate time splits.

The early leader was Kenny Williams finishing with a 105:57. As the
top-seeded riders began to come through the first turn-around, Navigators
Insurance’s Phil Zajicek was only nine seconds off the pace, showing good
potential. The performances of the leaders was quickly eclipsed however
when Dave Zabriskie (US Postal Service) made his turn 1:40 faster than any
of the riders that had already completed their rides. Defending Champion
Navigators’ Chris Baldwin, had the 2nd fastest split time behind Zabriskie,
but at a deficit of 0:55. The fans waited anxiously as the last of the
riders
made their turns to complete the second leg of the course.

Williams’ time was continuing to hold as the number of favorites still out
on the course dwindled. Zabriskie was the fifth-last to start, and when his
finishing time of 103:11 was posted, it took the crowd by surprise. The
clock was running as the last of the finishers came in, but it was all
Zabriskie today as he finished a full 2:16 ahead of John Lieswyn (Health
Net), while Williams’ 105:57 was good enough for 3rd. For Navigators’ Chris
Baldwin, fourth place with a 106:01 was the best that he could manage.

Racing in Redlands continues on Saturday as the all-or-nothing Olympic
selection road race is held on the demanding roads around the Inland Empire.

48-Km. U.S. National ITT Championship:

1. Dave Zabriskie (US Postal) 103:11
2. John Lieswyn (Health Net) 105:27
3. Kenny Williams 105:57
4. Chris Baldwin (Navigators Insurance) 106:01
9. Phil Zajicek (Navigators Insurance) 107:35