2018 National Time Trial Champions Confirm Attendance
With the conclusion of the 2018 U.S and Canadian National Championships, Elite Women’s Individual time trial champion Amber Neben (PX4), U23 Champion Emma White (Rally Cycling), 2018 U23 Canadian National Champion Adam Roberge (SILBER Pro Cycling) and 2018 silver medalist Nickolas Zukowsky (SILBER Pro Cycling) have confirmed attendance at the the inaugural Chrono Kristin Armstrong on July 13 in Boise, Idaho. The only professional event of this caliber in the United States. The women and men will compete for equal prize money and the weekend’s prize purse totals $35K.
“I am looking forward to competing in the Chrono Kristin Armstrong, I think it is great to see a standalone UCI Time Trial event in the USA, and I am excited to support it. It is also a unique opportunity for Time Trial specialists of all ages and levels to race on the same course and day. It should be exciting!” Stated 2018 National Champion, Amber Neben.
Preliminary registration for the UCI time trial includes athletes from USA, Canada, Egypt, Morocco, Romania, and Mexico. Marquee attendees include 2016 Junior World Champion / 2017 U23 World Championship silver medalist Brandon McNulty USA (Rally Cycling), two-time Romanian National time trial champion Serghei Tsvetkov (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling), 21- year old Gage Hecht (Aevolo Cycling) who recently stunned the pro field at the U.S National Championships with his 5th place finish. Current team pursuit World Champions and Rio Olympic silver medalists Chloé Dygert (TWENTY20 Pro Cycling) and Kelly Catlin (Rally Cycling), and also Canadian Olympic silver medalist Jasmin Duehring. (TWENTY20 pro Cycling) will be competing. Other notables on the start list include Jennifer Luebke (Hagens Berman Supermint) who had a breakout performance with a sixth place at the National Championships.
“As we get closer to the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, having international events such as the Chrono Kristin Armstrong (UCI 1.2) becomes important for athlete and country qualification,” commented Kristin Armstrong. ”One year from now UCI points will begin accumulating, the more points for the country the more start positions they will receive. Each country will have their own Olympic qualification criteria that will roll out in early 2019 which typically weighs heavily on UCI points and world rankings.”
With tremendous international depth in the UCI men’s field, this will a tough battle for the top step.
“I am really looking forward to racing the UCI Chrono Kristin Armstrong, I have two victories in North America in the TT,” said Serghei Tsvetkov. “My first team was based in Boise in 2012 and I like the roads up there. It is not totally sea level and it is not super high elevation so it will be tricky to find balance with power during the race.” Said Serghei Tsvetkov, “This is going to be a challenging race.” Tsvetkov continued.
Hosting the only UCI one-day time trial in the United States provides an opportunity for those who dream of qualifying for the Olympic team while also providing an opportunity for new talent to emerge. The more opportunities there are for riders to participate the greater the chance Team USA will find the next biggest talent. The organization felt it important to support an amateur time trial along the same course as the professional athletes.
“I had the opportunity to race at a world-class level right here in Idaho when the HP Women’s Challenge was held for years in my backyard. It was the top international women’s race in North America.” said Armstrong, “ If it wasn’t for the opportunity that was presented I would have never gone on to win three 3-gold medals – not a chance. I hope to present the same opportunity for someone who has the same dream I did, right here in Idaho.”
Idaho athletes include Matteo Jorgenson (Jelly Belly), and Junior athlete Abby Youngwerth (TWENTY20 Development) and Sara Youmans (Therapeutic Associates Cycling Team).
“Having this UCI time trial in my hometown is incredible for me,” commented Matteo Jorgenson. “I have never participated in a UCI race in Idaho, and I never could have imagined there would be a stand-alone 1.2 TT here. The course covers the roads in Star, which Idaho that I know by heart. I have vivid memories of suffering up Can Ada with Will Barta and motor pacing on Beacon Light Road with the BYRDS as a Junior, and I hope it gives me a home turf advantage for the event!” commented Matteo Jorgenson. “I can’t wait to race some of the world’s best time trialists in front of all my friends and family!”
The lead partner of the event is the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation. “We are grateful to have the unique opportunity to partner with the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation to bring the best in the world to this incredible stage we have here in Idaho,” said Armstrong. “Without the Foundation’s genuine care for and commitment to our community, the Chrono Kristin Armstrong would not be possible. We look forward to growing community involvement and participation over time, and to showcasing why cyclists love to live, train, and ride here in Idaho.”
