Zipp News

Tremendous TT triumphs

Results speak for themselves, especially in the race of truth. And Zipp athletes sure are showing their time-trial prowess in national championships across Europe and North America.

The Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team collected a trunkful of time trial titles and medals over the past few days.

• Sylvain Chavanel won the French title with a Zipp Super-9 Disc in the rear and 808 Firecrest in the front. It was the fourth TT title of his impressive career. 
• Tony Martin, the current World Time Trial Champion, captured the German National Championship. Teammate Bert Grabsch was second. 
• Peter Velits won the Slovakian Time Trial Championship and his brother, Martin Velits, was second. 
• Other results included Zdenek Stybar second and Frantisek Rabon third at the Czech championship, Niki Terpstra third in the Dutch championship, and Michal Kwiatkowski third in the Polish championship.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Zipp-sponsored riders swept the competition for rider’s under the age of 23 at this week’s USA Cycling Road National Championship in Augusta, Ga.

Evan Huffman of California Giant Berry Farms confirmed his standing as a time-trial beast Thursday by taking the U23 title in a time of 36:40.735 for 30 km, 17 seconds ahead of a tough rival in Lawson Craddock. Huffman’s other recent time trial success included an impressive victory at the SRAM Tour of the Gila last month.

In the women’s U23 time trial, Kaitie Antonneau of Team Exergy TWENTY12 covered the 30 km in 42:26.346 -- a whopping 42 seconds faster than her closest rival. Kaitie’s Felt TT frame was equipped with the Zipp 840 Tubular 650c Disc on the rear and 404 650c Clincher on the front. She also rode the carbon VukaBull bar.

“It's important for the Exergy TWENTY12 program to continue our focus in the development of young riders,” said Nicola Cranmer, general manager of Exergy TWENTY12. “With this being an Olympic year, the focus was shifted but we will always offer opportunity to the future stars. We have four junior riders here at National Championships along with Kaitie.”

And Kaitie’s wasn’t the only strong time trial performance this week by Team Exergy TWENTY12 riders:

• Rhae Shaw took second in the Canadian Elite National Time Trial Championships riding a Zipp 900 Disc and 808 Firecrest.
• Kayla Sterling was third in the USA Cycling Junior 17-18 National Time Trial Championships with the 900 Disc and 404 Firecrest.
• Greta Neimanas was second Paracycling Elite C5 National Time Trial Championships riding a 900 Disc and 808 Firecrest.