Armstrong wins rainy opening time trial

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Rory Sutherland (UnitedHealthcare) and Kristin Armstrong (Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty 12) were the victors in the opening time trial of the Nature Valley Grand Prix today.

Taking place in cold, rainy conditions, the women's race was dominated by Armstrong, the reigning Olympic time trial champion, who bested US champion Evelyn Stevens by 23 seconds in the six mile test.

Course record holder Alison Starnes (Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty 12) took third, 27 seconds back, while Amber Neben was fourth.

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The results set up strong competition for the coming days, with Armstrong having the advantage of a teammate close to her on the general classification in Starnes, but with the HTC-Highroad duo Neben and Stevens set to challenge.

“My teammate Alison Starnes is in third, Kristin McGrath is also up there, so I think we have some options,” Armstrong said. “I think that I’m the target, but I don’t always have to be the answer. So I’m willing to play, I think other teams want to play. I know that HTC is out here and they’re going to want to do something. Diadora brought a team, Colavita is here, so we’re going to see some action.”

The men's stage was dominated by the UnitedHealthcare riders, whose participation in the event was somewhat controversial. Adrian Hegyvary took second to Sutherland, but the team, by UCI rules, should not be allowed in the race at all.

The UnitedHealthcare team received special permission from the UCI to compete, despite rules prohibiting Professional Continental squads from taking part in national events.

Sutherland, the defending champion of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, is just coming off a successful Tour of California and said he came into the race fresh and motivated.

He had to overcome the early best time set by his teammate Hegyvary, who took the soggy course aggressively. “The roads were obviously wet, huge puddles, but it rode more like a dry course because I didn't have to slow down for the turns," Hegyvary said. "The turnaround was probably the wettest part, but it's a decreasing radius turnaround anyway, so you can't just bomb through it.”

A time trial specialist, Hegyvary has never fared as well in the time trial here, but he learned from past mistakes.

“Years past, I've gone a little bit too easy on the flats I think because this climbs lingers in the back of your mind," Hegyvary said. "So this year, I just said 'give it on the flats' and go as fast as I could. I think that's the way to do it. I cracked a little bit on the hill, but I think everybody does."

Tom Zirbel (Jamis-Sutter Home) was the only rider to challenge Hegyvary's mark, coming in just fractions of a second behind with a 13:13.70.

Sutherland, the last rider on course, stormed in with a 13:08 to take the stage and the early lead in the race.

“I think there are three elements to this race," Sutherland said. "First, it's having a good time trial the first day, either gaining time or not losing much time. Secondly, you have to be attentive every single day in the criteriums and ride to the front as much as possible and be supported by your team. And third, you need to get through Stillwater. As simple as it is, it's also hard at the same time. I think it's better to be leading than to be chasing."

Jesse Anthony (Kelly Benefit Strategies/OptumHealth) was a surprise fourth, coming in at 13:23.17.

Racing continues this evening with a criterium in downtown St. Paul.

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