(Courtesy cyclingnews.com) A new course and a season of injury stood in front of Dave Zabriskie (Garmin-Chipotle) as he tried to defend his time trial national championship in Greenville. Despite having an off-year, he targeted this race as a way to prove he is still the fastest – both to himself and to everyone else. And he did just that, riding aggressively over the fast course to beat domestic sensation Tom Zirbel (Bissell) by just five seconds.

“I didn’t care what the conditions were going to be like, what the course was, I came to win!” Zabriskie told Cyclingnews after the race.

“Coming back from injury this is really just my third race back,” he said. “Cycling is full of ups and downs and my career has been up and down. I’ve had numerous injuries so I have to say thanks to all the people who stand behind me and keep believing in me.”

First Endurance rider Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) placed second, he was less than five seconds slower than Zabriskie.  “I’m a little disappointed at the moment but as time passes I will be a bit more content.” Zirbel later acknowledged.  ’But I guess having almost beat one of the BEST time trialists in the world isn’t a bad day at the office.”

Results

1 David Zabriskie (Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30)             40.39.40 (49.3 km/h)
2 Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling)                            0.04.93
3 Christian Vandevelde (Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30)         0.09.91