US Pro Challenge Stage 6: Leaving It All on the Road

The individual time trial is about maximum exertion over a relatively short amount of time.  Today's uphill course was only 16 kilometers that took Mick Rodgers (Tinkoff Saxo) just over 26 minutes to complete, the best time by 20 some seconds when he crossed the line.  Unlike a road stage, a rider has to wait until everyone has completed the course before he knows if his effort was enough to claim victory for the stage.  To ensure that the riders don't collapse as they cross the line, volunteers and team soigneurs will rush out and push the riders further up the road where they can safely dismount when they are able.  Rodgers knew that the man who held the record on this course, Tejay van Garderen (BMC) would be coming across the line in about a half hour, and the man who had once beat that rider, Tom Danielson (Garmin Sharp) was also still on the road.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this 4"x6" painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But while you are there, why not take the time to browse all of the art on offer?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202014/2423882---201508/Painting.html#.U_lSU8_D_IU