Tyler Farrar capped off a successful day for the U.S. National Team on Day 1 of the World's, with a 10th place in the U23 Men's time trial. Farrar finished in 49'08.56 on the tough 37.9 km course, 1'44 off the pace set by winner Mikhail Ignatiev. Steven Cozza placed 42nd as the only other U.S. competitor in the race, clocking a time of 51:57.93.
Farrar started slowly, ranked 35th after the first time check, but continued to improve his position despite not specifically preparing for Wednesday's event. "The time trial has really not been my priority this year," Farrar explained. "I haven't done any specific time trial training all year. I've just been focusing on road racing and sprinting because one of my big priorities for this season has been the road race here at World's, so I was kind of riding this time trial to open up my legs for Saturday."
Still, Farrar was pleased with his performance in the race against the clock. "I'm really happy with the way I went for myself personally. I was really hoping for a top ten."
Farrar has shown some serious form in the last month, winning both the USPRO Criterium Championships against the best pro sprinters in North America and a stage of the Tour de l'Avenir, arguably the most prestigious European race for riders aged 25 and under. How that translates into success on Saturday remains to be seen, but Farrar likes his chances. "I feel confident. A one-day race is always a lottery, especially the World Championships where there's not even a caravan and all it takes is a flat tire to end your race, but I feel like I have good legs going into the weekend. I feel like my preparation has been spot on, now I just have to hope I have the luck."
Saturday's road race takes place on a relatively flat course which suits Farrar's style and his experiences racing in the U.S. this season will likely work to his advantage. "I watched the finish of the Vuelta a España (which was held on the same course as Saturday's U23 world championship) and it looked like it's all about that last turn. I've been racing a lot of criteriums in the U.S. this summer so I'm definitely used to that kind of finish. I'm not going to say it's going to be a field sprint, but I'm hoping for one and hope that I draw the right cards."
Also see: U23 Men's TT - Full results, report & photos, .
