Zirbel an underdog at US Pro time trial championships

Heading into the USA Cycling Professional Championships time trial on Saturday in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Optum Pro Cycling's Tom Zirbel finds himself in the awkward position of being the defending champion but not the favorite for the win.

Growing up in Missoula, Montana, Pat competed in his first bike race in 1985 at Flathead Lake. He studied English and journalism at the University of Oregon and has covered North American cycling extensively since 2009, as well as racing and teams in Europe and South America. Pat currently lives in the US outside of Portland, Oregon, with his imaginary dog Rusty.