Nature Valley Grand Prix Time Trial Win Goes to Scott Zwizanski
by Lyne Lamoureax

The only rider to break the 13-minute barrier, Scott Zwizanski (Kelly Benefit Strategies) flew up the opening stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix to win the St Paul Criterium with a time of 12:55. For Zwizanski, it was all about pacing his efforts on the 6.1-mile course, flat until the finishing half-mile climb.

“I tried to do a good even hard pace on the flat and have enough left to really power up the hill. I did pretty well on this two years ago and I had some memories from that and I just wanted to make sure that I had enough left for the last 500 meters so I wouldn't die.”

Finishing second, nine seconds behind Zwizanski, is two-time Nature Valley Grand Prix champion (2008 and 2009) Rory Sutherland (UnitedHealthcare p/b Maxxis). Zwizanski's teammate Zach Bell sits in third place at 15 seconds back.

The 148 riders this morning were greeted by overcast skies and dead calm as they faced the race of truth. The early best time of 13:27 was set by the 16th rider out of the start ramp, Luis Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home), a time that stood for the next thirty-nine riders when Mike Friedman (Jelly Belly p/b Kenda) clocked 13:21. Then Zwizanski made his way into the hot seat until the field finished.

“I knew there were a lot of big guns left especially Rory, he beat me a couple of weeks ago at Tour of California. I thought he'd probably beat me again but I came out on top.” said Zwizanski.

For the first time in the race, the organizers enforced the no-aero equipment where riders are restricted to mass-start bicycles, with a goal of leveling out the playing field between professional and amateur teams. Zwizanski didn't feel the new rule changed the results. “I think the best TT guys are still going to be at the top.”

Though his team has defended a leader's jersey in other races such as Tour de Beauce and Vuelta al Uruguay, Zwizanski knows that he will have his work cut out for him to hold on for the next five stages.

“It's going to be a hard week, everybody is going to be gunning for us, I have a great team so hopefully we have some options,” added Zwizanski about his teammate Bell sitting in third spot, “It's going to be a battle all week, it's not going to be easy at all.”

Finishing tenth on the stage, Benjamin King (Trek-Livestrong) is the new Fruit by the Foot Best Young Rider. His 21st place finish makes Paul Martin (Panther p/b Competitive Cyclist) the Nature Valley Top Amateur