Taylor Phinney - Pro cyclist Trek Livestrong Team

Defending the title - ITT Bronze - July 18, 2008

In sport there is almost nothing more difficult than defending a World Title.  The expectations of others and the pressure add a weight that can become a burden.  The fact is, Taylor had already won the World Title in the Individual Pursuit but that was forgotten in the push for the repeat.  The only man to repeat wins in the ITT was one of the sports superstars, Fabian Cancellara.   So when T took the start last in the Individual Time Trial on Friday, in the virtual middle of nowhere (literally an intersection) - it seemed like a very long shot for him to repeat.  And while conditions were about the same for everyone (breezy, clear, cool) - what was different for Taylor was the weight of wearing #1, and  starting last - one minute after his biggest challenger (Michael Kwiatkowski - Poland).  While the two rode for most of the 36 minute race neck and neck, it meant that the Pole was a distant minute up the road and Taylor was alone.  Kwiatkowski was the most feared rider, as leader of the World Points ranking system for Juniors and having won just about everything all year, he was the man to beat.  European road champion Le Bon also looked strong.  Coming into the finish, Taylor was toast.  So far over his limit that he actually rode off course and finished in the line with the motorcycles.  In his deluded state, he thought the marshall was waving him right (instead of left) to the finish.  Luckily he got the time and it ensured his result, a formidable third place, eight seconds from first in 36 minutes of racing.  Less than .3% slower than the winner.  He was however satisfied, as he had given it everything.  Nothing was left on the road.We immediately exited from Africa.  Honestly, it was a little daunting.  A police officer was killed outside our hotel a few days into the trip and on the last day we saw one of our friends from Holland who had been mugged (and beaten in the face) for his camera.  Beautiful place but time to move back up to summer on the road to Beijing.  Bordeaux next.Stay tuned and thanks for reading.