Visal Kiryienka entering the home stretch

Belarusian, Vasil Kiryienka, entering the home stretch Photo Credit: Chris Richardson

Vasil Kiryienka of Belarus took home the gold medal and the rainbow-colored jersey finished in first place in today’s UCI Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial in Richmond, Virginia. The 34-year-old Belarusian was finished with a time of 1:02:29:45, 9.8 seconds ahead of sliver medalist, Adriano Malori of Italy. Jerome Coppel of France finished third earning himself the bronze medal with a time of 1:02:56:07, 26 seconds after the winner.

Today’s course stretched for nearly 33 miles (53 kilometers) starting in Doswell at Kings Dominion and concluded at on Broad and 5th street in Richmond. Cyclists rode through the country roads of Hanover and Henrico County before making their way onto the urban streets of Richmond.

Michael Hepburn of Australia, was the first rider to be on the hot seat. He was unseated by Great Britain’s Stephen Cummings. The hot seat changed multiple times afterwards until Kiryienka grabbed the seat late in the race.

“I knew it was a good course for me. It’s the kind of course that suits me,” Kiryienka said.

Taylor Phinney was the finished with the fastest time of the two Americans in the trial with a time of 1:04:06:44. The finish by Phinney was good enough for 12th place. This was Phinney’s first hour-long time trial in over two years due to an injury he suffered to his leg. Lawson Craddock of the US finished 22nd with a time of 1:04:56:79.

Cycling resumes on Friday Women’s Junior and Men’s Under 23 Road Circuit.