March 27/05 7:17 am - Copperopolis Road Race

Posted by Editoress on 03/27/05
 

Copperopolis Road Race N. Californai, March 26th
Courtesy Kodak EasyShare Gallery/Sierra Nevada Professional Cycling Team

The Paris-Roubaix of California 105 miles

Tim Larkin of the Kodak EasyShare Gallery/Sierra Nevada Professional Cycling Team outsprinted David Zabriskie (CSC) and Eric Wohlberg (Symmetrics Cycling) to win yesterday's notorious Copperopolis Road Race in Northern California.

Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada's Ben Jacques-Maynes featured in an early break along with his brother Andy (Webcor Builders) and Matt Dubberly (McGuire-Langdale) in the 105-mile race, known for its major climbs, crosswinds, and rough pavement. In fact, race organizer Velo Promo recommends "no loose water bottle holders or dentures."

After Ben Jacques-Maynes punctured, Larkin bridged up to Dubberly and Andy Jacques-Maynes along with Zabriskie, Wohlberg, and two other Webcor riders.

The group worked together until the last climb, when Larkin pushed the pace and dropped all except for Zabriskie and Wohlberg.

Zabriskie launched the sprint up the small rise to the finish, but Larkin came around in the last 100 meters to take the win.

Larkin said after the race, "Copperopolis is a local race, but it's always tough no matter who's there. And to beat a ProTour rider like Zabriskie and a rider with Eric's ability is definitely a big confidence boost for Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada before the Redlands Classic next week."

1. Tim Larkin (Kodak EasyShare Gallery/Sierra Nevada)
2. David Zabriskie (CSC)
3. Eric Wohlberg (Symmetrics Cycling)