When is it? Wednesday night in the US
Where? Geelong, Australia
The course: Two circuits around Geelong with a couple of climbs on each circuit. A demanding course at over 45 kilometers. None of the top climber who can time trial like Alberto Contador are entered and none of the favorites are really strong climbers. Could we see a surprise upset winner?
Riders to watch:
Overwhelming favorite: Fabian Cancellara, Switzerland – Cancellara is the best time trialer in the world today and has been for the last four or five years. He has won the last three world championship time trials that he has entered with a break in 2008 when he won the Olympic time trial. Cancellara has dominated time trials other races too including victories in both Tour de France time trials. He did show some vulnerability being beaten by Peter Velits and Denis Menchov in the Stage 17 time trial at the Vuelta a Espana. Despite that, he is the favorite and there is talk of a double rainbow jersey for Cancellara as he is a threat to win the road race too.
Michael Rogers, Australia – Rogers is the first three time champion in the time trial winning it from 2003-2005 before Cancellara's run started. He has recently stated he feels in his best form in years and he is riding at home in front of home fans. If Cancellara falters or has some sort of mechanical issue, Rogers could be a threat.
Tony Martin, Germany – Martin has been solidly near the top of nearly every time trial he has raced over the last two years including a bronze medal last season. He hasn't been able to beat Cancellara though putting a ceiling on how high he can go.
Richie Porte, Australia – One of the better climbers among the time trial threats and riding at home too, Porte might have the best chance of unseating Cancellara. Even if he doesn't, Porte is only 25 and is someone to watch in future years in this event.
Bert Grabsch, Germany – Winner of the weak field 2008 time trial, Grabsch is a former world champion nonetheless and a threat to win. Has not been in great form recently though.
David Millar, UK – Won the 2003 time trial but was stripped because of a doping violation. Has not shown the same kind of time trial speed as before, but has still shown well in some time trials and has some climbing ability that could allow for a podium challenge here even if he is no real threat to win.
Cadel Evans, Australia – The defending road race champion was known first as a time trialer before his ascension to Grand Tour contender and road race champion. Riding at home in Australia could be a big advantage.
David Zabriskie, USA – A former silver (2006) and bronze (2008) medalist, he is the best American hope in the time trial, but he is starting to age. Most of his best results including time trial stage wins in all three Grand Tours are behind him.
Peter Velits, Slovakia – Not really well known until the recent Vuelta a Espana. At the Vuelta, Velits finished 3rd overall and won the stage 17 time trial over a tired Cancellara. With the 3rd place finish in a Grand Tour, he obviously has some ability to climb along with a time trial skills needed to win a Grant Tour time trial. Might be the biggest threat to Cancellara despite many not talking about him.
The pick: Cancellara wins again for a record fourth time. It would be crazy to pick anyone else until he is beaten.
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