U23 Nationals, Part 1

I'm still on vacation but there is time to roundup some of the goings on with U23 National Championships going on across the globe.

USA RR

Keegan Swirbul had a rough year up with some injuries until the Tour de Beauce, where he finished 6th on Mont Megantic. Swirbul, the skier turned cyclist from Colorado, came into the U23 RR in North Lake Tahoe with good hopes. The race, which was difficult because of the climbing and altitude, was also given a heaping spoonful of wind to make the situation better. Greg Daniel got off the front early and had a nice gap but was eventually joined by teammate Logan Owen.

The duo was brought back by a shredded peloton that had around 20 or so riders in it with riders over a half hour off the back. Chris Putt put in a late move for glory but was joined by Espoirs Central pick for the win Alexey Vermeulen and Greg Daniel. The move was brought back with 5 km to go with an even smaller group. With a 1k to go, Daniel launched another move that was basically a lead out for Swirbul as the lanky climber launched on the climb up to the Northstar resort.

Great shots from yesterday's U23 #RoadNats from Casey B. Gibson - http://t.co/k9xKzT8noB #PROVEIT pic.twitter.com/2DR5LboSK2

— Axeon Cycling Team (@axeoncycling) June 25, 2015

In a tight sprint for 2nd at 6 seconds back, it was Daniel over Cal Giant's Colin Joyce while Vermeulen came across in 4th and Justin Mauch (Airgas-Safeway) in 5th.

UK TT

Scott Davies got his 2nd straight GB U23 TT after beating out Owain Doull and Tao Geoghegan Hart at Caldwell Park. He won by 6 and 17 seconds respectively on the fast course in Lincolnshire.

TT Champs: Scott Davies retains Under 23 title from Owain Doull and Tao Geoghegan Hart http://t.co/zFVHtn8NJh pic.twitter.com/mUBEaqEoGN

— British Cycle Sport (@VeloUK) June 25, 2015

Irish TT

Ryan Mullen won the Elite Men's TT on the Omagh course with a blitzing ride of 47'46" ahead of fellow U23 Eddie Dunbar and Martyn Irvine. Mullen also captured the U23 title, which he did last year but he wasn't allowed to take the Elite Men title as well, which changed this year. While Mullen is a huge talent, the surprising ride of the day was by Dunbar, who was just 25 seconds off Mullen's time. Dunbar is riding for the NFTO team and isn't a TT specialist by any means so don't be stupid...remember that name.

Netherlands TT

Speaking of repeats, Steven Lammertink (SEG Racing) beat the crap out of everyone in the Dutch TT by winning by 1'13" over Martijn Tusveld.

Switzerland TT

It was a two-horse race between two BMC Development teammates, Tom Bohli and Thery Schir. Bohli has been the better of the two through the season with some incredibly consistent riding while Schir, who comes from a more track background, has been riding probably his best road season. On a short course, it was nearly identical between Schir and Bohli. Schir, who won in 2014 ahead of Bohli, would do so again but this time had them finish on near identical times within one second of one another.

Japan TT

Third in the Asian U23 TT, Yuma Koishi (CCT p/b Champion System) beat out first year U23 Masaki Yamamoto by 5 seconds for the Japanese crown.

Poland

Szymon Rekita took his 2nd Polish U23 crown in a row ahead of Patryk Stosz.

Finland

Sasu Halme takes the crown

-Belgian U23 TT was already decided in early May when Ruben Pols won ahead of Nathan Van Hooydonck.

-Mads Würtz won the Danish U23 TT in early May

More to follow...