Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, May 17, 1993 TAG: 9305170087
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA D. MICKEY LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: GREENSBORO, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
The Team WordPerfect star entered the 11th and final stage in Greensboro, N.C., with an overall 19-second lead over American Lance Armstrong of Motorola.
But by the end of the 36.5-mile time trial, the cagey Mexican rider had added an extra two minutes, seven seconds to his lead and had surged back after a flat tire to catch and pass Armstrong.
He finished with a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, 16 seconds in the longest time trial distance in the history of the event. Alcala also became the first rider to repeat in the winner's circle - having also won in 1990 when the race was the Tour de Trump.
Winston-Salem's Jim Copeland of the Chevrolet/L.A. Sheriffs had the second best time in the final stage with a 1:15:01 finish. Amateur Brett Dennis of the Australian national team finished third for the day at 1:16:01, followed by Armstrong at 1:16:23.
"I feel the same as I did two years ago," said Alcala, a nine-year pro who took over the yellow jersey for good at stage 5. "I found a good tempo for the time trial and the weather was warm, which is beautiful for racing."
Armstrong went off the starting ramp in High Point two minutes before Alcala, who was the last rider to leave the start. Halfway through the ride, Alcala had Armstrong in sight.
At the 23-mile mark, he caught Armstrong, but 26 miles into the race and with a five-second lead, Alcala's bike had a flat tire. He dropped to 17 seconds behind the Texan.
At mile 32, both riders caught up with Jorg Muller and Alcala charged ahead for good.
"I tried to catch [Armstrong] in the first 30 kilometers," Alcala said. "When I did, I think his morale was a little bit broken."
Armstrong agreed.
"When you get caught like that, it's so demoralizing," said the 21-year-old first-year pro. "I have to work on this time trialing business."
While he didn't crack the top three spots in the final stage, Armstrong's overall finish was good enough for second place, 2 minutes, 26 seconds behind Alcala.
Atle Kvalsvoll of Subaru-Montgomery finished third overall after three years as the event's runner-up.
The Norwegian said he wasn't surprised at how Alcala smoked the field this year.
"Raul is a rider who can be in the top three in the time trial at the Tour de France," he said. "I knew he could win the stage today."
Keywords:
CYCLING
by CNB