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| BEN KING LEADS JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM AT PARIS-ROUBAIX JUNIORS |
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| Written by USA Cycling | |
| Tuesday, 17 April 2007 | |
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Five Americans Tackle Junior Version of the "Queen of the Classics" Colorado Springs, Colo. - As the world's top professional cyclists stole the headlines Sunday with their performance in Paris-Roubaix, the "Queen of the Classics" and arguably the most prestigious single-day bicycle race in the world, the sport's future - including a five-man American contingent - contested the junior version of the race. USA Cycling's Junior Development Program fielded a team of five riders for the Paris-Roubaix Juniors, a shorter version of the pro race specific to 17-and 18-year-olds. Ben King (Charlottesville, Va.) was the lone American finisher in the grueling event, crossing the line in 81st place, 14:48 back from the winner, Fabien Taillefer of France. The 130-kilometer course included 16 of the 26 treacherous cobblestone stretches that makes Paris-Roubaix the most sought after victory of the spring. The U.S. National Team was comprised of five riders, four of which were unable to make the ride into the famed Roubaix velodrome for the final meters. Taylor Phinney (Boulder, Colo.), Ryan Zupko (Chandler, Ariz.), Nolan Froese (Colombia, Mo.) and Taylor Kuphaldt (Yuba City, Calif.) also represented the U.S. throughout France, but ultimately did not finish despite their strong efforts. After 35 kilometers on the pavement, it was a nervous entrance to the first cobbled section, even for the world's brightest young riders. With 16 sections to cover, all of the American youngsters rode hard in the day's dusty and unusually warm conditions, but crashes and punctures ultimately prevented additional results for the remainder of the American squad. The race ended with the French cheering for one of their own three hours before the start of the pro race as Taillefer rode in solo, escaping from the peloton with 43 kilometers remaining. Prior to Paris-Roubaix Juniors, the U.S. team competed at the Ster van Limburg, a four-day stage race in Belgium. King was also the top finisher for the squad in that event, placing 28th overall, 38 seconds off the pace of winner Matthias Allegaert of Belgium. The Junior National Team will return home for a few weeks before heading back to Europe to continue their pursuit of international experience as they compete in the following events:
May 3: Wortegem-Petegem - Belgium Paris-Roubaix Juniors 1.HC France April 15 Individual Results 1. Fabien Taillefer (FRA) 3:09:30 2. Jens Debusschere (BEL) +1:19 3. Paolo Locatelli (ITA) 81. Benjamin King (Charlottesville, Va.) +14:48 DNF. Nolan Forese (Colombia, Mo.) DNF. Taylor Kuphaldt (Yuba City, Calif.) DNF. Taylor Phinney (Boulder, Colo.) DNF. Ryan Zupko (Chandler, Ariz.)
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