Natural Bridge, VA (April 24, 2007) - Russ Langley (Battley Harley-Davidson/Hudson Trail) of Washington, D.C. rocketed to a first in stage 1’s individual time trial.

Langly hurled his bike to speeds in excess of 30 mph to finish the 4.1-mile generally flat, out-and-back course in 8:04.6 (unofficial).

“It was hard and fast,” said Langly, 33, as he donned the Natural Bridge Race Leader Jersey in front of the magnificent colonial-style Natural Bridge Hotel.

“I do well in time trials and criteriums like today’s stage, and it really helped that I knew the course,” said Langly who finished top 10 at last year’s Natural Bridge time trial.

Experience helped another Tour of Virginia veteran succeed as Eddie Hilger (Priority Health), 33, of Lookout, GA, finished second in 8:05.7 (unofficial).

Hilger led the general classification during last year’s race, ultimately placing 5 th GC and entered this year’s Tour of Virginia as the top returning racer from 2006.

Individual riders started today’s time trial at 30-second intervals—a stage format appreciated by Hilger.

“I caught my 30-second guy at the turn around point and my one minute guy with more than a mile until the finish,” said Hilger. “It’s always mentally harder in the middle, but having riders up front can act as a carrot stick.”

Despite a stellar record at previous Tours of Virginia, Hilger said he was “a little surprised” by his strong finish. “I wasn’t even riding my TT (time trial) bike,” he said.

19-year-old Winston David (AEG-Toshiba-Jet Network) of Bellview, FL gave the old timers a run for the money by finishing third in 8:07.1 (unofficial). “This is my first big stage race. I really wasn’t expecting to do this well,” said David.

David’s podium finish also earned him the right to wear the Bicyclepowermeters.com U-23 jersey at the next stage. His performance typified the Tour of Virginia’s long-held reputation as the showcase stage race for young talent and future champions. With the support of a strong team, including mentors like prior two-time Tour of Virginia (Shenandoah) winner, Scottie Weiss, David is poised for a great week.

David considered the fact that last year’s GC winner, Brent Bookwalter, also wore the U-23 jersey. “No pressure!” he sighed.

20-year-old Gavi Epstein (CRCA/Sakonnet Technology U25) of Englewood, NJ explained that his developmental team, like many other developmental squads at this year’s race, chose to ride Tour of Virginia because of how the race promotes riders who don’t always get a chance in the spotlight under more senior teammates at other major stage races. “It’s huge experience and a real opportunity to shine,” said Epstein.

Team RACE director and Canadian cycling legend Steve Bauer said Tour of Virginia suited his young team. “Our guys have aspirations. We’d like to get some good stage results and we’re here to have fun, too,” said Bauer.

When the former Tour de France competitor was asked if he had the urge to hop on a bike and join his team today, Bauer laughed, assuring that “the guys are a lot faster than me now.”

Opinions of racers and directors indicated that the general consensus is that Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada is the race favorite. Kodak’s Dan Timmerman finished 4 th, lurking just behind the leaders.

Kodak’s director, Kurt Stockton explained that his team is using Tour of Virginia to tune up his squad for big races like Tour of Ireland. “You don’t get races like this (Tour of Virginia) with so many long days of racing,” said Stockton.

Preparation for international competition aside, Stockton made clear his team’s primary motive. “We’re here to win,” he said.

“It’s always nice to get the first stage under your belt” said race director Matthew Butterman. “Our volunteers, staff, and sponsors here in Natural Bridge and the hotel and conference center really helped us put on a thrilling time trial. And with about 180 riders—by far a record for us--this was a huge start for Tour of Virginia. 

(Low resolution photos attached. For high resolution photos contact Brock Foreman)

Complete, official results will be posted here when they become available.

Stage Two: Lynchburg Criterium, April 24, 2007

There’s no rest for weary legs as the Tour of Virginia resumes at 6:00 p.m. tonight with Stage 2’s Lynchburg Criterium.Racers will start and finish downtown at 9 th and Commerce Streets and compete at break-neck speeds for 25, 1-mile laps on a closed-circuit course near Amazement Square. Spectators will love this race, especially watching riders struggle up the grueling 9th St. climb.  The race distance will be 25 miles, and the racing should be very exciting as the time gaps should be relatively small and everyone will still have a good chance at obtaining the leader’s jersey.

Local information: http://www.discoverlynchburg.org

About the Tour of Virginia:

The Tour of Virginia showcases North America’s rising stars, and has a tradition of attracting the sport’s up and coming talent. 2007 marks the fifth edition of this race, which was formerly known as the Tour of Shenandoah. The event comprises seven stages over six days and is held on some of the nation’s most quiet and scenic roads amidst the beautiful landscapes of Virginia . An important mission of the Tour of Virginia is to inform the public about diabetes: how to control - and prevent the onset of - the disease and reduce complications through exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Stage details, maps, and sponsor information can be found at the official website, www.tourofvirginia.com

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