For Dave Zabriskie , the 2004 cycling season was one of extreme highs and lows.  What began with his second serious crash in 10 months, one that placed his career in jeopardy, concluded today with another promising result for the future.  Fifteen days after winning the 11th stage of the Tour of Spain, the US Postal Team rider today finished fifth in the World Championship time trial in Verona, Italy. <?xml:namespace prefix = o /?>

Zabriskie started strong in the 46.75 kilometer race - holding the third best time through the first two check points - and eventually finished <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /?>1:36 back of winner Michael Rogers of
Australia.  Zabriskie missed out on the podium by just over 11 seconds.

"I felt OK but i have to admit I'm a little disappointed," said Zabriskie after the finish, and added "I was going for the win."

Riding without a radio to communicate to the

U.S. team car to receive his splits, Zabriskie felt he was riding well due to the fact that "the helicopter was following me for quite a while, so I knew I was going well."

Zabriskie dropped out of the Tour of Spain one week ago in stage 17. Zabriskie commented that  "I think I stopped the Vuelta at the appropriate time and recovered well for this race.  What I got out of the Vuelta helped a lot for this race. I felt really good." As for his stage win at the Vuelta, Zabriskie added, "It definitely gives me extra confidence."

On his season as a whole, Zabriskie said, "My overall feeling it that is was a pretty good season actually.  I still think about the crash at
Redlands and know that I wasn't 100% recovered from the car accident [in May of 2003 where he broke his leg and wrist] at the time.  I still feel my right leg is a little stronger but plan on working hard during the off season to get completely ready for 2005." To find out how Zabriskie felt back in August, read our US Postal postcard from the Tour of Denmark .

Other US Postal team members in the time trial event today were
Colombia's Victor Hugo Pena (29th, at 4:22) and
Luxembourg's Benoit Joachim (36th, at 5:07).

Click here for further time trial results and photos.