At the end of an exciting day of racing it was Team Specialized-Lululemon's Carmen Small who took the honors at the 2013 US PRO individual time trial championships in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Finishing only one second ahead of second place Kristin McGrath, it proved a tight and thrilling battle all the way to the finish line.

The present leader of the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar standings, Alison Powers (Pinecliffe, Colorado/NOW and Novartis for MS) placed third, 12.42 seconds behind Small.

"In the past three years, I've been on the podium at every nationals for the time trial," Small explained to RoadCycling.com after being celebrated on the podium. "It's been a progression because when I first started I wasn't necessarily that great. I was just okay. Top ten material. I've worked really hard to get where I am. That feels good. I've had to step up, make changes and work hard."

"I was so surprised to actually win today," Small added and continued "I knew I was ready to have a good ride and I hope I'd make it on the podium but I've never won gold before at Nationals and its really exciting."

With only 1 kilometer to go Small was still behind McGrath, but was able to make up the time on the fast descent to the finish line to take the victory and the national champion title.
 
"It was a beautiful course which suited me perfectly," Small explained when asked to comment on the course. "The uphill drags were hard for me, but the flat sections and downhill parts allowed me to hold my own."

"I've had a hard spring in Europe with the team. I did a lot of time on the front and in the gutter in the hard Dutch races, which really prepared me for the power course that USA Cycling and VW put on for us today. I'm honored to be able to wear the Stars and Stripes for the next year in time trial events."

The time trial course contested by the men and women comprised two laps around the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee and featured rolling terrain with few turns. Riders completed two out-and-back runs of 9.5 miles each for a total of 19 miles (31 kilometer).

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