Passion prize: Joe Dombrowski’s all-in Gila time trial

Today Joe Dombrowski kept something he lost last year during the time trial at the Tour of the Gila: the best young rider jersey. He kept it by leaving all he had to give out on the roads around Silver City, New Mexico.

The exceptional twenty year-old on the Bontrager Livestrong Cycling Team pulled off an amazing time trial ride, just 17 seconds back from winner Evan Huffman with California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized. Compare Dombrowski’s ride today with that of 2011 when he finished 34th, two minutes behind the leader.

He invested everything he had in today’s time trial and arrived at the finish line totally emptied.

Dombrowski’s known for his climbing skills. With this strong time trial performance, he projected the promise of becoming a formidable stage racer. He also displayed another successful stage racer’s characteristic: the passion to be great.

Joe Dombrowski starts Tour of the Gila time trial

Joe Dombrowski right after the time trial finish line

The signs of completing an amazing time trial (photo by Mary Topping)

How will Dombrowski astound Tour of the Gila fans on Sunday, in arguably the most difficult and final stage of the race, the Gila Monster road race?