Artem Shmidt claimed the first professional victory of his career with an impressive win at the United States National Time Trial Championship.
The 21 year old set a winning time of 39 minutes and three seconds across the 33.4-kilometre course in Charleston, West Virginia. The INEOS Grenadier took the victory by six seconds over closest rival Anders Johnson.
Drying roads made for tricky conditions for Shmidt to overcome, but he would make no mistake in adding to the Under-23 TT title he claimed in last year’s event.
His next time trial for the team will see him debut the striking US-champion’s skinsuit. Both Shmidt and teammate AJ August will also be in action in the national road race on Monday.