Passing on the Birkelundsbakken Bergen-15
The American Nielson Powless was tiding a brilliant time trial. He was going stronger and stronger as he approached the line. He seemed to be the only one who wasn't fighting the Birkelundsbakken climb. He even got Paulo Buccio (Italy) on the lower slopes of the hill. It seemed to be no question that he would medal, it was just a question of which one. And then... As he crested the climb shifting into the big gears for the descent, he slipped his chain. In the effort to get it back onto the front chain ring he went head over heals onto the asphalt. While his bike change was incredibly fast, it still cost him too much time. Buccio never caught him, but he ended his day in seventh. It just shows, that the race isn't over until it is over. Crashing is one reason I quit racing, it just hurts too damn much.