Time Trial Tech: The race of truth at the 2012 USA Pro Challenge

Leipheimer started the Denver time trial with a slim, nine-second lead. He'll use his Specialized Shiv and all his energy to defend that advantage. Photo: Nick Legan

At least for pre-riding, Leipheimer had a Garmin mount on the basebar of his Shiv. Photo: Nick Legan

One of BMC's mechanics built this very cool toolbox for carrying tools in the team car. It hangs on the back of the front passenger seat and frees up space on the back seats. Photo: Nick Legan

Astana mechanics had all the necessities for the Denver time trial; tools, bikes, pumps and hot sauce. Photo: Nick Legan

A clever, homemade SRM mount on one of the Team Astana bikes. Photo: Nick Legan

Optum's Tom Zirbel will race through the streets of Denver aboard his Orbea Ordu. Photo: Nick Legan

Sometimes a zip tie can be a very handy thing. Here one keeps Zirbel's SRM display mount in place. Photo: Nick Legan

Craig Virr made some last minute brake adjustment's to one of his rider's Speed Concept. Photo: Nick Legan

Frame pumps are super pro. Bontrager-Livestrong riders used them during their pre-rides. Photo: Nick Legan

Bontrager-Livestrong has some cool new brake levers with integrated barrel adjusters. Photo: Nick Legan

Champion Systems' Aaron Kemps used a radical stem on his Kestrel to get enough drop for his handlebars. Photo: Nick Legan

Garmin's riders prefer to focus on the side of the bus during time trial warm-ups, but Dave Zabriskie took time to sign autographs before he punched in for his work day. Photo: Nick Legan

Tejay van Garderen's BMC Time Machine was ready for action Sunday morning. His position has extreme drop from the saddle to the handlebars. His saddle was slammed back on its rails. Photo: Nick Legan

After two stage victories, Garmin-Sharp's Tyler Farrar was as relaxed as a sprinter can be on a time trial day. Photo: Nick Legan

Tejay van Garderen had a 21-second deficit to overcome if he wanted to take the overall from Levi Leipheimer. Heading out to pre-ride the course, van Garderen looked focused, even with media scrutiny high. Photo: Nick Legan

Tom Danielson looked calm and ready for the final day of the USAPC. Photo: Nick Legan

Downtown Denver hosted the final stage of the USAPC. The start ramp was a long, 100-meter catwalk. Photo: Nick Legan