In a battle between the two biggest Russian cycling teams, Rusvelo and Katusha, the former beat the latteras Ilnur Zakarin took the win ahead of Vladimir Gusev. With no less than 11 Katusha and 6 Rusvelo riders in the top 20, the two squads underlined their domination of the Russian cycling scene.

With Vladimir Gusev, Mikhail Ignatiev and most recently Denis Menchov, Katusha has had a firm grip on the Russian time trial crown for the last three years but today the team missed out on a fourth consecutive win. Instead, the title went to its "younger brother", the pro continental Rusvelo team, as the talented 23-year old Ilnur Zakarin came out on top.

Zakarin beat the best Kastusha rider Vladimir Gusev into 2nd by putting 30 seconds into him on the 50km course in Samara. In a beautiful display of strength from the Rusvelo team which has its origin as part of the Russian team pursuit squad, the former Katusha rider Artem Ovechkin completed the podium while his teammate Alexander Serov finished 5th.

Katusha had by far lined up the most riders for the race but despite placing 11 riders in the top 20, the team had to settle for second. Gusev was the best rider from the Russian super team andTimofey Kritskiy and Petr Ignatenko were next in line in 5th and 6th. On the other hand, former winner Mikhail Ignatiev had a disappointing ride for 9th.

Katusha will get an opportunity to take revenge on Sunday when they line up a strong squad for the road race championships.

Result:

1. Ilnur Zakarin 1.01.12

2. Vladimir Gusev +0.30

3. Artem Ovechkin +0.49

4. Alexander Serov +0.57

5. Timofey Kritskiy+1.10

6. Petr Ignatenko+1.14

7. Evgeni Petrov +1.23

8. Vladimir Isaychev +1.45

9. Mikhail Ignatiev +1.57

10. Alexander Rybakov +2.03