Winning feels good

Emotions are real when races come down to seconds

We talk so much about competition. About preparation, measuring power, pain and suffering, who will win, who didn't win; in the end only one man wins. And when he wins all those miles spent on the road no matter the weather, all those injuries recovered from, all those times saying no to temptation, of ignoring the doubters and finding steadfast belief in the self, come rushing to the foreground of the mind.

What else comes forward is how much competitors appreciate the men that get out and compete against them. When elite athletes are trained into a concrete habit of focusing on their ability to win, it is actually uncomfortable for them to name who else might win. I believe they learn to talk about the strengths of others out of courtesy and the need to answer interview questions about their opponents. But basically these questions are like trying to derail a speeding train that has slowed enough to let us get on board for a brief moment in time. One does not become one of the top cyclists in the world without a competitive nature that goes to the core of their being.

These cyclists are not like us. They have that "right stuff" that only some are gifted with. And although we enjoy seeing them do things just like we would do, there is an intensity that burns deep inside them to win. There are cyclists all over the world who have a dream to compete at this level, but they will never get there. It requires the perfect storm of talent, hard work, family support, team support, sacrifice, opportunity taken, and an unyielding belief in the self.

Release that much bottled up intensity from the start line in a pack of colored lycra, and emotions are bound to come out when an individual delivers a win on the finish line. I believe that is why we as fans are drawn to the moments that the camera captures just prior to and after the winner crosses the finish line - because we are trying to share the human experience. The thrill of victory, the reward of a hard fight well done.

© All Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

Tyler Farrar wins Stage 1 in Telluride   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

When Christian Vande Velde recently won the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, years of riding a bike were rewarded. He more than deserved to win. And the men who competed so strongly against him were able to turn on-a-dime to acknowledge the achievement of their good friend. A good competitor raises the performance of every other competitor in the field.

Christian Vande Velde earned admiration and respect for being an excellent competitor.

Honest respect   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

And all the other competitors showed their emotions as well at the end of a brutal week of racing.

Sweet victory   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

An emotional Tejay on the final podium in Denver. He is a true fighter.    ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

The youthful joy of Taylor Phinney   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

And playfully stealing the limelight from his friend Christian

Jens Voigt, a man whose emotions run the gamut   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

A successful and grateful Tyler Farrar (with the Mayor of Denver)

Tom Danielson feeling the pride as his son receives the podium kisses

Champagne

Team RadioShack-Nissan-Trek celebrating their week of work as Best Team

Realizing the rewards of hard work

Congratulations Christian Vande Velde on your win of the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Winner Christian Vande Velde   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

He won a bowl   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

And some champagne   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

And our admiration   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

A heartfelt farewell to George Hincapie. You inspired us all with your dedication of 19-years to the sport of cycling. Looking forward to following your next accomplishments as you and your family grow together outside of competition, but inside of cycling.  [Read an earlier Pedal Dancer post: George Hincapie is retiring ]

George and Melanie Hincapie   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

Good luck George!   ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

Winning feels good

Relax. The competition is over ... for now    ©Photo by Karen of PedalDancer.com

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In Durango

And the race news has started

I am in Durango, Colorado, blogging from the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Sharing stories from what it is like chasing the race for the entire week as a fan. So far - it is grand. 

I am in cowboy country and found myself listening to country western music on the drive southwest yesterday from Denver. I couldn't help myself, by weeks-end I'll be talking like a cowboy and wearing a cowboy hat. I know I live here, but still this state is amazing. I walked the streets of Durango (I love that phrase) last night with Dan and Scott from Bicycle Colorado. I stopped them at a picturesque corner and said, "Look at this, can you imagine the riders from Italy walking down this street, they must feel like they are in a Western movie." Durango is a cool, very friendly town. We strolled as bluegrass music filled the air and boisterous people spilled out from art galleries, restaurants and bars. I am happy to be here. 

we already have news from the race and it hasn't even started yet:

• Andy Schleck will not be racing, he is still healing from a fractured pelvis which gives him pain on long rides. (Schleck out of USA Pro Challenge)
• Timmy Duggan is changing teams for 2013. Timmy will be switching from Liquigas-Cannondale to Canada’s SpiderTech-C10 in 2013. Timmy is our current American road race champion andwe've all heard stories about how he took that title with little support from his Italian team. (US Pro champion Timmy Duggan to ride for SpiderTech-C10 in 2013)
• Vincenzo Nibali who we will also see riding at the USA Pro Challenge for Liquigas-Cannondale will be moving teams to Astana in 2013 (Nibali signs two-year contract with Astana). Jacob Fuglsang will also move to Astana from team Radioshack-Nissan-Trek.

“Not to save my life I could name one city from last year’s tour of Colorado. I just go: Erase and rewind.” ~ Jens Voigt

Don't take this quote in VeloNews.com personally Colorado, Jens is like this in Europe as well. He may notice every tactical detail inside the race, but can't remember where he was or where he is going.

Laughs from the day

I am tent camping at the private United Campground, which is anything but roughing it, as I sit here on the green grass at my clean picnic table drinking a cup of hot coffee, typing on my laptop and waiting for the Durango-Silverton train to come rolling at any minute. The sun is out, it is a beautiful day in Durango, Colorado.

When I strolled up to get that morning cup of coffee, I started up a conversation with the owner of the campground, they were expecting a big weekend with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the Pro Challenge Experience, and the Rail Fest all going on in Durango at the same time. I said to the owner,  "You wouldn't believe how fast they ride on a bike." "And steady," he added in his thick accent, "Shoot, one time I rode a bike, I rode fifteeeeen miiiles, den I put dat bike down, and den I sold that bike!"

As I walked back to my tent site still chuckling, I started chatting with two mountain bikers in the campsite next to mine. "Are you here to photograph the trains or the bike race," they asked me, "Well the bike race, but the trains add atmosphere to this town," I answered. One mountain biker commented, "I saw Tom (Tommy Danielson) riding through town yesterday, man he was going maybe 24mph with one hand on the handlebar, just talking to the guy next to him." We all shook our heads in amazement and gave a moment of silent praise. "Ya, but they don't get to eat pizza," I said. "Ya, but what is worse is the guy at the back who is suffering, who never makes it big, doesn't get to eat pizza either," the mountain biker added. So true. 

Stories from the road

As I drove from Denver to Durango yesterday I passed through Pagosa Springs, where a large sign hung "Welcome Cycling Enthusiasts" affirming I was heading in the right direction - West to Durango. I came upon snow, or compacted hail (graupel) just before Wolf Creek Pass - brrrr cold. The BMC team bus was parked at the summit of the pass, I had seen them earlier in Del Norte, CO. We were all headed west.

On the other side of Wolf Creek Pass, there is a chunk of land called "The Land of Many Uses" it ranks right up there as one of the most magnificent places on this earth. It is spectacular. "As I descended off of Wolf Creek pass I thought, this puts the Tourmalet to shame and almost the Rocky Mountain National Park. The folks who own the ranches in that valley have bought a piece of heaven. I should have stopped to hike to Treasure Falls (only 1/4 miles off the highway) it looked like it would be a nice break from the car drive although I still wasn't tired of the country music.

The train just passed by my campsite!

Durango is known for it's old-fashioned Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge railroad train that runs from town to town up the Million Dollar Highway. It is fun for tourists. I rode the train back to Durango after a hiking/rock climbing trip into the Weminuche Wilderness years ago. We were miles from a road, and the train stopped at a small white sign, the Conductor greeted us and threw our packs in the cargo hold, I thought he was going to throw us in the cargo-hold as well (after 5-days of climbing), but nop, we found ourselves eating fresh popcorn and enjoying the incredible views from the open-air train car. It takes all day to go up and back, and costs from $89-$179, $49 for kids (train schedule).

Photos from the road - Day 1 in Durango

The face of modern camping - laptops and beer

Railroads and the west

A nice place to stay

Bluegrass in the streets of Durango on Friday night

Locals were in the Irish Bar have a roller-off

Narrow-gauge tracks in the morning sun

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You can never have too much argyle

Scarves and argyle unit at the Garmin-Cervelo team launch party

Please wear argyle - it was clear that this company memo was received by every team member of Team Garmin-Cervelo. Last night the team presentation gala overflowed with miss-matched stuffed chairs and the theme of argyle patterned cashmere sweaters, scarves, and even pants. The pants worn by Christian Vande Velde where unsuspectingly auctioned right off of him at the end of the event (he was clearly disappointed to part with these pants).

Christian Vande Velde in argyle pants

I often watch team presentations in Europe live online, but last night, forty-five minutes from my home, the team who hopes to be considered by fans as the most popular cycling team in 2012, gave a introduction party. The Garmin-Cervelo team is a new team of men for 2012, and yet the diverse squad of riders from varied countries, already appeared quite comfortable with each other.

The new Garmin-Cervelo team for 2012:

A comfortable evening with 2012 Team Garmin Cervelo

Garmin-Cervélo riders 2012: http://www.slipstreamsports.com/ Heinrich Haussler, Andreas Klier, Tyler Farrar, Ryder Hesjedal, Christian Vande Velde, David Zabriskie, Dan Martin, Sep Vanmarcke, Andrew Talansky, Ramunas Navardauskas, Alex Howes, David Millar, Christophe Le-Mével, Johan Vansummeren, Martin Maaskant, Michel Kreder, Murilo Fisher, Peter Stetina, Ryder Hesjedal, Tom Danielson, Tom Peterson, [NEW] Robbie Hunter, Sebastien Rosseler, Raymond Kreder, Alex Rasmussen, Jacob Rathe, Koldo Fernandez, Nathan Haas, Fabian Wegmann, Jack Bauer, Thomas Dekker, Raymond Kreder, 

The evening in Boulder, Colorado: 

Garmin Cervelo Team Presentation at the Boulder Theater

Robbie Ventura (Versus Announcer, and former pro rider) performed as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. A short-film was shown emphasizing Garmin-Cervelo's team approach, Jonathan Vaughters spoke about the impact the team has had on the sport of cycling, Robbie Ventura then posed questions to 8-10 riders followed by an open question session by the audience. 

Peter Stetina answers questions

Ryder Hesjedal answering a question

Inspirational answers came from Johan Vansummeren and Tom Danielson who shared their belief that this team "makes dreams happen." Danielson described climbing Alpe d'Huez in 2011 in close pursuit of Cadel Evans, Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck during the Tour de France. Vansummeren described his life long dream of winning Paris-Roubaix and stated he specifically signed with Garmin-Cervelo for another 3-years because he credited the team for realizing his dream of winning Paris-Roubaix in 2011.

Tommy D, Heinrich, and Summie

A member of the audience asked that each rider introduce themselves, and the fans in the audience enjoyed this round of introductions very much. This team has incredible talent and if this presentation had been in Europe, we would have likely had a different first row configuration. The packed house also enjoyed a surprise performance by David Zabriskie singing not two, but three verses of "Rolling on the Garmin." (Recommended viewing and listening: Dave Zabriskie sings!)

Dave Zabriskie's surprising stage presence

After a number of lively auctions, the presentation came to an end, but not the evening. 

Robbie Ventura auctioning off an autographed jersey and a ride in a team car for the 2012 USPCC

As most fans flowed out onto the streets of Boulder, the Garmin-Cevelo team members gathered in front of the stage and at the bar to visit and relax with each other. I of course always feeling comfortable to move among the riders, went down into the pit with them as they drank their Stella Artois beers and continued to enjoy each others company.

David Millar and Ryder Hesjedal enjoying a beer

Robbie Hunter, new on the team for 2012, socializing after the presentation

I said hello to Allan Peiper and congratulated him on his new position with the team. I chatted with Johan Vansummeren who was answering Neal Roger's (VeloNews.com journalist) question about the proper spelling of his name. Johan told us that it is Vansummeren, even though we explained to him that the team website spelled his name "Van Summeren." "I'm tired of telling them it is spelled wrong," he said. We laughed as I assured him, "don't worry we'll write in and tell them to correct it." And so I have just done so, we'll see if the spelling gets corrected. (Update: it was corrected!)

Neal Rogers of VeloNews and Johan Vansummeren talking

Johan told me he was looking forward to going home soon, he'd been on the road for a month and he missed his cat. I also spoke with Heinrich Haussler who said that after Paris-Roubaix in April, he will be returning to Boulder for a month to train in Colorado prior to competing in the Tour of California in May. 

The rest of my brief time was spent recognizing people, taking photos, and acknowledging my lack of knowledge in men's clothing. I could not identify the kind of collar Jonathan Vaughters was wearing. There is no doubt there remains much more to learn in this sport.

Jonathan Vaughters in a nice tie collar vest suit combo, accented with argyle

That was fun, I like Garmin-Cervelo 2012! Maybe next year they'll ask all the fans to wear argyle as well. 

VeloNews video of the event: VIDEO: 2012 Garmin-Cervélo team presentation
VeloNews report of the event: Garmin-Cervélo’s Boulder camp was as much for the riders as the fans
Event report by ProVeloPassion: Garmin-Cervélo 2012 Launch Tidbits

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Stage 6 - Pedaling at Altitude

Dancing on the Pedals in Denver - USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 6

I spent the week chasing the USA Pro Challenge and blogging about my experience as a fan. Playing tourist in my own state of Colorado.

Stage facts: 

Stage 6: 73.8 miles from Golden to Denver

How I enjoyed my day:

I volunteered!

My day as a fan:

There have been years when I travel 1 hour to the airport by car, 15 hours to France by plane, and 1-4 hours in a rental car every day to be a fan at a stage race, and paid thousands of dollars to do so. Yesterday morning, I got on my around town bike and rode 12 minutes into downtown Denver. Even though I have been following this race a week, it is hard to believe that this level of professional cycling is within minutes of my front door. 

Story from the day:

After a brief orientation on how to recognize (and cut-off) a drunk person (I am sure for insurance reasons), we the bar-tending volunteers, took our positions pouring beer inside the beer garden at Civic Center Park in Denver. Remember how I mentioned the event required over 4,000 volunteers! We were a small percentage of the total effort put in by citizens across this state.

It was a beautiful very hot day in Denver.  

Denver State Capital building

Denver City and County Building

Most of the fans lined the edge of the route and we were not swamped until after the race was over. I showed up to the volunteer sign-in desk in the morning to the sound of my friend Kathy Zawadski shouting out "Karen!" We teamed up together as volunteers for the day. Kathy made it fun to be there.

There were two other volunteers with Kathy and me in the beer tent. One of the others, Mark, was pulled away early because they needed another male volunteer to track the riders marked for drug testing for the day. Mark ended up having an incredible experience at the finish line waiting for the riders to cross the line. The rider he was assigned to was one of the 5 riders to DNF the stage, so no sample was taken, and Mark did not get to finish his job following his assigned rider from the finish line through the drug testing procedures. At each stage, the stage winner, the overall race leader, and two random riders are selected for drug testing. Mark faithfully returned to our beer booth.

before the fans showed up

I was able to leave my volunteer post for my late "lunch break" to attend the final press conference in the Denver Post Building one block from my volunteer location. This was a wonderful experience. For so many years I have watched the press conferences online, finally I was experiencing what it was like to be there to see the press room and rows of tables with technical equipment and working journalists. To listen to the panel of riders answer questions, to see another view of what goes into to making this event happen.  

Read more about the Positive comments about the race that I heard at the press conference.
Jonathan Vaughters, Rafael Montiel (best climber), TeJay VanGarderen (best young rider), Christian VandeVelde (representing his team who won best overall team), Levi Leipheimer (Leader), and Timmy Duggan (most aggressive rider - stage 6)

press room

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper

Tejay Van Garderen after the press conference

Fans I met:

Basically lots of thirsty fans with varied knowledge of cycling. Kathy's husband Jon Heidemann stopped by to say hi, he and Kathy run Peak to Peak Training Systems, offering Level 1 coaching, training, and nutritional services, with a performance center, to athletes in the greater Denver area. They have tremendous success in training athletes, both juniors and adults, and are general fantastically fun to be around.

Pictures from the day:

Early in the morning, before everything was set up, I came across George laying on the ground, well that is just bad mojo right there I thought, so Kathy and I had some fun. We couldn't let George lay there by himself!

Vendor Expo Festival in Civic Center Park and spectators waiting for the racers to arrive.

Cannondale was the bike sponsor of the race

The music from the live band on stage filled the air

Fans found shade within the Shack Tracker tent and watched the race approach.

Denver Police on bikes

friendly medical staff at the event

Meanwhile, this was the scene at the free Diggity VIP tent down on Bannock and Speer as the fans sat watching the race on TV. 

Photo by Tom Sorenson of Diggity.com

Photo by Tom Sorenson of Diggity.com

This is what the race looked like from their vantage point on Speer Blvd.

Back at the finish area in Denver (below), with the VIP tent to the right. The VIP tent located in Denver for the final stage of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge was located at the finish line. Fans who got there early could rest at tables and chairs, by the time the fans arrived from the Golden start, the VIP area was getting crowded. Samantha, a fan, reported to me, that it appeared the VIP area had been almost double oversold, and more than over-capacity. She was told they sold over 1800 tickets to the VIP tent in a space that was intended to hold 1000 fans. Eventually they did not have enough seating or food. I understand there were a number of gate crashers in this VIP area. I hope that next year the VIP organizers provide the space and services the fans expect when purchasing VIP tickets at the finish of the tour. I also think they should check off the passes at entry or check ID. Certainly not every VIP tent is created equal.

The word from the Race Organizer Shawn Hunter, is that the race will return to Denver in 2012. The word from Mike, one of the fans (and I think he reflects the sentiment of a few others), is that the "The final Podium set up is horrible!!!!!!!!" "I understand the money from the sponsors, but only a couple hundred other viewers can get in the street and watch. Next year MUST be set up to allow the masses to view the podium ceremony," he said.

Strange how the only complaints I heard all week came from the last day in Denver. Meanwhile from where I was pouring beer, the center of civic center park was not crowded at all. Perhaps they need to set up a Forest Gump (speech on the mall) scenario for the mass of fans to see the final podium presentation in Denver. They even have the large pond! Forrreeest! could become Leeevviiii!

Thank you, it has been an exciting week of adventure and fun at the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Let's do it again next year! Less lycra, more sunscreen, less barriers to the fans, and much much MORE COWBELL!!!!

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