USAPro reports from the road - Aspen Weekend, Press Conference

Official Press Conference at Hotel Jerome in Aspen

Press Conferences are sort of ceremonial. I think media attend out of pure enthusiasm and respect for the event and race organizers. Nothing is typically learned from the simple questions asked, but I enjoy seeing the interaction between the riders off of the bike. They are in a different mood on a non race day (the press conference is typically conducted the day before the race begins) and the general atmosphere is one of calm respect.

Good humor and patience are most on display at any press conference.

It takes some experience for a rider to handle and answer questions in a professional respectful way. After all they hear the same questions a lot. Highlights are typically when a young high school journalist asks a question, or when a rider teases another rider about a particular personality trait. Other than that, I could assure you ahead of time that all the riders are happy to be in Colorado and all say they will race hard but do not know who will win.

The most interesting questions were about the fewer number of ProTour teams at the USA Pro Challenge this year, mostly due to timing, injuries and competing races including the Vuelta a España. The other hot topic pertained to the shorter length of the stages in the race this year. Race Director Jim Birrell explained that the parcours are planned based on timing in the season, altitude, weather and terrain.

The at times appearing catatonic riders came to life at this question and their response was to begin grabbing the mics to state their agreement and appreciation in the design of this year's route through Colorado. It is tough enough and they really appreciate being a considering factor in the design of the overall route. As Frank Schleck stated, "They planned the route with their eyes."

It was also nice to hear Fränk Schleck say he wouldn't have missed Jens' farewell tour for anything, they have ridden together on the same team for many years. And yes, this is Jens Voigt's last race. I and many other fans are thrilled to be part of #FarewellJens.

In attendance at the Press Conference were:

Shawn Hunter, CEO, USA Pro Challenge
Jim Birrell, Race Director
Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Jens Voigt (GER) of RadioShack Leopard Trek
Tom Danielson (USA) of Team Garmin-Sharp
Michael Rogers (AUS) of Tinkoff-Saxo
Ivan Basso (ITA) of Cannondale Pro Cycling
Fränk Schleck (LUX)  of Trek Factory Racing
Rafał Majka (POL) of Tinkoff-Saxo
Martijn Verschoor (NLD) Team Novo Nordisk
Leopold Konig (CZE) Team NetApp-Endura
and a very impressive showing of media members

Rider Rosters for the 2014 USA Pro Challenge By Pedal Dancer
Pro Teams for 2014 USA Pro Challenge By Pedal Dancer

The morning started with a hike (for me and my dog), a little time in the Media Room, and then some time out on the road spotting teams in training. The weather was spectacular. Aspen is simply the PERFECT host city for a stage race start. 

NetApp Endura riders stop on their training ride for a photo op

UHC Training on McClain Flats Rd

That would be Rafal Majka and his Tinkoff Saxo team training. They gave me a "Ciao Bella," made my day!

Just a typical day in Snowmass with Trek Factory Racing team on the road

NetApp-Endura all smiles and friendly hellos

Tommy D was out training on his own with his team car

I saw lots of other riders and teams, all with a ready wave hello. Super fun morning along the route of Stage 1.

Photos from the Press Conference

The riders watched the USA Pro Challenge promo video. They like watching bike racing as much as we do.

Ivan Basso spoke with meaning and emotion in very excellent English. He has charm galore.

Tejay van Garderen

Shawn Hunter, Michael Rogers, Jim Birrell

Fränk Schleck, he seems to really be enjoying his time in Colorado

This is Jensie's typical press conference face

He is a man of many expressions

Tom Danielson often looks like he needs a hug

Can't wait to see how Rafal Majka races in Colorado this week

Fränk Schleck and Ivan Basso are good friends

My favorite photo of the day was when Frank Schleck walked out of the press conference and noticed the elk hanging on the walls above him inside the Hotel Jerome. He stood there studying them very closely. He comes from a family of cyclists, fishermen, and hunters.

Fränk Schleck studying the elk in the Hotel Jerome

TODAY AT THE RACE

Stage 1 activities and schedule for the day: August 18, 2014, Apsen/Snowmass Village Circuit

STAGE 1 : 65 miles Stage 1 Map PDF  Stage 1 Profile PDF
Monday, Aug. 18 – Aspen Circuit Race
Aspen circuit race, 3 laps of nearly 22-miles each, and 2,300 ft. of climbing per lap.

Race Begins: Approximately 2:40 p.m.! they changed the start time!
Race Ends: Approximately 4:45 p.m.
State Highways Impacted: SH 82,  USA Pro Challenge Road Closures 2014

Stage 1 Timetable.pdf 

2:40pm - Race Start, Race Finish at 4:45pm. Podium presentation 30-minutes after the stage finish.
12:00-5:00pm - VIP tickets: buy start/finish tent $350 each. Where: Main St., Aspen.
12:00-5:00pm - Fan Club Meeting (Trek Travel for Jens Voigt Fans) Stage 1: Aspen Circuit Race. Where: El Rincon, 411 East Main Street, Aspen. Price: $50 per person, order tickets
4:45pm - Race Finish on Main St, Aspen. Podium presentation 30-minutes after the stage finish. 

2014 USA Pro Challenge - Stage 1 route map

USA PRO CHALLENGE Race, travel and fan guide by Pedal Dancer®
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Aspen/Snowmass Village by Pedal Dancer®
http://www.aspenupcc.com local Aspen city race website.

Recommended Viewing: Photos from Paris-Nice

Photos from Stage 4 and Stage 5   

Some very good quality images by Paddy Sweeney at Velo Peloton:

Paris-Nice images from Stage 4 near Rodez Paris-Nice – Stage 4 Rodez 

Paris-Nice images from the start of Stage 5 in Onet-le-Château Paris-Nice Stage 5 Onet-le-Chateau

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Favorite moments as a Fan in 2011

Pedal Dancer looks back at a fantastic 2011

An attempt to summarize the highlights of a year of cycling involves a pleasant mix of reminiscence, gratefulness, and hope for the future. After 2011 I am reinvigorated with a promising outlook for this sport. Mark Cavendish's recent win of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in Britain marks a significant gain in the prominence of the sport of cycling. 

I see things continuing to improve, from impressive growth in local racing, to increasing numbers of cyclosportives, to an expanse of media, to improved access for fans. There is a clear reason why I love this sport so much - because cycling is an open sport. I believe the openness in cycling will lead us out of the haze of doping allegations and into a much brighter future. 

What is unique about cycling is that Sponsors pay for athletes who are placed inches away from the fan, which means the fan is inches away from any sponsor. In which other sport do the athletes cover themselves head to toe in emblems of their sponsors, and extend that coverage to their bikes, cars, buses, casual clothing, talk, plans, and hopes. Perhaps car racing, a wildly popular successful sport, but one in which the fans are cordoned behind fences. Most of our high paying sports are more subtle - a golf hat, a surfboard, a tennis shoe. The remainder wear team uniforms labeled primarily with team names and numbers. 

Cyclists are walking billboards. Instead of hiding in a locker rooms pre-race, our athletes train, warm-up, and race in broad daylight on a free battlefield of fun. Grasp the concept of how easy it is to be a fan of cycling, how much we are welcomed and needed. Cycling is an open sport. In my eyes, the more open, the more transparent, and the better chance we have of seeing performance enhancing drugs cleared out of this sport to level the field of competition.

Sure, sponsors have left, but more are jumping on board in 2012. Thanks to various forms of social media, sponsors have even more exposure, as the fans are treated to a greater sense of fun that inhabits the day to day lives of the athletes. Cycling is not all grueling pain and controversy, the Armstrong days are behind us; the mega-teams of pro cycling are fun and inspirational once again. 

Last year I spoke of a growing trend toward the orator, rather than the previous focus on the look at me opinion spouting individual. This year I see a feel good trend coming our way. The trend makes sense after a rough period of economic and political unrest, and a devastating 2011 for so many countries. Human nature naturally grasps for the bits of good after a storm. There is plenty of good to be found in the future of this great sport in 2012.

For now my most significant memories of 2011 as a fan:

Johan Vansummeren wins the Paris-Roubaix 

emotional unexpected local and he proposed!

Without a doubt this was an action packed unexpected race outcome, the coverage captured the emotional win by Vansummeren. Johan Van Summeren wins 2011 Paris-Roubaix by VeloNews, A big win for a Belgian and Recap of Roubaix by Pedal Dancer.

Independence Pass and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge 

friends old and new and a celebration of American cycling

We pulled it off, that was the thought running through my head as I descended in the frigid cold off Independence Pass in August after Stage 2 of the USPCC. I can't believe we did it right here in Colorado. And by we, I in no way mean me, I mean that they built it and they came, in huge numbers. The race that I barely believed would be a reality was a smashing success thanks to the organizers and over 1 million fans who showed up to the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. For me, the days of chasing the tour were as exhilarating as being on Alpe d'Huez or Plat d'Adet. 

Independence Pass  Photo by PedalDancer.com

Live online coverage of racing 

watching the action and reading results live on any device I wanted

Every year it keeps getting better, TV, apps, Tour Tracker, LeTour website, Twitter, YouTube. Last year I especially enjoyed the race coverage by OZcycling, Bicycling.com, O'nev Ciclismo Fotografia, and Eurosport, as well as a number of blogs. 

Bernard Eisel liked my dog's goatee 

the personal fun moments in relating to others are the best

Cycling is my hobby. No matter what the hobby, the joy is in being around others who enjoy the same hobby. Those who gather from different countries and backgrounds to unite in support of sport. We are uniquely the same. And so it was with great joy that Bernhard Eisel (HTC-Highroad, now Sky) called out in laughter to greet my dog as we walked by at the Tour of California, "he has a goatee!" 

Bernie Eisel  Photo by PedalDancer.com

This fan asked to have his picture taken with Jack Denny - matching goatees

Jens caught no fish 

a light shown in his eyes that told me the mighty Jens was so much like us

Jens Voigt is not only one of my favorite pro cyclists, he is an interesting man. I am fascinated with his ability to show a range of emotions, and then poof they have passed and he is onto the next thing. His ability to sit quietly reading a book and then give his all suffering in competition is astonishing. He has an instinct for race strategy while in the race, but cannot recall the road he has traveled upon after the race. 

I wish you could have seen his face light up when he spoke of fishing in Colorado. Here was a man 45 minutes away from racing an individual time trial describing to me the area near Ten-mile Reservoir where he and Fränk Schleck had gone fishing days prior to the start of the USPCC. Jens was so animated a light surrounded him that would have seemed eery if he had not been so gosh darn delightfully in his moment of joy. His enthusiasm is infectious.

Frank Schleck and Jens Voigt fishing in Colorado, August 2011 Photo from Twitter

Bikes 

frames, pedals, Interbike, and Nick Legan

Learning about bikes filled my year, and none of them were mine. These bikes were the fastest, lightest, meanest bikes on the market and ridden by the best cyclists in the world. I learned a lot about fast bikes in 2011. I also learned to love Nick Legan's mechanics column at VeloNews. The world needs more Nick Legans. 

S-Works Shiv TT bike, Photo by PedalDancer.com

Show me the money at Cross Vegas
could there be a more fun way to celebrate a bike race

If you can get to Las Vegas, Nevada, to watch Cross Vegas - go! If you cannot please read this post (Cross Vegas - Vegas style), get your friends together, and create your own Cross Vegas. 

grabbing money and beer at Cross Vegas cyclocross race  Photo by PedalDancer.com

Favorite Videos 

the brain is faster than the mind, and I love humor 

Danny Hart's 2011 World Championship Winning Downhill Run at Champery

Videos that make me laugh: Fränk and Andy Interview

Fränk and Andy Schleck

Paddy breaks the code 
unexpected route leaks

What a surprise it was when I noticed a new post on my desktop screen by Paddy Sweeney of VeloPeloton. Only this wasn't just any blog update, this was Paddy announcing that he had stumbled upon the mistakenly published route of the 2012 Tour de France. To know Paddy Sweeney is to know an avid fan of cycling who could fairly challenge John Wilcockson in a battle of cycling trivia. The fact that Paddy wrote himself into the history of the Tour de France after devoting a lifetime to the sport (mostly making it happen for others) is incredible. 2012 Tour de France route discovered. He also happens to be the taker of some of my favorite photos of 2011: Gallery

Philippe Gilbert, the Giro and the TdF 

hours of online entertainment and incredible scenery

We watched Philippe Gilbert win a lot of races in 2011. The best part of cycling is that it can be watched in solitude, in a bar among strangers, with close friends or family on a roadside, or in a crowd of fans. However you do it, each person comes away thinking they had the best experience. 2011 was a great year for watching pro cycling. I didn't travel to all these places in 2011, but I felt like I was there. I am grateful to the cameramen who cover this sport

The cameramen at the Tour of California (I know - they imported the motos)  
Photo by PedalDancer.com

 
Remembering Wouter Weylandt (27 September 1984 – 9 May 2011) 

I wept so much in watching his memorial my tears malfunctioned the touch pad on my laptop

Stage 3 of the 2011 Giro d'Italia was a sad tragic day. Wouter Weylandt's sudden fall on the descent of the Passo del Bocco had everyone thinking about family and friends, and the meaning of sport and the life of a young man. On September 1, 2011 his daughter Alizée was born.

Learning to walk again 

never take for granted the freedom of riding a bike

The new year brought to me the personal accomplishment of being able to walk and ride a bike again after a multiple fractured pelvis. Through it all I was very fortunate to have this blog to express my ever growing interest in this sport.

Karen of Pedal Dancer on Vail Pass at the USPCC

Travel Plans for 2012 

Belgium, California, France, Colorado

Travel is my true love and in 2012 I will be traveling to Belgium in March/April to see the Tour of Flanders and the Paris-Roubaix, then to California in May for the Amgen Tour of California, followed by France in July for a number of stages in the Alpes and Pyreness (but mostly to ride, be with friends and drink wine). Finally in August I won't have to travel far for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. In between all that fun will be plenty of races to watch online including my favorites the Tour Down Under, Milan-San Remo, the Giro d'Italia, the Olympics, and so many more.

Have bike will travel  Photo by PedalDancer.com

What happened over at Pedal Dancer central in 2011

The most popular post in 2011: 2011 ProTeam Bikes 
The post that brings back fond memories of old and new friends: More Cowbell! 
The big surprise in popularity for a post: What pedals do the pros use?
Surpassed 1 year as a blogger: 1 year! - I'd like to thank the fans

Affecting change in the sport: with enormous pride I would like to share that I was instrumental in having the spelling of Johan Vansummeren's name corrected on his team website after he told us he had asked repeatedly. I could be bragging about my hour at 450 watts or my numerous race wins (neither of which happened in 2011), but instead I am proudest of a simple online spelling correction in a world where anyone can now publish a book on Amazon, and anyone can call themselves a writer. I strive to become a much better writer and photographer in the years ahead and to learn much more about cycling. For now I am a fan who knows how to spell Vansummeren, and that makes me smile.

Happy New Year to all!

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Image of the Day: mandatory work apparel

What if this was your work uniform?

Every time I see this picture of Tejay Van Garderen I think, I wonder if his Mother knew all along her son would be heading off to work in this get-up? Sometimes I joke with others that I write my blog so that Dave Zabriskie's Mom can explain to her friends exactly what it is her son does for a living - Well Marilee, there is this thing called the Tour de France ... 

Just another day at the office for these pro cyclists
all photos by PedalDancer.com

Tejay Van Garderen all dressed up with someplace to go
© by PedalDancer.com

Dave Zabriskie and Andy Schleck dressed for their jobs; making their mother's proud
© by PedalDancer.com

Johan Vansummeren in his other (non-Classics) work clothes
© by PedalDancer.com

some people should be required to wear a skinsuit to work - Bernhard Eisel
© by PedalDancer.com

George Hincapie in his skinsuit
© by PedalDancer.com

Fränk Schleck on the job. In what other job do you get to wear such cool clothes?
© by PedalDancer.com

That's my boy!
 
p.s., just letting you know I am sitting at my computer right now with my aero helmet on. 

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Videos that make me laugh: Fränk and Andy Interview

Too funny

When I am still laughing hours later - it is too good not to share. Fränk and Andy get "punked," a fake interview with the Schleck brothers. Featuring Andy and Andy's "brother". (Found on PEZ Cycling's Euro Trash Thursday).

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USA Pro Cycling Challenge - wrap up

Some interesting after race stories and facts

As I come back down to earth, and begin to refocus on the Vuelta a España this week, I thought I would share a few after race links and information that may be of interest from last week's USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado.

The success of Tour Tracker®

The Tour Tracker® applications, developed specifically for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge and sponsored by Radio Shack, called Shack Tracker, set a new record for online and mobile event coverage. 

• Mobile Devices: Over 24,000 unique users downloaded the Tour Tracker across all mobile devices,
• Online: 127,000 unique users accessed Tour Tracker® via the website.
• Total launches: 581,000 launches altogether (which means fans could have averaged 4 uses per fan).

Tour Tacker has also developed applications for the Tour of California, the numbers for the first year of Colorado beat their records for a race with a 7-year history. A USA Pro Cycling Challenge press release today stated that, "Over the course of the seven-day stage race, Tour Tracker use propelled the app into the top 10 most popular sports downloads on both the iPod and iPad platforms. The Android version of Tour Tracker broke into the top 50 climbing as high as 37th."

Basic race statistics

Nearly 1 million spectators viewed this race from the roadsides along the route while more than 25 million watched the race on television in 161 countries and territories, including NBC and Versus.  The USA Pro Cycling Challenge was one of the largest cycling events in United States history.

What were the prize winnings for the USA Pro Challenge?

A number of you have been searching for these figures on my blog - look for a post tomorrow (to be linked here) with the breakdown of stage wins and overall GC winnings for the race.
USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prize Money

News you may have missed, but well worth reading or viewing:

VeloNews reported on the low budget and fantastic success of the two Colombian teams at the race, I strongly feel with the popularity of cycling in Colorado, had we known of this story ahead of time, local citizens would have easily donated time, skills, and equipment to these teams. The Colombian teams’ low-budget assault on Colorado and for a visual on the team Colorado gallery: A day with the Gobernacion team

Jens Voigt video by VeloNews that recaps the general mood of this race: VIDEO: Jens Voigt on fishing, chillin’, and breaking away in Colorado. Fränk Schleck on riding in Colorado, by Ozcycling USA Pro Cycling Challenge - Frank Schleck. Right when you think all these post race video interviews are the same, some fan grabs his 15 seconds of glory, by Ozcycling Cadel Evans and the mysterious man in the background.

Photos from Stage 2 over Cottonwood Pass and Independence Pass: 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge stage 2 photos by Casey B. Gibson and more by Colorado gallery: 12,000 feet with Brad Kaminski and yes, a fan did collide with a Mavic support motorcycle, knocking the motorcycle over. 

What bikes did the teams use for Stage 3, the short gradual uphill at altitude time trial in Vail? Nick Legan reviews the bikes used by the riders: VIDEO: Bike and gear choices for the Vail time trial

Videos on competition; what the riders went through on Vail Pass: USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Christian Vande Velde The thrill of wining a stage from Elia Viviani (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale Stage 4 Finish and Winner's Reaction (01:18 English) — bicycling 

The general theme of the week - Altitude! VIDEO: Getting used to the altitude at the USA PCC. Plus Jens Voigt on the need for more oxygen and his explosion that caused an earthquake USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Stage 3 Jens Voigt

One thing we all noticed at the race was the wide variety of team equipment used. Different models, years, frames, within even the same team. Where the Tour of California was clearly one big coordinated effort by team equipment sponsors, displaying matching equipment from the team bikes down to the team staff clothing, team cars and big team buses, this race was a hodgepodge of everything big and small jumbled together. I am curious whether it was due to the race being at the end of the season (budget), or the location, or supporting the Vuelta at the same time, but it was very noticeable. Here is a large gallery of all the team bikes used at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, by BikeRadar: Road and time trial bikes of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

A common topic among fans this past week was the influence on young children witnessing this big cycling event in Colorado. Could the next Levi Leipheimer have just watched his first professional bike race standing along a small road in Colorado? Pro road racing fuels amateur participation in US

I'm sure we are all still thinking of Daniele Callegarin of Team Type 1 who crashed on the cattle guard descending Cottonwood Pass, how is Daniele Callegarin recovering?

Anyone who noticed that small aerial plane thing buzzing around Steamboat Springs, enjoy these videos created by that airborne machine and Steamboat Aerials (turn down the music): Pro Cycling Challenge Rabbit Ears Summit (can you find yourself) 

Also watch Stage 4 fast finishing sprint into Steamboat Springs

If you would like to look back and remember the week, scan through these recap videos, collected by local 303cycling.com, from each stage of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The videos should bring back good memories (Narrated by Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen). Also included at the top of the page are lots of images from local Photographers: USA Pro Cycling Challenge Videos, Images and Bantering

The story behind the USA Pro Cycling Challenge trophy: Elegance in Sport - the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Trophy

Finally Steephill.TV has the tradition of compiling big photos from each stage of a Tour:

Prologue 16 Big Photos from the Prologue — veloimages

Stage 1 20 Big Photos from Stage 1 — veloimages

Stage 2 19 Big Photos from Stage 2 — veloimages

Stage 3 21 Big Photos from Stage 3 — veloimages/moreno-contro

Stage 4 22 Big Photos from Stage 4 — veloimages

Stage 5 19 Big Photos from Stage 5 — veloimages

Stage 6 23 Big Photos from Stage 6 — veloimages

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Stage 5 - Pedaling at Altitude

Dancing on the Pedals in Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge - USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 5

I am chasing the USA Pro Cycling Challenge and blogging as a fan. Playing tourist in my own state of Colorado.

Stage facts: 

Stage 5: 105.2 miles from Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge

How I enjoyed my day:

I was at the start in Steamboat Springs where I picked up my press pass. I watched the start then drove the race route behind the caravan into Silverthorne. I saw the race come by at the junction of Green Mountain reservoir and Hwy 9. I then traveled to the finished in Breckenridge.

My day as a fan:

I love being a cycling fan. I can explain exactly why. Because no two stages are alike and every fan has their own unique experience at the event. My favorite question I ask fans is, "where were you today?" Every time I hear a different answer accompanied by "we were in the best place." Apparently every place is the best place at a bike race. 

Think about it, if we attended a football game, we would all see the exact same plays at the same time. Our experience would differ only by the number of beers we drank or hotdogs we ate, and maybe which obnoxious fan was nearby, and the level at which we sat in the stands. In cycling the athletes are the same but every fan sees the game from an entirely different perspective and moment in time along the route. This is why you can chase Tours for years as a fan and never think you have seen it all.

Today I cemented the fact that I love being a fan. I had a dream come true today when I picked up my approved press pass in Steamboat Springs at the start of Stage 5. At first I tucked it away and played fan, collecting more signatures on my Colorado State cycling jersey. I got David Zabriskie, Tommy Danielson, Timmy Duggan, and Ted King. I then looked back and gave the fan behind me my spot near the railing. It was time to use the pass. 

I had such a wonderful time trying to capture the story of the fans getting signatures on Autograph Alley. From the inside near the start line, I looked mostly at the fans and less at the riders, a complete reversal of my usual role on the other side of the barriers. I was happy to see the riders being courteous and the fans having so much fun. 

Shortly before the race started I returned to the place where I feel best, 3-4 deep in the line of energetic fans at the barriers, yelling and lifting their cameras high to take photos. I thought, from now on I will always appreciate the sight of someone else's camera in my photo. It means that I am with my people, enjoying the sport that I love so much, with others who love is just as much. 

Story from the day:

I looked over and noticed Ivan Basso at the start line a good 9 minutes before anyone else was ready to line up. In fact they were laying the start line over his back wheel. He had a huge grin on his face and looked like the kid who had slept with his baseball glove all night waiting for the big game. Basso was there to race a bike. I looked at him and smiled realizing - I think he likes it here in Colorado. 

Notice how Basso is all alone, that orange rope is the start line. 

Basso stayed there until Vladimir Efimkin rode by and said, "hey Ivan you want to go ride?" and off they rode until the official start. Actually Basso went back and chatted with Levi. I wonder what they were talking about?

Fans I met:

I noticed Eric Smith, the race coordinator of logistics and volunteers with Medalist Sports, being a fan himself at the race and that was insightful - once again we are all fans. I think this race has been supremely well organized.

I chatted with Frankie Andreu today at the finish in Breckenridge. As you may have read during my Tour de France posts last July, I was a big ol' fan of Tour Talk with Frankie and James Startt on Bicycling.com. Their banter was a welcome relief from the oft boring sports interview. Frankie is involved in a series at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge called Race Radio. Today when I spoke with him, he enthusiastically recalled the Stage 4 cowboy video. Watch the series, they are entertaining and out of the ordinary for typical race coverage.
USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Stage 5 Race Radio
Race Radio: USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 4  
 USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Race Radio Stage 3
Race Radio: USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 2

Other fans: I met Eric over breakfast, he had been camping overnight on Rabbit Ears Pass and decided to come down into town for a nice hot breakfast. I saw the usual suspects Jason and Hope, Chris, Scott, and Dash - who spends most of his time riding around in yellow cars:

Pictures from the day:

That would definitely be plural pictures of the day, because I think I have 500. Would you take a good solid 28 for now and settle for a gazillion more in the weeks to come? click any image to enlarge

I am being a fan and getting a signature by Tommy D

My fan shot of the Liquigas-Cannondale team signing-in

This was the action in autograph alley when Levi and the Bissell boys came through

You'll also see riders having a chat with friends along the barrier, this one was in VIP tent

Levi is signing the kids tshirts, they were thrilled

Fans in Autograph Alley. Bring anything - a tshirt, jersey, photos, magazine ......

... but remember the pen!  The fans with Oscar Sevilla. Look at all the smiles.

Happy fans in Steamboat Springs, a great crowd

Go Cyclists!

The fans know who Laurens ten Dam is after the Tour of California and the Tour de France this year

Team Leader Andrès Miguel Diaz Corrales and the Exergy Team sign autographs

the riders are in high demand

Rory Sutherland signing autographs for fans

Rory Sutherland and a fan

more Rory and a TDF fan

George Hincapie is very popular!

Cadel Evans

Ivan Basso and Levi Leipheimer

Frank Schleck in a sea of fans. Andy was over to the left

Andy Schleck

Start USPCC Sreamboat Springs 2011

*fans*

I watched the race depart next to this family who said, "they go so fast. They look much fatter on TV," and my favorite, "you would have to devote your whole life to this," the older brother said as he watched the riders and cars fly by. 

that's all folks, ride off into the sunset ... (this horse has 6 legs)

Great aerial video of the riders and fans on Rabbit Ears Pass


After grabbing a slice of pizza and a cold drink, I decided to go for it and headed down the race route to Breckenridge. The ride was smooth and easy and I was thankful for the local ranch truck ahead of my small group of drivers going the speed limit entering Kremmling, because Lord knows I do not. Suddenly I saw flashing lights up the road and realized I was maybe 15 cars behind the race.

Only it was clearly the preceding motorcycle cops whose duty it is to clear traffic from the road. We were stopped on Hwy 9 and the race was rejoining the highway after going around Green Mountain Reservoir. I got to see the Peloton fly by again!

The Peloton heads south down Hwy 9

The drive from Steamboat Springs south to Breckenridge was spectacularly beautiful, the light on the mountains and ranges made the landscape sparkle under the dramatic skies. I kept wondering what the riders must have thought of the magnificent scenery on Stage 5. Then I watched this video of Jens Voigt commenting on the "breathtaking spectacular landscapes" of Colorado. 

Fans lined the road along Hwy 9

The crowds were huge in Breckenridge with an excellent turnout on a Saturday.

The expo festival area in Breckenridge

I watched at the Pearl Izumi booth as they added the new team logo onto the most aggressive rider jersey that Andy Schleck would wear on Stage 6.

At the very end of the day, I ended up in the VIP booth in Breckenridge where I met Scott Christopher and Dash, plus some new friends and fans, and later chatted with Frankie Andreu about his series for the race called radio talk. I watched as the Race Organizer, Race Director, and Race Owners relaxed at day's end. More about these men behind the USA Pro Challenge in a previous post.

USPCC VIP tent in Breckenridge

Lastly I stopped by my old favorite restaurant, Giampietro's (I used to live in Breckenridge), and ordered some pasta to go. The wonderful smell filled the air as I drove east to Denver, happy to be back home but a little sad to leave the mountain glory. 


Stage 6, Golden to Denver is tomorrow
Now that I have my prized media pass, people are asking what I will do on my last day - volunteer!

I committed myself to giving the last day of this Tour as a volunteer and I intend to keep that commitment. However small my duty, I will do whatever I can to ensure this race continues here in Colorado. Besides as I stated above - every stage is different - and this will certainly be different. Plus I still get to see the fans enjoying themselves. Especially with me pouring alcohol.

Denver get ready for one massive event tomorrow.

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