Pedal Dancer®: Phil Liggett

Showing posts with label Phil Liggett. Show all posts

17 April 2016

How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016

How to watch the Amgen Tour of California live anywhere:

Time to head to California for the Tour of California. At the race, in the office, or at home, the Microsoft Tour Tracker app will come in very handy to keep track of live action and results. The Tour Tracker app is also the only way to watch the women's race recaps this year, until the final women's race recap wrap up show which will air on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN).

The men's race will be featured daily on NBCSN, with race commentators Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen returning to give play by play commentary. The final Stage 8, in Sacramento, will appear live on the main NBC network. There will also be evening highlight recaps of each stage on NBCSN.

This is the 11th edition of the Tour of California and Phil and Paul are back! ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Securing TV coverage is a really big deal for any bike race. In its 11th year, we should be pleased that NBC continues to cover the Tour of California.

You will notice regardless of the length or type of route, each stage always finishes around the same time each day. This is specifically for TV coverage. Live coverage often will not cover the beginning of each stage, but will always be there for the stage finish. The evening recap shows will summarize the entire day's action on the road.

Methods to watch the 2016 Tour of California

MICROSOFT TOUR TRACKER

Follow the Amgen Tour of California Men's Race and the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women's Race live on Microsoft Tour Tracker, the app that gives you in depth access and analysis of America's Greatest Race via the web or your mobile device. Whether you are out on the road, waiting at the finish line, or watching at home, you can keep track of the race Download the app.

Microsoft Tour Tracker ATOC. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

ONLINE

You can watch TourTracker on the web. For international fans, to view the Tour of California in Europe, please visit Steephill.TV and the list of live or recorded links. Last year the Tour of California was shown on Eurosport and on SBS in Australia. International links to coverage (bottom of page): http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/ (1 mile = 1.60934km).

TV

How to watch the Amgen Tour of California on TV

NBS Sports Network has committed to providing a preview show, as well as daily highlights of Stages 1-8, in addition to airing 2-hours of the final stage LIVE on their primary NBC station. TV Schedule (coming as soon as officially announced).

Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Men's race TV coverage Amgen Tour of California - mostly on NBCSN with the final stage on NBC - TV Schedule for the Tour of California. Find your local NBC Sports Network Channel HERE

MEN's RACE COVERAGE

Sunday 5/8/16 Amgen Tour of California Preview Show* 5:00PM PDT on NBCSN
Sunday 5/15/16 Men's Stage 1 presented by Breakaway From Heart Disease 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Monday 5/16/16 Men's Stage 2 presented by SRAM 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Tuesday 5/17/16 Men's Stage 3 presented by Breakaway From Cancer 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Wednesday 5/18/16 Men's Stage 4 presented by Visit California 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Thursday 5/19/16 Men's Stage 5 presented by Visit California 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Friday 5/20/16 Men's Stage 6 presented by SRAM 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Saturday 5/21/16 Men's Stage 7 presented by Lexus 1:30-3:30 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Sunday 5/22/16 Men's Stage 8 presented by Lexus 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. PDT on NBC

*All times are subject to change / Times Tentative due to NHL Playoffs

MEN's RECAP SHOWS

Sunday 5/15/16 Men's Stage 1 Recap Show 11:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Monday 5/16/16 Men's Stage 2 Men's Stage 2 Recap Show 10:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
>Tuesday 5/17/16 Men's Stage 3 Men's Stage 3 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Wednesday 5/18/16 Men's Stage 4 Men's Stage 4 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Thursday 5/19/16 Men's Stage 5 Men's Stage 5 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Friday 5/20/16 Men's Stage 6 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Saturday 5/21/16 Men's Stage 7 Recap Show 10:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
Sunday 5/22/16 Men's Stage 8 Recap Show 11:00 p.m. PDT on NBC

Women's race TV coverage Amgen Tour of California - available only on the Microsoft Tour Tracker app. You may follow the women's race by reading the Live Updates on Microsoft Tour Tracker (no video), otherwise race highlights will be available in the evening.

WOMEN's RACE COVERAGE

Thursday 5/19/16 Stage 1 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only
Friday 5/20/16 Stage 2 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only
Saturday 5/21/16 Stage 3 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only
Sunday 5/22/16 Stage 4 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only

WOMEN's RECAP SHOWS

Thursday 5/26/16 AmgenBreakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Recap Show 10:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. PDT on NBCSN

Christian Vande Velde conveys his racing knowledge during coverage. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

WHO TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER

People, riders and teams actively tweeting on Twitter during the Tour of California race:

Tour of California: @AmgenTOC
ATOC San Diego: @sdtocloc
Phil Liggett: @PhilLiggett
Paul Sherwen: @PaulSherwen
Christian Vande Velde: @ChristianVDV
Peter Sagan: @petosagan
Mark Cavendish: @MarkCavendish
Rohan Dennis: @RohanDennis
Taylor Phinney: @taylorphinney
Dimension Data: @TeamDiData
Orica GreenEdge: @ORICA_GreenEDGE
BMC: @BMCProTeam
Trek-Segafredo: @TrekSegafredo
Axeon Hagens Berman: @axeonhb
Rally Cycling: @Rally_Cycling
UHC: @UHCprocycling
Novo Norkisk: @teamnovonordisk
Wiggins: @OfficialWIGGINS
Etixx-Quickstep: @Etixx_QuickStep
Cannondale: @Ride_Argyle
Oran Kelly (Photographer): @Eibhir
Darrell Parks (Photographer): @darrellparks
Brian Hodes (Photographer Veloimages): @veloimages
Kim Hull (Photographer Cycling Perspective): @KimberliHull
Neal Rogers: @nealrogers
Global Cycling Network: @gcntweet
Bike Radar: @bikeradar
CyclingNews: @Cyclingnewsfeed
VeloNews: @velonews
Steephill: @steephill
Race Radio: @TheRaceRadio
Manual for Speed: @manualforspeed
Broom Wagon Sarah: @broomwagon
Pedal Dancer: @karenrake

STAGES

Stages of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California:

Stage 1 - San Diego, May 15, 2016
Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, May 16, 2016
Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, May 17, 2016
Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, May 18, 2016
Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, May 19, 2016
Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial & Women's Team Time Trial, May 20, 2016
Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016
Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016

Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:

Visit the new Tour Chaser website for fans created by Pedal Dancer® specifically for spectators who chase the races: TourChaser.com
More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:

Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016; National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.

15 July 2014

The American Voice in Cycling

Rebooting American Cycling Coverage

I have been listening to a number of British cycling podcasts lately (How to watch the 2014 Tour de France). I enjoy them, but honestly I can barely tell the accents apart and can only picture a few of the prominent cycling journalists in my mind while listening. They seem to be quite versed in history, with tremendous memory for who did what in which year, but they discuss in a very different fashion than Americans.

I also enjoy the Australian Media influence in cycling as well. Their enthusiasm, humor, quirky vocabulary, combined with organized minds and entertaining presentation, seems well-worth my time. I hate to generalize too much, but my point today is, I seem to be spending much of my time reading and listening to Brits, Aussies, Irish and Dutch - where is the American voice in cycling these days?

My parents love Christian Vande Velde.

This is something worth noting, because most Americans watch the Tour on TV and many of those fans are well over the age of fifty. My Mother explains that she is "really learning" from the commentary by Bob Roll, Todd Harris and Christian Vande Velde this year. If it is adding to their enjoyment of watching race coverage and creating more fans, I say all the better for America cycling.

Christian Vande Velde knows bike racing. It wasn't too long ago when he wore yellow (Colorado, 2012). Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Most of the people I know who are recreational cyclists, don't follow pro cycling. Most of the weekend amateur racers I know, are too wrapped up in their own wattage to follow what the pros are doing or attend pro races. When it comes to professional cycling, I think we need to rethink the target market and how the media delivers news.

Media should cultivate interest in sport for the regular fan.

Yesterday was a big news day at the Tour de France. Journalists scrambled to sort out rumors of bikegate and exactly how and if Contador's bike was broken. What ensued was a perfect example of the untruths and rumors that fly unfettered on Twitter (a lousy place to find real truth). It was also an example of a young crop of journalists scavenging for the early scoop and getting it all wrong (VeloNews).

Press must have two things to be solid - access and experience. In addition, Press must have two things to reach the people - integrity and the quality of keeping it real. It also helps if they have humor, are somewhat humble (sort of like Frankie Andreu caring less when James Starrt corrects his French), and can convey true love of the sport.

Being a respected newsman is not about being young and cool and being able to race a bike, being effective comes from years of making connections and knowing how to move around at a bike race. From being out there and seeing it all, and then finding a way to share it with others as if you were a friend sitting at a table discussing the best sporting game you ever saw.

That is why podcasts are endearing.

I think that is also why people have warmed to Christian Vande Velde. He has experience, access and the warm tone of a friend (even if at times he is a frazzled friend). Who would have thought a rider who gave modest interviews would be such a good commentator, but Christian will only get better. Who would have thought five years ago that Greg Lemond would be co-hosting on Eurosport!

Yesterday I made the comment that I had tired of the commentary of Phil and Paul. My opinion was based specifically on their over-exuberance regarding Tony Martin's performance and how everyone "respected" him. Well, I don't feel comfortable seeing the same rider in a breakaway for too many days in a row. I also don't feel comfortable with Phil and Paul thinking we so easily forgot their masking the truth of the sport in past years. Although I do agree their sound is cycling tradition.

Back on topic of who I do want to listen to .....

I have been wishing we had our own American cycling podcast. Who would I want to hear on this entertaining roundtable of discussion other than Charlie Rose? I think the people who have something to say that I would be interested in hearing more from are:

Joe Lindsey, James Starrt, Frankie Andreu, Matthew Beaudin, Andy Hood, and James Huang. I would like to hear some guests join in, like Ted King, Chris Baldwin, Craig Lewis, Timmy Duggan, Matthew Busche, Andrew Talansky, Whit Yost, Cosmo Catalano, Gruber Images, Chef Biju, Dirk Friel, Dale Stetina and many others I could name including my brother who has some great concepts of the business of cycling. I thought it was funny when one of the British podcasts recently referred to Chris Baldwin (PR agent for Astana USA) as an "eccentric America." You see, we have characters right here in America.

Who would I like to see sponsor this podcast - TREK. Why? because their pro team is really lacking leadership or great inspirational riders (other than Busche and retiring Jensie), and because Americans continue to buy Trek bicycles, which means the company has the ability to bring pro cycling into mainstream America. I think Trek should say thank you by giving us something that will re-root the foundation of the sport of cycling in America and clear their name of Armstrong. Give us personality and a voice of American cycling to be seen internationally and be proud of.

For now, please read Ted King's recent blog post.

I think Ted's storytelling demonstrates the humor, outlook and slang vocabulary Americans use when talking about experiences in sport, ... often in a group, sometimes around a table, usually over a cold drink. It's the kind of story I would like to listen to.

Read and enjoy: Yeah, by Ted King July 15, 2014

And then watch Tour Talk with James and Frankie Tour Talk: First Rest Day July 15, 2014

Ted King (Cannondale) leaning in at Amgen Tour of California, May 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

James Starrt (Bicycling) at the Tour de France, July 2012. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Franki Andreu and Joe Lindsey (Bicycling) tracking the race in the media tent at ATOC in May, 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

James Huang (CyclingNews and Bike Radar) at CX Nationals, January 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Matthew Beaudin (VeloNews) at CX Nationals, January 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Andrew (Andy) Hood (VeloNews and much more). Photo from his @Eurohoody

I figure many of us walk the dog, or wait to pick up the kids, or sit on the porch in the evening with a glass of wine, or need to fill our commuter drive time to the office with something fun to listen to. I've been listening to the podcasts during my daily floor exercises, truth. Why not take our eyes off the smart phones and listen to a jam-packed educational entertaining friendly American podcast.

I hope you enjoyed your rest day. Tomorrow back at it: TOUR DE FRANCE

p.s., and wouldn't you know it, I went to pull up The Telegraph Cycling Podcast to have a listen for the day and their guests are Andy Hood and Matthew Beaudin! Well that was fast, I asked for it and I got it, except the Americans are on the British podcast (well actually they renamed The Telegraph podcast to VeloNews podcast - tricky).

21 August 2013

Photography from The USA Pro Challenge

A different perspective of cycling

Tonight I am sharing the photography of Ryan Muncy. Ryan has a unique style and eye for the sport of bike racing. A racer turned photographer, he has an artist's eye for capturing the race in a way you might not typically see in main stream media. A local photographer in Denver, you can follow more of his work at Facebook Ryan Muncy Photography.

For those of us familiar with Ryan's work - including many local racer's around Denver/Boulder - we can recognize an image as Ryan's within seconds. His style and the gear he uses is unique. For local photographers, we often have fun with remarks like "look this is my Ryan shot."

Ryan Muncy Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

JJ Haedo Photo © Ryan Muncy

Chris Froome Photo © Ryan Muncy

Mic Rogers Photo © Ryan Muncy

Lachlan Morton and Thomas Dekker Photo © Ryan Muncy

Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen Photo © Ryan Muncy

David Zabriskie and Lachlan Morton Photo © Ryan Muncy

This year's trophy Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team RadioShack Leopard Trek Photo © Ryan Muncy

Chris Baldwin laughing Photo © Ryan Muncy

Axel Merckx Photo © Ryan Muncy

Jens Voigt Photo © Ryan Muncy

Andreas Kloden Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team RadioShack Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team Saxo Bank Tinkoff Photo © Ryan Muncy

Initial Press Conference Photo © Ryan Muncy

Chris Froome Photo © Ryan Muncy

Peter Sagan Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team Presentation of Argo Shimano Photo © Ryan Muncy

More Race Photography:

Please also see the amazing work of Ryan Wallace from the 2013 USA Pro Challenge: Ryan Wallace Photography of the USA Pro Challenge. Ryan is truly one of my favorite photographers.

And more photography from the 2013 USA Pro Challenge: Photography of Chuck Parsons

The photography of Laurie Valaer may be seen here: USA Pro Challenge 2013 - Results Stage 2, Aspen - Breckenridge Colorado. I really enjoy Laurie's eye for photography.

I was very happy to encourage and feature these four photographers during the tour. I aspire to learn more from each of them.

10 August 2013

Welcome to The Rocky Mountains Phil and Paul

How to speak so Coloradans can understand you

Just once I would like to hear Phil Liggett or Paul Sherwen say, "That was a totally awesome stage." That's the way we would call a race here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado - United States of America.

When you meet us - you will know us. We'll walk right up and say, "Hey, how's it going?" That is our greeting.

We are the ones who gather up our gear, put the bikes on our roof racks, round up the buddies and pile into our 4x4s with our coolers full and hit the trails. We might stop for a latte or cup of joe as we munch on our breakfast burritos. Our goal is to get off the grid and back to nature. Even when relaxing - we gotta have goals.

No matter the sport, we give it our best weekend warrior effort, as if we could have been pro if we had wanted it bad enough. We've got our GoPros and camera phones always handy and charged. We map our lives on Strava and brag about how far and how fast. We are really into energy drinks and bars, and percent body fat, but throw a plate of BBQ or mexican food in front of us and we go hog wild.

We say things like, "Dude did you see that?" and "That was awesome." We don't say things like "They are riding along at quite a nippy pace," We would instead rattle off, "He was flying down the descent until he over cooked the turn and bit it big time into the woods. Then he got up and rode off again. That was rad, those dudes are like insane. Respect."

Cyclists here are known to crank it, push the limit, red-line, max out, and then run out of gas, crater or bonk when trashing themselves. We don't usually say we ran out of "sugars", the USFDA has told us sugar is bad for us. Fans get revved up, stoked, jazzed or excited when the likes of Jensie appears next to them in a crowd. They would die for his autograph, quickly posting their mug with their new bro and update their profile pic on fb in a flash.

Now the deeper Phil and Paul go into the mountains and ranch country of Colorado they might try using words to describe the peloton like - posse, herd, bunch, pack. When the breakaway stays away that is cool, awesome, great, or just plain wow. When the breakaway is caught that is a bummer, you can say "Shoot, they got caught," or "Dang-it, I thought he would make it solo to the line," and you won't be censored. But if we hear you say "dag nab it," we are going to smile and laugh at you. A little too country for these parts.

When a sprint for the line happens, the lead out man barrels toward the line and launches his teammate for the sprint win. It's a thrill a minute to watch a sprint finish and fans can't get enough of that *hit. Boo-yah! So add some awesomeness in your commentary before we go have a cold-one and put the feet up and watch the footage of our own adventures on our GoPros.

You can add biffed it, nailed it or score to your arsenal of hammer down, hurt locker and something about a cat and pigeons. If Phil and Paul have any doubt about which key words to use while commentating the race in Colorado this month, just keep saying "awesome," that's the one word that pretty much sums up everything good in bike racing to a Coloradan.

We are just talking slight cultural differences, mostly in lingo. We got the bike love just like you, so welcome back to Colorado!

And that would be "Who-szers Pass" and "Ess-tess Park."

@karenrake yup arrive Aspen on Friday
— Paul Sherwen (@PaulSherwen) August 10, 2013

Suz (my sister-in-law), Phil, Karen (me) and Paul in Solvang at the Bulldog Coffee Shop during the Tour of California

And for the Orica-GreenEDGE team and all those Aussies who put us through hell trying to figure out what they are talking about in interviews - yes, this is English too!

How to Watch the USA Pro Challenge in 2013

28 July 2012

There are some things I don't like

Even when I love something it is hard to always stay positive

My brother Mike marvels over how positive Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen can remain while commentating on a cycling race. Whatever people say about Phil and Paul, there is no doubt that they are always positive about cycling. Phil Liggett unflinchingly looks on the bright side, unquestionably believing good will prevail. That is quite a trait, or perhaps the craft of a paid position, but for me, a generally positive person, I admit I lack tolerance for certain things. I know I would not be able to keep all that goes through my mind to myself, as Phil and Paul do.

Today I listened to Paul Sherwen commentate for NBC on the Olympic men's road race. He maintained his professional tone straight through Vinokourov's win and Cavendish's and Phinney's losses. I definitely could not have done that. Within the walls of my living room, I was off the couch standing in front of the TV when Cancellara crashed head-straight into a hard right corner, I reacted with a loud, "Oh Noooo."

I was adding my own commentary (as many of us probably were) during the last few kilometers as I watched Vino cross the finish line in first place. My commentary went something like this, "Phinney quit looking at everyone else, if you want it - GO. Go after Rigoberto. Ah man, you just lost your race." "Vino, are you kidding me, Vino is going to win. Don't let him win. I would not have sat here for hours watching this race if I had known Vino was going to win. Ugh, four years with Vino in that title." "Poor Cav, bummer, but he is taking it well." "Look how sad Phinney looks, he missed out on everything else to focus on this race and he lost." "Awh, Fabian is crying.""Wow, Chris Horner is still talking." Unlike me, Paul had kept composed enough to only say things like "you cannot predict a race like this."

My brother was much wiser, he realized the NBC coverage was delayed, checked the results on line, saw that Vino had won, closed his computer in disgust, and went for a bike ride. I spent my time watching that race. I love this sport, but sometimes I don't like everything. One thing I do not like is the number of convicted dopers we still have actively racing in the peloton. I may not express my opinions often on this blog, but I don't like to see a known doper winning an Olympic Gold Medal.

The Olympics are sacred to me, they represent what sport meant to me as a child, when my heroes where Olympians. Vino does not fit the bill, I admit I am disappointed. Although Vinokourov stated this would be his swan-song and he is now retiring (again) after the Olympics. It seems an injustice, I wanted the gold to go to a young well-deserving rider, no matter what country he was from. I think it odd some press have called Vino an "unknown", which he certainly is not, what he is known for is not something I like to think of as an Olympic quality, but I understand many fans and teammates are proud of him and he certainly was happy.

I don't spend much time worrying about doping in professional cycling. People ask me what I think; I accept it as both history and possibility, but remain curious of the trends as methods come and go. A couple years ago I noticed as fans we seemed to be waiting longer for the riders to come through. Minutes lapsed behind the estimated time schedules until the riders actually arrived. Hmm either the riders were not riding as fast as previous years, or maybe use of performance enhancing drugs really had changed. Now I get questions such as, "What happened to Levi, is he no longer taking drugs?" I don't know, maybe Levi is not using drugs and others are back on them? But what and how, again I don't know.

What bothers me far more is the use of drugs in amateur racing. Weekend warriors, middle aged men and women who need to create an image for themselves as racers at any cost. I was disgusted at the news that David Anthony tested positive after winning his age-group (45-49) at the first ever New York Grand Fondo. This was the United States' chance at creating a true competitive style cyclosportif event which are so successful in Europe - and we end up with a past-his-prime doper, what is the point? All of this trickles down to the Juniors. It is not only the immoral concept of cheaters, nor the health of the athlete we are trying to protect, it is the pressure put on our youth that they must dope or have no chance to win in cycling. Wider Testing Reveals Doping Among Amateur Cyclists, Too

Still why the riders in the Olympic road race let Vino go off the front when he is a former Silver-Medalist (Sidney 2000) and known to ride his own race, I do not understand. I would have liked to see an exciting sprint finish battle between 7-8 riders for the line. I see no reason for anyone to be disappointed in Mark Cavendish, he remains the World Champion and continues to inspire young riders around the world and has significantly grown the sport of cycling in the UK. Cav is an admirable athlete. Also the fans in Britain were magnificent. Now that is the way to support a cycle race!

We still have the men's individual time trial to look forward to on Wednesday: Final -Hampton Court Palace - Wednesday, 01 August 2012 14:15. View the Olympic men's individual cycling time trial start list / roster, you will see that Vinokourov is on the list (he reports it will be his last race). I probably will work through the event so I don't take the chance of witnessing him win. Although this time I am hoping that Cancellara triumphs. His visit to the hospital after the road race showed no fractures on the xrays, but the Swiss team is waiting to make the decision about whether Fabian will race on Wednesday. (Update 30 July: Fabian will race)

If the gold is not for Fabian, I would be happy to see any of the other lead contenders on the podium. I like Luis Leon Sanchez and Peter Velits (I am a big fan of both riders), but Tony Martin, Chris Froome, Taylor Phinney, even Wiggo would all deserve the gold. It is also possible that Cadel Evans will not race the time trial event at the Olympics, he reports problems with his health and a general uncertainty. We may be hearing of a retiring Cadel Evans soon. (Update 30 July: Cadel will not race)

As a reminder of the 53.5km Stage 19 individual time trial at the 2012 Tour de France, only 5 of the riders within the top-20 results will be competing in the Olympic road time trial on Wednesday. There are plenty of riders who did not race in the Tour de France and thus it is unclear how they will stack up against each other in regards to form, but I wouldn't put all your eggs in the Wiggo basket. The Olympic course is also mid-distance at 44 km with plenty of turns. In the words of Paul Sherwen "you cannot predict a race like this ahead of time."

Time trial results from Stage 19 Tour de France (these riders will be competing in the Olympics). See the Full Olympic ITT Roster by VeloNews.com

1	Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Procycling	1:04:13
2	Christopher Froome (GBr) Sky Procycling	0:01:16
3	Luis Leon Sanchez Gil (Spa) Rabobank Cycling Team	0:01:50
4	Peter Velits (Svk) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	0:02:02
18	Bert Grabsch (Ger) Omega Pharma-QuickStep	0:03:43

2012 Olympic time trial route map

Humor is sometimes the best way to get over disappointment. Human nature - it keeps us guessing.

31 August 2011

More Cowbell!

On being a fan at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

After spending a week chasing the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the Pedal Dancer crew held a team CQI meeting to see how we could improve on things for next year's race adventures. In attendance at this meeting were me, and my morning cup of coffee (a vital member of the team). We began the brain storming session encouraging any and all ideas, as completely wrong as they might be. Here is what we came up with:

Things I learned, or re-learned as a fan at a bike race

less lycra (Do you like how this is #1 on the list?) Please stop me before leaving my hotel if you ever see me putting on a lycra kit (shorts and jersey) if my ride for the day will be less than 20 miles total and might involve standing in the hot sun for hours under clear blue skies. This does not apply to mountain top stages or finishes in Colorado where freezing descents are possible (can you say Independence Pass). Think it over; I would not want this job, in lycra and heels for 9 hours, would you?

Liquigas-Cannondale girls in Denver ©Photo by PedalDancer™

do not chase just one guy Okay this might apply to life in general, but it also applies to cycling. If I camp out with all eyes on Andy, I could miss Tejay Van Garderen standing right next to me, who happens to be one heck of a great young rider (albeit with a penchant for changing jersey colors every day). I try to remember to look closely, but think broadly, at a bike race. Okay so I didn't get Andy's signature, but really Jens Voigt is where it is at for me anyway! There were over a hundred riders at the race, all the best at what they do.

Andy and his entourage

Andy Schleck in the large crowd in Steamboat Springs, Stage 5 ©Photo by PedalDancer™

Tejay shooting the breeze

Tejay Van Garderen on a quiet morning in Salida ©Photo by PedalDancer™

go for it I saw far more than I had hoped at the race. What I expect rarely happens, but the unexpected is the most memorable (like asking Jens how many fish he caught, and meeting others who had read my blog). Being overly cautious or tentative will result in nothing more than missed experiences. When being a fan I keep going until the bikes are put away and the stage is taken down. Go up and chat with that rider or team staff member. Courtesy, confidence and enthusiasm (plus a cowbell and a flag) is about all a fan needs to have a excellent adventure.

Jens Voigt in Colorado Springs ©Photo by PedalDancer™

stop and share Everyone is there to have a good time. Being at a race is my time to fit in and connect to others who can relate to walking around on a mountain pass in road shoes (actually I bring flip flops, but you get what I mean), or want to marry Andy Schleck (actually I don't, I'll take Bernie), or might admire Jens Voigt as much as I do (actually he told me he admires me - kidding!). Nobody else in the office gets the connection to pain that I share with Jensie. I think the 1 million fans surrounding me at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge understand the thrill of the sprint and the agony of defeat. I am with my people. I want more.

I had to pull over and meet these crazy guys on Rabbit Ears Pass:

The official Routt County chapter of the Jens Voigt fan club ©Photo by PedalDancer™

wear your pride You can never have enough cowbell or flags or screaming fans. If I noticed anything about this first year race it was that fans have not accumulated the years of t-shirts and hats and history that the fans in Europe have. In Europe the fans wear their pride as our Bronco football fans would. They look ridiculous, but that is the point. I yelled out to two fans wearing only skimpy speedos on Vail Pass, "you've overdressed for the occasion!" I also handed out 50 free American flags on Vail Pass simply to share the tradition. Less speedos, more fan apparel, more flags, more cowbell!

fans on the road during Stage 5 to Breckenridge ©Photo by PedalDancer™

gear matters "What do you have in that napsack?" I was asked. "All my essentials," I replied. Cowbell, flag, polka dot climbers hat, road chalk, tahini nutella rice cake sandwich, phone, cameras, rainjacket, knee warmers, and cap." Even when I set out to climb up a mountain pass in 75 degree weather, it storms in the afternoons in the mountains of Colorado. I was so cold I was shaking my bike frame on the descent from Independence Pass. I was happy for my essentials. Even for the road chalk so I could scribble out - if found, please dethaw cyclist.

Note looming weather in background and rain jackets on these suspecting cyclists

Michael Gibson and Sherman Towsley on Independence Pass ©Photo by PedalDancer™

water is heavy Although essential to survival, the stuff is gosh darn heavy to carry. I'm a traditionalist, water belongs in bottles in bottle cages on the bike. Extra water belongs in team cars. I apparently need one of those. Although I would have been fine - there were people on the passes selling water. I even saw a roadside fan on the highway between Avon and Steamboat holding a sign which read, "Free beer, cyclists only!". I supposed that would have worked in a pinch.

I'm certain that baby would have offered me water from his bottle ©Photo by PedalDancer™

Tour Tracker Loved it!

charge your devices every night The number one priority upon return to my hotel room: charge the phone, camera battery, laptop, (a Pedal Dancer tip is to pack a power strip). I download all my photos and make sure I carry 2 extra memory cards with me, and 1 extra camera. These devices have a knack for locking up just as Cadel is standing in front of you.

I swear this is Cadel Evans - t-shirt!

bring a pen Bring two. Riders ~~do not~~ (don't always - read comments) head to the start line with a sharpie pen in their back pocket, so you'll need to keep one handy. I saw fans collecting signatures on jerseys (oh wait that was me), on magazines, on cards, on photographs, on posters, t-shirts, hats, their own body. I even saw a fan ask Tommy D if he could sign a HTC-Highroad hat (at least the fan asked permission first).

This pen does not belong to Tommy D ©Photo by PedalDancer™

bring your bike or bikes Packing list: 1 road bike + 1 townie bike = ready to chase a tour in Colorado. The smartest thing I did was to bring two bikes with me, it enabled me to avoid traffic and park and ride around town to find the key locations like start, team buses, sign-in, finish, VIP, parties, friends, etc. My townie bike had locks and lights so I could enjoy a drink and ride back to my hotel. My road bike is pure and light and my main machine. It brought me easily up the passes.

keep it simple/3 things a day This is my traveling mantra. For this race, my 3 things were ride, ring that bell, drink a beer. Nah, it was more like see a start, drive to the next town, meet friends for dinner.

be free Once I have to start taking care of other people at a race, I miss out on seeing so much. I much prefer to roam on my own and meet new people, so don't be afraid to come alone if you cannot be with a group of others, you will not be alone for long. Although I admit I greatly enjoyed unwinding and recapping at day's end with my brother Michael (on the phone), Scott Christopher and Dash. Still having the freedom to move as a fan is key for me. It is like freely moving in a playground and not having to wait for another to go to the swing set with me. I hear constant stories from fans who report they "just happened to be in the right spot," or "we were at the best place to see the race," (amazing how everyone has the same comment). Moving around increases your odds. Besides cell phones are for finding your friends later and telling them, I just got my picture with Big George - where were you?
One big playground for a fan

do what you are good at: I am good at compiling information, enjoying the simple pleasures in life, and encouraging others. I care little about promoting myself, but I do care greatly about promoting the sport. I am glad others excel at tweeting and writing up race results, taking excellent photos that inspire me, and offering their opinions - that is their niche, I depend on them, but I connect with the fans, because I am one.

If you want answers to your cycling fan questions, or to build your expertise level about the world of being a cycling fan in general, or to know who, what, how and where - please continue to visit PedalDancer.com as we continue to grow into the future. Me and my cup of coffee ... and cowbell (jingaling-galing)

12 April 2011

Qoute of the Day: Phil Liggett

"This plucky little rider is afraid of nobody!" ~ Phill Liggett
-Regarding Richard Virenque 1994 Tour de France

I used this quote on myself the other day. I had a good ride because of it.

18 January 2011

Quote of the Day: Mike Singletary

"Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play." - Mike Singletary (American Footbal player and coach)

And that about sums up my feelings right now, as I am full-steam-ahead in regards to recovering from breaking my pelvis (in four places!) 3 months ago. The fractures now feel quite intact, the muscles are firing away, and I am enjoying swimming, walking, spinning, and some incredibly annoying stretching exercises. Movement is a blessing. (more on my recovery and big goals for the year ahead later).

Right now I am wishing I was in Adelaide, Australia, watching the Tour Down Under. What a brilliant idea to have a stage race based in one city, where all the riders and fans stay together in one location day after day. I hear the viewing tents and mall area are great fun. The ability to ride out to different parts of the course is convenient for cyclists, logistics are much easier for the ProTeams, and the atmosphere of simply being there seems fantastic. Just the fact that the Tour Down Under's Get Involved section on their official website is so large says a lot. Australia does it right.

I am also wondering if Phil Liggett M.B.E. (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) is wondering if he was the personal target for the idea of the matching kits in the Peloton in 2011 (Team Sky, Garmin, and Leopard Trek). Poor man, he has always gotten the men confused in the last 3 km as is, now it will be one big blur to commentate on the finishing sprints. No worries mate, he may generate some new Liggettisms.

17 January 2011

Quote of the Day: Dan Wuori

"Perpetual lanterne rouge. My suitcase of courage got lost at Laguardia." - @dwuori Columbia, SC

Inspired on a Liggettism: "He's really having to dig deeply into the suitcase of courage"- Phil Liggett, 2000 Tour, commenting on Pantani (who was trying to keep the wheel of Lance on the Mont Ventoux. More Leggettisms.

07 November 2010

The Tour Hag

My sister-in-law is a crazy fan of Professional Cycling

Over the years Suz has traveled to the Tour de France, Dauphine Libere, Giro d' Italia, Tour de Suisse, Tour of California, and probably a few others. She is the fan that knows all the tricks. She knows the names, the history, recognizes all the riders, knows how to jump the barriers, and somehow scores the schwag. Suz has the personality to make the riders laugh with her comments and friendliness. She is also not shy about getting her photo with the riders, which has resulted in some great Fan Pictures over the years.

In honor of my sister-in-law Suz, who is a Physical Therapist, and has helped me tremendously these past 3 weeks as I recover from a broken pelvis - I give you Suz:

and some other guys

George Hincapie

Christian Van de Velde

Chris Horner

Erik Zabel

Mark Cavendish

Frank Schleck

Iñigo Landaluze

with Mr And Mrs Landaluze on top of Mont Ventoux

Fabian Cancellara

Alberto Contador

"Johan honked" - Suz at the Tour of California in Santa Barbara 2009

Okay so she had some bad taste in cyclists over the past 10 years -

Floyd Landis

but she had a lot of fun!

Suz being a fan at the 2005 Tour de France on Plat d'Adet

and being a TDF fan in Montpellier, France

Suz with Phil Ligget, Paul Sherwen and me at the Bulldog Coffee Shop in Solvang, CA in 2009

Suz gets a smile from Johan Bruyneel and Dirk

and she married a great guy, my brother Straw

Thanks Suz!
Suz is currently training our nephew Kenny to follow in her footsteps ... the next post will be a progress report on Kenny learning the ropes ..... it is worth waiting for

* Post post note: I forgot to mention, Kenny grew up calling Suz MOAS (Mean Old Aunt Suz), they have a special bond those two.

Post post Tuesday, November 9, 2010 A Cycling Fan in training

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