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

---

Stage 7 Tour of California - Highlights

A morning in Claremont

A few pictures from Stage 7 Amgen Tour of California

Bernhard Eisel - !!!

Tejay van Garderen signing autographs for fans

Ryder Hesjedal

There was a noticeably larger crowd around the Radio Shack team bus this morning in Claremont after Chris Horner asked the LA fans to show up at the race today. And an rather unusual crowd on Mt Baldy today. The pros sure can make a very difficult stage look easy on TV. 

Many more pictures will be posted this week from Stage 7 ATOC! I returned to Laguna Beach this afternoon and went for a good bike ride along the ocean and back bay with my brother. Together with watching the Giro in the morning on Universal Sport, and the Tour of California in the evening on Versus, and going to Stage 7 this morning - there was little time for organizing another 400 fun pictures, I'm having too much fun in California!

---