Photos from Colorado - Photography of Ryan Wallace

Ryan Wallace of RevLine photographed Stage 7 of the USA Pro Challenge

You might remember from the past two years that Ryan Wallace captured some excellent images of the final weekend of this Colorado stage race. Ryan was happy to help me again this year. He excels at capturing fast images, formally educated in journalism and photography. He took his skills capturing fast cars and focused on fast bikes.

I can't emphasize enough what peace of mind Ryan offers by being out on course. I never micro-manage him, Ryan instinctively goes where the race is, and I believe he captured some of the best images of the finishing sprint, even without preferential placement (although he did wear an approved Photo badge). In my mind - that is the skill of a true race photographer.

Exactly because Ryan was there with me on Stage 7, I felt free to move elsewhere on course, and because of that freedom I captured a popular race image from the day - the Alex Howes tripod of how to avoid a barrier after a sprint finish. Thank you Ryan Wallace and congratulations Alex Howes for being an incredible bike racer.

See our combined finish report and photos here: Alex Howes wins the final stage of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge

All photos ©Ryan Wallace for Pedal Dancer®   (See more photos from the day at Ryan's portfolio here: revlinephoto)

Thank you Ryan Wallace!

Ryan Wallace, Photographer RevLine

Many Photographers at the race contract out to several news sources, equipment manufacturers, or teams at any given race, in combination. It often requires the photog to be in many places at one time, always thinking of their customers needs when capturing race images. You can spot these hardworking men and women on photo motos, crouched on the pavement, carrying heavy gear up mountain tops, perched high atop buildings, at call-ups, in front of podiums or mixed in with the crowd.

View a nice (slow) slideshow of Pro Challenge Getty Images, photos from the week: http://tourtracker.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/. If you are a photographer, you might like to study their style, if you are a fan, you might find yourself within their beautiful images (with a warning: you cannot reproduce Getty Images without permission). And if you are a graphic artist/tech geek you will enjoy the clean crisp images on Tour Tracker.

Have you been watching the action at the Vuelta a España? Also, cyclocross season is starting up this month in Colorado! My 2014-15 Colorado CX Calendar will be published soon.

Pro Challenge reports from the road Stage 5 - Breckenridge

Racing through National Forest Lands in Colorado

Today the USA Pro Challenge crossed the valleys and rivers in the land of the fourteeners. Those high mountains that reach above 14,000 feet in elevation. It can make a pack of even the best pro riders feel small in comparison. Today many of those high peaks were also shrouded in clouds. It rained again in Colorado today (although very lightly in Breckenridge), it is going to rain more tomorrow - on the individual time trial. For some but not for all riders, which should make finish times inconsistent, which means luck is a big factor for tomorrow. .

The local Colorado rule of off the summit by 1pm should apply to a bike race if they want to avoid the typical weather patterns all Rocky Mountain cyclists know all too well. It rains in the afternoon here (very rarely all day). But television broadcasting schedules rule the roost and determine start and finish times, and then the storms come and television is unable to broadcast due to the weather and the world doesn't get to see our spectacular landscape - darn it.

Stage 5 crossed magnificent Rocky Mountain Colorado scenery from Woodland Park, west of Colorado Springs, across the newly pave Terryall Rd and Hoosier Pass (highest point in this stage race at 11,550ft and a low 49 degrees when the peloton hit the summit) into beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado.

It is tough to begin a race in the rain but today the riders had to do just that. The break took three attempts to finally stick. Thirteen rider were let go with BMC controlling the pace for much of the day. The lead pack began to break apart over Hoosier Pass when Laurent Didier was able to break free on the descent in a solo effort. Soon Britton, King and Acevedo joined him as these four entered Breckenridge. Didier attacked on the climb toward Boreas Pass and was able to hold his lead to the finish line. Ben King earned most aggressive rider jersey for the day, the other jerseys remained the same.

RESULTS

Stage 5 Results
First - Laurent Didier (LUX) of Trek Factory Racing
Second - Janier Acevedo (COL) of Team Garmin-Sharp
Third - Rob Britton (CAN) of Team SmartStop

Laurent Didier

Janier Acevedo (bottom) and Rob Britton (top)

GC Standings
First - Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Second - Rafał Majka (POL) of Tinkoff-Saxo
Third - Serghei Tvetcov (ROM) of Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis

Jersey Winners
Leader Jersey – Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Sprint Jersey – Kiel Reijnen (USA) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
King of the Mountains Jersey – Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) of Jamis-Hagens Berman
Best Young Rider Jersey – Clement Chevrier (FRA) of Bissell Development Team
Most Aggressive Rider Jersey – Ben King (USA) of Team Garmin-Sharp
Best Colorado Rider Jersey – Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team

Ben King today in orange

Yes Tejay is again in yellow, but I like this photo today - the Colorado National Guard Best Colorado Rider Jersey

Kiel Reijnen, Clement Chevrier, Tejay van Garderen, Ben Jacques-Maynes, Ben King

General Classification after Stage 5 (via Steephill.TV)
USA  1  VAN GARDEREN, Tejay (BMC RACING)                           16:55:56
POL  2  MAJKA, Rafal (TINKOFF-SAXO)                                 +    20
MDA  3  TVETCOV, Serghei (JELLY BELLY P/B MAXXIS)                   +    37
USA  4  DANIELSON, Thomas (GARMIN SHARP)                            +    39
USA  5  BUSCHE, Matthew (TREK FACTORY RACING)                       +    51

A nice photo of podium girl Heidi Golznig today

PHOTOS FROM THE ROAD

Today was a different kind of day, I got delayed leaving my home in Denver and was late arriving into Breckenridge which meant I hit traffic. I relearned why it is I always advise to go early to a stage, ugh. Lots of people were gathering in Breckenridge and the city looked colorful and lively.

Water games in the river in Breckenridge before the race arrived in town

The town waits

I walked by the VIP tent and noticed the mayor of Breckenridge, calling out to him, I introduced myself and asked if I could take his photo

Mayor John Warner has been Mayor of Breckenridge since 2008, he is a Dentist serving the small-town community since 1981.

Happy VIP people in Breckenridge where I heard they served Filet Mignon

I met more friendly fans in the festival area and up the first section of the climb in the town of Breckenridge.

I am hoping they were watching Tour Tracker!

Jens everywhere you look

Friendly Fans on Wellington Rd

Then a bike race came by ...

The breakaway finally climbs Wellington Rd, with a gorilla

The race Leaders in Breckenridge

The peloton hits the climb

Did you know that Marcel van Garderen's Dad drives the Medical Moto in this race? Yes that is Marcel driving (with a big smile!).

Marcel van Garderen

The area just after the finish line is a really interesting routine, where soigneurs wait to great their riders after a hard race. Today it was to offer clean dry warm clothing.

This BMC Soigneur happens to be Kate Ochowicz-Hogan, the team's Marketing Director

Here UHC staff Soigneurs rush to help Kiel Reijnen change and get warm immediately after the finish

The hectic area after the finish line where riders, soigneurs and fans merge into one mass

After getting in the way of an approaching moto in the extended finish line area, and feeling like an idiot, I had a horrible experience trying to struggle through (and feeling awful for trying to push my way through) the jam-packed crowd to get to the photographers designated pen in front of the podium stage to take photos. Ugh.

But it was worth getting there to see The Jensie's new look. The town of Breckenridge gifted him with a free vacation to Tiger Run Resort for he and his large family, presented by the town Mayor (featured above).

Could be a new trend

The rain meant lots of washing of bikes and buses after the stage

The BMC bus gets washed

Every bike had to be washed by the mechanics post race

I visited with the Mavic Men. Did you know that between these 9 men they have 100 years of experience in support service.

The Mavic Men working to clean and store their wheels for the next day

They do this every day

NEXT STAGE

Start order (start list) of riders for the time trial in Vail, Stage 6 USA Pro Challenge, Saturday
2014 Pro Challenge Stage 6 Time Trial Start Order.pdf

The riders go off at 1 minute intervals until the final 20 riders, who will go off at 2 minute intervals.
The course record from 2013 was Tejay's with a time of 25:01

Trek TT bikes waiting to be built. There will be no special custom painted time trial bike for Jensie tomorrow

Stage 6 activities and schedule for the day: 
Saturday, August 23, 2014, Vail ass Individual Time Trial!

SATURDAY, STAGE 6 : 10 miles Stage 6 Map PDF  Stage 6 Profile PDF
Individual Time Trial up Vail Pass bike path (same route as previous years).

Stage 6 Start time: 1:05pm
Stage 6 Finish time: 3:50pm
Stage 6 Timetable.pdf

State Highways Impacted: I-70,  USA Pro Challenge Road Closures 2014

VAIL - Saturday, Stage 6
Recommended road rides near Vail, Colorado
Saturday: 11:00-5:00pm - Festival in Vail Village 
Saturday: 11:30am - Road Closures
Saturday: 1:05pm - first racer, 3:50pm - last racer finishes
Saturday: 4:15pm - podium presentation in Vail Village
Best Viewing: Starting ramp in Vail Village, from the gate on Vail Pass bike path to the finish line near the top.

My tips on where and how to see the stage On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Vail by Pedal Dancer®

2014 USA Pro Challenge - Stage 6 route map

USA PRO CHALLENGE  Race, travel and fan guide by Pedal Dancer®.

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.