Riders in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge

Official Startlist of Riders Announced

Who will be racing? Some of the best, and certainly some of your favorites.

Froome, Porte, Dombrowski, Sagan x2, Voigt, Schleck, VandeVelde, van Garderen, King x2, Talansky, Rogers, Sutherland, Duggan, Millar, Danielson, Zabriskie, Zirbel, Rodriguez.

This is certainly the year to travel to see the pro race in Colorado! You will see the returning 2012 Champion Christian VandeVelde compete against the recent winner of the Tour de France - Chris Froome. This is Chris Froome's first time racing in Colorado with his team SKY and he brings with him his trusty side-kicks Richie Porte (The Tasmanian Devil) and Peter Kennaugh. Defending Best Young Rider Joe Dombrowski (one of the best climbers in the field) will join SKY in Colorado.

All the jersey winners from last year are returning except for Tyler Farrar from team Garmin-Sharp, who won the green sprint jersey last year. Instead we will have the good fortune of watching recent Tour de France green jersey winner, Peter Sagan, sprint for the line in Steamboat Springs and Denver, Colorado, and maybe a few other stages - if the breakaway is caught. Peter's older brother Juraj Sagan is also on the roster for Cannondale Pro Cycling.

Jens Voigt is back in Colorado to thrill the fans, and guess who is leading the posse of RadioShack-Leopard-Trek riders - Andy Schleck. Andy is team leader for the USA Pro Challenge in 2013. Andreas Kloden (Germany) returns, he was here last year and came in 4th. They are joined by Ben King (USA), George Bennett (NZL), Hayden Roulston (NZL), Tony Gallopin (FRA), Tiago Machado (POR).

Australian Rory Sutherland (winner of the Flagstaff Stage in 2012) returns this year, but on his new Saxo-Tinkoff team. He will race for fellow Aussie and team leader Michael Rogers. Tejay van Garderen, Andrew Talansky, Tom Danielson, David Millar, Timmy Duggan, Lucas Euser - are all names you will recognize from last year.

New to the race, wearing a shinny new American National Champion Road Jersey covered in red, white and blue jelly beans, is Freddie Rodriguez. His team Jelly Belly missed out on 2012, but are back for 2013. The incredible COLUMBIA team returns in 2013 to once again wow us all with their climbing skills. And the Bontrager Cycling Team returns with their young squad of very talented riders.

Ted King (Cannondale) is coming! Let's give him a huge welcome back from his injury at the Tour de France. David Zabriskie is on the team Garmin-Sharp roster, I am super excited to see him back from his injury at the Tour of California. Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), from Belgium, just won Stage 1 of the Tour of Utah yesterday - he will be racing in Colorado as well.

At the start line in Breckenridge  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

There are 16 teams; 8 riders per team. 128 riders representing 31 countries.

6 current National Champions Road - Fred Rodriguez (USA), Hayden Roulsten (NZL), Luis Enrique Lemus (MEX), Michael Olsson (SWE), Michael Schär (SUI) and Peter Sagan (SLO).

2 current National Champions Time Trial - Tom Zirbel (USA), and Kanstantsin Siutsou (Belarus).

The preliminary complete startlist for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge pro race in Colorado:

UCI ProTeams

BMC Racing Team (USA) @BMCProTeam
Tejay van Garderen (USA)
Stephen Cummings (GBR)
Mathias Frank (SUI)
Michael Schär (SUI)
Greg Van Avermaet (BEL)
Lawrence Warbasse (USA)
Julien Taramarcaz (SUI)
Brent Bookwalter (USA)

Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA) @cannondalePro
Peter Sagan (SVK)
Damiano Caruso (ITA)
Alessandro de Marchi (ITA)
Edward King (USA)
Nariyuki Masuda (JPN)
Fabio Sabatini (ITA)
Juraj Sagan (SVK)
Davide Villella (ITA)

RadioShack Leopard Trek (LUX) @RSLT
Andy Schleck (LUX)
Ben King (USA)
George Bennett (NZL)
Tony Gallopin (FRA)
Andreas Klöden (GER)
Tiago Machado (POR)
Hayden Roulston (NZL)
Jens Voigt (GER)

Sky Procycling (GBR) @TeamSky
Christopher Froome (GBR)
Richie Porte (AUS)
Joshua Edmonson (GBR)
Ian Boswell (USA)
Joseph Lloyd Dombrowski (USA)
Peter Kennaugh (GBR)
Danny Pate (USA)
Kanstantsin Siutsou (BLR)

Team Argos-Shimano (NED) @1t4i
Patrick Gretsch (GER)
Thomas Damuseau (FRA)
Simon Geschke (GER)
Tann Huguet (FRA)
Tobias Ludvigsson (SWE)
Luka Mezgec (SLO)
Michael Olsson (SWE)
Nikodemus Holler (GER)

Team Garmin-Sharp (USA) @Ride_Argyle
Christian Vande Velde (USA)
Thomas Danielson (USA)
Thomas Dekker (NED)
Rohan Dennis (AUS)
David Millar (GBR)
Lachlan David Morton (AUS)
Andrew Talansky (USA)
David Zabriskie (USA)

Team Saxo-Tinkoff (DEN) @TeamSaxoTinkoff
Michael Rogers (AUS)
Anders Lund (DEN)
Bruno Pires (POR)
Christopher Juul Jensen (DEN)
Jay McCarthy (AUS)
Rory Sutherland (AUS)
Timothy Duggan (USA)
Jesper Hansen (DEN)

UCI Professional Continental Teams

Champion System Pro Cycling Team (CHN) @TeamChampionSys
Chad Beyer (USA)
Gang Xu (CHN)
Gregory Brenes Obando (CRC)
Chris Butler  (USA)
Craig Lewis (USA)
Ryota Nishizono (JPN)
Chun Kai Feng (TPE)
Ying Hon Yeung (HKG)

UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA) @UHCprocycling
Lucas Euser (USA)
Alessandro Bazzana (ITA)
Jonathan Clarke (AUS)
Benjamin Day (AUS)
Philip Deignan (IRL)
Christopher Jones (USA)
Jeffry Louder (USA)
Kiel Reijnen (USA)

Team Novo Nordisk (USA) @TeamNovoNordisk
Fabio Calabria (AUS)
Javier Megias Leal (ESP)
David Lozano Riba (ESP)
Joonas Henttala (FIN)
Martijin Verschoor (NED)
Andrea Peron (ITA)
Kevin de Mesmaeker (BEL)
Christopher Williams (AUS)

COLOMBIA (COL) @Col_Coldeportes
Edwin Alcibiades Avila Vanegas (COL)
Julio Alexis Camacho Bernal (COL)
Robinson Eduardo Chalapud Gomez (COL)
Marco Corti (ITA)
Fabio Andres Duarte Arevalo (COL)
Jarlinson Pantano (COL)
Michael Rodriguez Galindo (COL)

UCI Continental Teams

Bissell Pro Cycling (USA) @BissellCycling
Phil Gaimon (USA)
Jason McCartney (USA)
Jeremy Vennell (NZL)
Christopher Baldwin (USA)
Jonathan Patrick McCarty (USA)
Carter   Jones (USA)
Michael Torckler (NZL)
Kirk Carlsen (USA)

Bontrager Cycling Team (USA) @BontragerCT
Nathan Brown (USA)
Lawson Craddock (USA)
Antoine Duchesne (CAN)
Ryan Eastman (USA)
Connor O'Leary (USA)
James Oram (NZL)
Tanner Putt (USA)
Nathan Wilson (USA)

Optum Presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA) @OPTUMpbKBS
Alexander Candelario (USA)
Marsh Cooper (CAN)
Jesse Anthony (USA)
Michael Friedman (USA)
Tom Zirbel (USA) - American National Champion Time Trial
Thomas Soladay (USA)
Ryan Anderson (CAN)
Ken Hanson (USA)

Jelly Belly p/b Kenda (USA) @JellyBellyTeam
Fred Rodriguez (USA) - American National Champion Road
Morgan Schmitt (USA)
Ian Burnett (USA)
Alex Hagman (USA)
Serghei Tvetcov (MDA)
Sean Mazich (USA)
Luis Lemus (MEX)
Nic Hamilton (CAN)

Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home (USA) @TeamJamisHB
Janier Alexis Acevedo Calle (COL)
Juan José Haedo (ARG)
Matt Cooke (USA)
Tyler Wren (USA)
Carson Miller (USA)
Luis Romero Amaran (CUB)
James Driscoll (USA)
Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA)

A great roster a riders

Jens Voigt wins Stage 4 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2012  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

Who is missing? You will notice missing from the startlist are Tyler Farrar, Peter Stetina, Jakob Fuglsang, Matthew Busche, Ivan Basso, Taylor Phinney, Damiano Caruso, Vincenzo Nibali, Cadel Evans and others. Where George Hincapie retired last year, and Leiv Leipheimer did not sign with a team for 2013, these riders are occupied racing other races as assigned by their teams and will not be in Colorado. They miss out on great roads, fantastic hotels, and incredible fan support!

This race is a big deal

I like quotes, and especially quotes from the race owner and the man that makes all of this possible - Rick Schaden, so I will share Rick's comments included in the official press release this morning announcing the teams: 

“The diverse field of cycling stars participating in the USA Pro Challenge presents an opportunity to celebrate the sport of cycling on a global scale,”

“As the race continues to grow, we are seeing increasing enthusiasm from both the fans and the riders, and these impressive rosters are a testament to that.”

“The USA Pro Challenge is quickly becoming a globally recognized leader in cycling. Having the 2013 winner of the Tour de France is evidence of this race’s stature.”

A message from Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge:

“This competitive level of the field for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge is by far one of the best that has ever raced on American soil,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “Chris Froome swept headlines last month after winning the Tour de France and to have on the start line for the USA Pro Challenge will be amazing. The competition this year should be faster and tougher than ever.”

Tom Danielson on Independence Pass in 2012    ©Photo by Mike for PedalDancer®

Now would be the time to make those reservations to come to Colorado!

Stages for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge include:
Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 19 – Aspen/Snowmass Circuit
Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 20 – Aspen/Snowmass to Breckenridge
Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 21 – Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs
Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 22 – Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek
Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 23 – Vail Individual Time Trial
Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 24 – Loveland to Fort Collins
Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 25 – Denver Circuit

Joe Dombrowksi in Aspen in 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

Looking back at the race in 2012  - who won:

2012 Final General Classification
1  Christian VandeVelde (GARMIN-SHARP) 25:57:34
2   Tejay van Garderen (BMC RACING) + 0:21
3   Levi Leipheimer (OMEGA PHARMA-QUICKSTEP) + 0:24
4   Andreas Kloden (RADIOSHACK-NISSAN) + 1:08
5   Janez Brajkovic (ASTANA) + 1:14
6   Jakob Fuglsang (RADIOSHACK-NISSAN) + 1:24
7   Thomas Danielson (GARMIN-SHARP) + 1:28
8   Matthew Busche (RADIOSHACK-NISSAN) + 1:32
9   Peter Stetina (GARMIN-SHARP) + 1:39
10 Joe Donbrowski (BONTRAGER) + 1:40
* Joe Dombrowski now rides for SKY Procycling

2012 Jersey Winners

Yellow (Overall) - Christian VandeVelde
Green (Sprint) - Tyler Farrar
Red (Mountain) - Jens Voigt
Blue (Young) - Joe Dombrowski

Jens Voigt racing through City Park in Denver in 2012   ©Photo by Laurie Valaer for PedalDancer®

Related posts by Pedal Dancer®: Organization Behind the Race

That's my kid!

It's a Family Affair

This last week I read a post my nephew Kenny wrote for a publication offering tips to first time triathletes. Now Kenny is a pro triathlete who has some pretty impressive race wins (hill climb & tri) to his name and young age. I am a very happy Aunt when I receive the usual podium shots and post-race play-by-play phone calls from Kenny. But when I saw his name attached as an author - my pride overflowed. Kenny is not only winning, he is sharing the joy of participation. So proud! [link: Top 5 Tips for First Time Triathletes].

My nephew, Kenny Rakestraw, racing the Vineman 70.3 Half Ironman triathlon on July 18th.

Then this morning I woke up and thought I would start my Monday morning by wearing my new bright yellow tshirt, but not just any bright yellow tshirt, a Je ne suis pas Ted King tshirt. [link: A Ted Tshirt]. Every time I think of Ted King now, I think of his parents traveling all the way to France to see their son race for one day in the Tour de France before missing the time cut-off by 7 seconds. We all know they were just there to show their support and love, but still, 7 seconds!

Je ne suis pas Ted King, mais je voudrais être

This got me thinking about the parents of some of the other pros, those parents who are often behind the scenes at races showing their support. I realized I have met a number of these proud parents at races over the years. I somehow feel more connected to the athletes after meeting their wonderful parents. So here it is - a brief collection of parental pride:

Tejay van Garderen's (BMC) Father, is a bike racer himself and often competes in weekly crits in Boulder, CO. He also works Mavic support.

Marcel van Garderen (second from left), Tejay van Garderen's Dad, with his Mavic support crew at the USA Pro Challenge in 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay van Garderen's Mother-in-law Lynn (that would be Jessica's Mom) was in Aspen as well (with Tejay's Father Marcel) in a show of support.

Lynn and Marcel in Aspen, Colorado, August 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Taylor Phinney's (BMC) Mom - Connie Carpenter Phinney is a four-time Olympic medalist in cycling and speed skating. She knows a tremendous amount about the sport and also a great deal about cycling in Italy - just ask her sometime.

Connie Carpenter Phinney, Breckenridge 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Taylor Phinney's Dad - Davis Phinney was a stellar sprinter and American legend in cycling, he is active in his son's career and a champion in his cause against Parkinson's Disease.

Davis Phinney (far left) with BMC staff members in Breckenridge, Colorado, 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Peter Stetina's (Garmin-Sharp) Dad, Dale Stetina, and his Uncle Wayne Stetina were in Telluride last year to support Peter. Both are former National Champions and Olympians. Dale Stetina is a two-time winner of the Coors Classic. Wayne Stetina is V.P. of Shimano, USA.

Brothers Dale and Wayne Stetina, August 2012 .  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Timmy Duggan's (Saxo-Tinkoff) Mom Debbie is a familiar site at the races in the United States. I have seen Debbie in Colorado and California. She usually has a large support group nearby.

2012 American National Champion Timmy Duggan found his Mom in the crowd in Santa Barbara, May 2013, in her matching jersey.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Timmy's family can be easily spotted on the sidelines wearing their bright green tshirts.

The Go Timmy Duggan Fan Club in Beaver Creek, CO  (who also happen to be his family and includes his Dad and Mom).  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Ryan Eastman's (Bontrager) Dad and Mom were there to support him in Santa Barbara in May 2013.

Ryan Eastman (USA) and James Oram (New Zealand National Champion) of Bontrager Cycling Team are greeted by Ryan's parents after Stage 4 of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Axel Merckx - we all know who his father is ... Eddy Merckx! Axel is currently Directeur sportif for the Bontrager Cycling Team.

Axel Merckx in Santa Barbara, California, May 2013. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Did you know that David Millar's (Garmin-Sharp) sister Fran Millar works for team SKY as Head of Business Operations. I especially appreciated her tweet during the 2013 Tour de France after her brother waged his campaign against fans running next to the riders only to be ignored, but Fran posted this ...

The man in the pants with the beer running along the side of the road who nearly bumped into my brother - don't make me come and punch you.
— Fran Millar (@franmillar) July 13, 2013

Chris Froome used his brother as a double distraction from journalists during the Tour.

Chris Froome's brother  (Photo tweeted by Chris Froome)

Seems we saw Chris Froome's fiance Michelle as much as we saw Chris himself in the final footage of this year's Tour de France, and then Chris dedicated his win to his Mom - awwh!  Parents. Those wonderful beings who not only passed along outstanding genes but gave tremendous support on the road to forming a spectacular athlete.

So the next time you are at a bike race and see the parents of a rider there cheering on their kid, go up and say hi and congratulate them on their child's achievements, you never know, maybe someday someone will do the same for you on your son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter. Won't you be proud?!

After all there is no more justifiable pride than pride in one's family.

My other nephew, 7ft tall Kevin Rakestraw, with his very proud much shorter Mom Missy.

Watch US National Championships Road Live

Crowning a new National Champion - Road Cycling

It is Memorial Day weekend in the United States, a time to remember those who have served our country. A time to reflect upon the past and be in the present, a time to celebrate a 3-day weekend biking, hiking, picnicking, and putting out the flags.

If you happen to be around on Monday mid-day, and not on some grueling 6-hour bike ride, remember to watch the USA Cycling mens and womens National Championships Road in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There are several options to follow or watch the race live:

RESULTS: Full Results
Rodriguez wins fourth U.S. men’s road title, By VeloNews
Fast Freddie Gran Fondo, and a New Champion By Pedal Dancer 

Date: Monday, May 27, 2013
Race: Road Race Male Pro. (Official name: 2013 Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Road & Time Trial National Championships)
Race start time: Women 9:00 a.m., Men 1:15 p.m.

Watch Online: http://usacycling.thetourtracker.com/ (mens beginning at 11:30 a.m. MDT)
Tour Tracker App: iOS and Android devices
Follow on Twitter: #USPRO
TV: The last two hours of the men’s road race will be broadcast live on Universal Sports beginning at 4 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. MDT) on Monday, May 27, and, finally, there will be a recap show broadcast by NBC Sports on Sunday, June 2, at 1 p.m. EDT. Craig Hummer, Robbie Ventura and Kristin Armstrong commentators.
Official USA Cycling website:  http://www.usacycling.org/2013/pro-road-time-trial-nationals
More race coverage by CyclingNews: CyclingNews reports

Big news for 2013 - equal prize money for men and women's races!
Defending Champion Men: Timmy Duggan
Defending Champion Women: Megan Guarnier (Meet Megan: Megan Guarnier hopes to defend stars and stripes in Chattanooga, By VeloNews)

Timmy Duggan being interviewed by Dave Towle this month in California.  ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Timmy Duggan in his stars and stripes jersey, now with team Saxo Bank Tinkoff, but here with his old Cannondale teammates Peter Sagan and Ted King in California two weeks ago. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

About the Race

National Championships race route: Road race course map (Men 161.9km, women 101.5km)
National Championships course profiles: Course Profiles
Mens road race timetable: Men's Road Race Trip Log (PDF)
National Championships registered riders start list (Mens and Womens): US National Championships start lists

The circuits, total distance:
Main Circuit: 16.1 mi./26.1 km
Start/Finish Circuit: 5.1 mi./8.2 km
Women: 3 start circuit/2 long circuits/3 finish circuits - 63.1 mi./101.5 km
Men: 4 start circuits/4 long circuits/3 finish circuits - 100.6 mi./161.9 km

I hope the riders can keep track of where they are

Yesterday, Individual Time Trial results: US National Champion Time Trial Results 2013

Chattanooga , TN, USA

The Giro d'Italia finished today in Brescia, Italy, in what appeared to be very annoying circuit loop, with Vincenzo Nibali winning the very pink Maglia Rosa in front of thousands of fans. All I could think as Mark Cavendish repeatedly sprinted in an attempt to determine when the actual intermediate sprint took place, was that fans in Italy actually watch a race instead of capturing it on their iphones, which means they actually see the bike race instead of just their devices, and so too do those standing next to them have a chance of seeing the race instead of each others devices. What a novel idea.

This final weekend in May is jammed packed with other sporting events that draw my attention away from cycling - the French Open, Indianapolis 500, Stanley Cup finals, and the Monaco Grand Prix. Still I care about who wins our national road race. It is a year long honor and a dream of so many young cyclists who have a dream of being a national champion, an Olympian, or a Grand Tour stage winner.

I have to be honest though, I was discouraged to see Danilo DiLuca welcomed back onto the Vini Fantini-Selle Italia team and accepted to race in the Giro d'Italia, only to test positive for EPO and be kicked out of the race and again bring bad press to the event and to the port (His teammate Mauro Santambrogio also tested positive at the Giro). It was no surpirse to anyone that DiLuca was and is a doper. This is 2013, does anyone care to clean this sport up? I would have liked to have seen his entire team thrown out of the race, although if they had been, Stefano Garzelli (who was thrown out of the 2002 Giro for doping and is on the same team as DiLuca), would not have had his honored final farewell lap today before retiring from the sport.

I feel strongly that riders who have been found guilty of doping, through a positive sample, never be allowed to compete in Olympic or National Championship races. Therefore I find it hard to celebrate Tom Zirbel's win yesterday at the US National Time Trial Championships. An ex-doper wearing our National jersey should not inspire the youth of our junior racing program.

I hope a historically clean rider wins tomorrow, because I am loosing my patience with this doping issue. It is also shocking to look at this list 2012 national road cycling championships and realize how few countries even award a national champion title to a woman.

Update 05/28/13:
Fast Freddie won, and I eat my words, because whatever questions might arise, I like Freddie. I guess if I like a rider I can disregard any possible questions of the past and focus on the present. The truth is Freddie Rodriguez is nothing if not courteous to every fan he comes across and for that, and for the fact that he stuck to it through some rough years in this sport, I am happy for Fred Rodriguez. Plus I like the Jelly Belly team and hope to see the team represented at the tour in Colorado in 2013. Perhaps they will be invited after Freddie's win today.
USA CYCLING FULL RESULTS: Results
Rodriguez wins fourth U.S. men’s road title, By VeloNews
Fast Freddie Gran Fondo, and a New Champion By Pedal Dancer

Meanwhile, good news, by brother and sister-in-law got themselves on a plane and are now in Cassis, France. 

Where they are happy to report they did not partake of the traditional French Breakfast of Champions

California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California

Pedal Dancer Cruising California

Stage 5, Presented by Visit California: Thursday, May 16 – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
2013 ATOC Stage 5: route map, profile, and stage information 

Stage Length: 115.6 miles

KEY FEATURES: The first climb started at mile 7.77 today over San Marcos Pass, it then skirted the town of Solvang through Los Olivos and up Foxen Canyon (a wonderful bike ride through wine county) across agricultural lands arriving into the quaint and controversial beach town of Avila Beach.

Stage 5 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

STAGE 5 HIGHLIGHTS

Stage 5 Results photos and stories by Pedal Dancer Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results

How do you pronounce their names?
Jens Voigt: Yens Vokedt (close to evoke with a little t at the end, closer to vote than voit)
Tyler Farrar: Far-rah (not like the car Farrar-i, but more like Farrah Fawcet, with a little r)
Philippe Gilbert: Gee-bear (not like Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie)
Peter Sagan: Sah-gone (not like saggin' baggin' lycra)
Vncenzo Nibali: Nee-bah-lee (not like NiBALLy). This guy is now leading the Giro so get it right! Giro d'Italia 2013: stage 13 - as it happened

Race Day Photos and Stories

The Jensie

Dave Towle, Andy Schleck, Jens Voigt and Brad Sohner in the morning at the sign-in stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens, looking clam and confident in the morning before the stage.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

These legs would go on to win the stage!  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Cruising among the team buses in Santa Barbara

The riders were noticeably happy this morning in Santa Barbara. The cooler temperatures, nice accommodations and perfect location made moving about easy for the riders. Their hotel rooms were steps from the team buses, steps from their bikes, and an easy block from the start line. The team buses were parked to the side of the Fess Parker Hotel, the start line out front along Cabrillo Blvd.

Santa Barbara was a great location for the race, a good Host City, and as I mentioned yesterday I wouldn't mind if they ran a few stages out of this city similar to the Tour Down Under. The riders were smiling and joking and social, general stress had been lessened, a noticeable difference from earlier stages. The mood was excellent.

Another sunscreen king of day in California.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

DZ selecting his sunscreen. Why don't we have a sunscreen sponsor in this sport?!  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

All quiet around the team buses.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Michael Rogers and Axel Merckx.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Andy Schleck all smiles at the start  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Cannondale marketing at it's best.   ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Don't you want to go ride with these guys? Haedo, Bodnar, Sagan of Cannondale Pro Cycling.
©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Team bonding with Bontrager.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Philip Deignan  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Ben Jacques-Maynes

More Andy Schleck.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Johan Vansummeren and Andy Schleck leave autograph alley.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

If you are a lucky fan, you get a really warm greeting from Andy.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Sylvain Chavanel   ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

How do you like Tejay's orange shoes?   ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

A sure sign that the Omega Pharma-Quickstep team must be nearby.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Patience ... waiting to race. Andy Schleck, Haiar Zubeldia, Irizar Arranburu.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

American National Champion Timmy Duggan found his Mom in the crowd in her matching jersey.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

riders listening to the National Anthem.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Start Line in Santa Barbara Tour of California.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Startlist of riders for Individual Time Trial, Amgen Tour of California, Stage 6, San Jose

The best way to track the order and times of riders is to use your Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker app on your phone or ipad.


For a printable list of riders: Stage 6 ITT Start Order and Rider Start Times

Stage 5 Results

Tips for being a fan at an Individual Time Trial tomorrow

A similar route was used in 2006, the riders gain 1000' over the 19.8 miles. Team cars will be following the riders on a narrow 22' road, allowing the riders only 11' passage as they ascend the hill to the finish. The final area up to the motorcycle park will be fully fenced along the route for rider and spectator safety as team cars will follow the riders. Also read Tough time trial route to test Tour of California contenders By CyclingNews.

The official Amgen Tour of California site advises:

• There will be three waves of racers: Amateurs at 12:30pm, Pro Women at 12:45pm and Pro Men at 1:00. 
• The last riders should finish at 3:45pm
• Race Start is at 555 Bailey Road in San Jose
• Race Finish is at Santa Clara County Motorcycle Park at 300 Metcalf Road, San Jose
• Total miles raced 19.62 (or 19.8 varying length stated)

Pedal Dancer Spectator tips for watching the ITT as a fan:

• The Lifestyle Village is located at the start area on Bailey Road.
• The best swag is at the Breakaway from Cancer tent.
• The most fun for true fans is to watch the riders warming up on the spinners outside the bus, or to watch the riders take the final turn, or stretch of road, to the finish line.
• It is great if you can see the final timer at the finish line and hear the announcers in the distance near the finish line, to keep track of race standings.
• Watching the racers approach the start line in full regalia (bike, skinsuit and helmet) is also interesting. Quietly notice their concentration (but don't disturb them).
• My main tip would be to move around at any ITT, you will experience so much more than holding one place at the barriers. 
• Oh and check out the bikes!!
  

Pedal Dancer  tips on where to watch the race:

The best place to capture photographs would be

1. Near the team buses as the riders warm up
2. Next to the holding pen where the riders await their entry onto the start ramp (one side is usually reserved for VIP)
3. On any long sweeping turn on the course (allowing for position of sunlight). 
4. On the final ascent as they slow a bit and show their final effort. 

Please do not disturb: Please do not disturb the riders before they begin their race near the start line. The only place to ask for autographs, with consideration, is when a rider is exiting or entering the team bus near it's steps.

TOMORROWS STAGE 6

Stage 6 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  San Jose FB page

Stage 6: Friday, May 17 – San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
2013 ATOC Stage 6: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Bailey Ave.
Finish Location: Metcalf Road – Metcalf Motorcycle Park (short hilltop finish)
Start Time: 12:50 p.m.
Stage Length: 19.62 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT:  Route & City information about San Jose
KEY FEATURES: I hope you got in your car and drove because suddenly we are in northern California (south of San Francisco). Returning to the town of San Jose for a 20-mile semi-loop/uphill individual time trial. The route is south of downtown SJ with a start near Calero Reservoir and a finish up Metcalf Rd at the motorcycle park. (3km of nearly 10%).

Stage 6 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

Looking Back at Pedal Dancer at the Tour of California 2013

Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results 
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 7 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Results