http://pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=pelopics/pelopics07/pelopics-feb07

k bye.

ok, I'm really done now.

It was a nice meander up Sierra Rd. Fans had arrived early to get parking. Police kicked all the cars off so it was bike or by foot.  It was a steady trickle of cyclists/fans up until the motorcade passed. The roads still had paint from last year: Il Falco and Floyd. This year it was mostly chalk and I saw "Basso-nova," argyle patterns for Slipstream, and not so much Levi, (some yes).  According to my calculations (based on total names written on the road), America would like to adopt Jens Voigt as their own (he must have felt it).

The crowd condensced at the KOM point til about 250 m down.  The road winds and is very steep there so it was great views of riders and the valley below. It was cold and windy-freezing for those without layers/hats/and mittens.  Those with wireless connections tried to yell out race updates so we knew a breakaway had gotten away in some form.  Toyota gave out chalk and those dumb thundersticks.  Some company walked around with markers and posterboard for people to make signs.  The best, "Benjamin Jacques-Maynes is our true leader."

I didn't mention this before and I'm sure they are reporting it but Saul Raisin is riding the course ahead of the race.  He came by looking strong and thanked the crowd for cheering. A lot of riders were wearing bracelots including Tom D.

We saw the helicopters in the distance which freaked the cows in the pastures that line the route.  They formed a peloton down the hill and the crowd cheered.

The motorcycles began and suddenly the crowd wall formed and parted for Levi, Jens, McCartney (I think), and Horner--in full out battle mode. Levi looked under a lot of pressure.

I saw Julich a little behind as if he might have been dropping someone off and staying in to help.  I saw Pate who looked smooth. Then a band of T-mobile with Michael Rogers in front, Pil, and later Michael Barry... Somewhere in there was Hicapie.  Gap.  Fabian and Basso side by side. Basso-sans his classic climbing smile/grimace and working by not fighting.  Gap. We were surprised to see Tom D back so far and he was sweating like crazy. I actually saw drips-working for sure.  The sprinters (Fred, Thor, Haedo) came up steadily and not worried. Totally missed Betini and wondered if he'd had enough America for this year.

The crowd cheered loudest for the domestics and anyone holdin on for dear life.  The last rider got some help from the fans until the van with actual brooms attached came through and those with  bikes tore down the hill/mountain to catch the finish. Those of us on foot strolled down but could hear the sirens and crowds cheering on the flats below.

Biggest Loser of the Day: The resident on Sierra Rd. in the mongo cadillac (who clearly wasn't into procycling) actually speeding up as the crowd begged her to slow down to avoid hitting the fans strewn across the way. As someone yelled, "You only had a year to plan!"  

Biggest Winner: Saul, Jens, and anyone in range of the Shimano van who gave out free jackets-nice ones.

Overall, it was fantastic. I was surprised the crowd was mostly cyclists cause the walk in was suited for the average-joe like me.  As that was sadly my last stage, I won't have any more reports. Overall, I have to recommend going next year to anyone. Take a few days, bring the family, and get the experience while the Europeans are here and the local teams get some glory.  The mountain was the best but I like a good view and picnic anyday. See you there next year...

enjoy the rest of the race.