What an event!! Not only was this the first serious cycling race I'd been to - but a number of international-class teams and riders were racing. This includes Cadel Evans - the winner of the 2011 Tour de France -
as well as the Schleck brothers - who came 2nd and 3rd in this year's tour. So, needless to say, a lot of talent riding the roads of Colorado this August! These pictures are of one of the cyclists rounding a curve in Vail Village at the beginning of the course - just a few seconds out of the start.
Thursday's stage consisted of an individual time trial beginning in Vail. While 'just' 10 miles, it entailed a climb of 1,700 feet. Pretty brutal when you're already beginning at an elevation of 8,000 feet. This time trial is actually a classic route - it was one of the mainstays of the Coors Classic race a number of years past. The great thing about an individual time trial is that each rider has to ride by himself. Spaced apart by a minute each, this meant we got to watch over 3 hours of top-level riders. This made for a great and exciting afternoon of watching top-level sports.
Vail did a great job in hosting the stage. Already a place where I've had some of my most favorite and unforgettable experiences, this event has only added to my appreciation of the town. Great place to carouse with good friends, have a pint, and watch some great sports.
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