Ride Rabbit Ride!

A week ago, today, I got to see Stage 5 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. This leg went from Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge. Mick, myself, and some other old friends watched the race from halfway up Rabbit Ears Pass - the big mountain pass that leads out of (or into, depending on which way you're traveling) Steamboat. After a few miles of rolling roads leading out of town, the cyclists were hit with a massive climb. We knew that while it was relatively close to the start, the nature of the climb meant that the peloton would break apart fairly quickly - offering lots of viewing opportunities.

Spectators were situated the entire way up the climb. Even a few hours before the riders came through, the atmosphere was very festive - with fans decked out in all manner of gear.

Signaled by a convoy of police vehicles and rider support cars, the energy of the crowd began building even before any of the riders were in sight.

And, as was the case a few days earlier, it was exhilarating seeing these top-level athletes literally only a few feet away. This is the leader, and the lead pack at this stage in the race. You'll see Levi Leipheimer - who eventually won the overall race - in the yellow in this picture.

 And here is another picture of Cadel Evans (note the rainbow stripes on his sleeve - signifying he has won a world championship).