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Great pics, Veronica! Those of us in other parts of the country are living vicariously through your narratives & pictures. Keep it up!
Question for all: What do you think of the commissaires' decision regarding the finish yesterday? And did anyone see the crash?
WELL DONE, WELL DONE,
those of us on the east coast have to stay up well past our bedtime to catch the coverage. One question my son has because we have not seen them is LiquiGas Bianchi in the race???
karen
ps-How come Basso is back??? Didn't he have to do a 2 year suspension like Tyler Hamilton?
My understanding is that Basso was cleared of the charges and Discovery signed him right after that...I think :)Quote:
Originally Posted by massbikebabe
Yep, see here: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com...-liquigas.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by massbikebabe
Interesting to see Basso doing the grunt work at the front of the pack. Great shots, V!
Thanks - Thom's not happy with them. :rolleyes: They look good on the web, but when you print them out poster size, which we do, they have a lot of noise, even when they have been run through noise reduction software. He was hoping to avoid buying a replacement SLR. Oh well.
I think he's going to take the other replacement camera we got tomorrow to Patterson Pass. I hope it's as nice a day as yesterday.
V.
I saw the crash and was disappointed when they finally discovered that Levi was caught up in it. However, I didn't agree with the decision to give everyone the same time. If they were going to neutralize the finishing circuits in the event of a crash it should have been stated up front. I understand why they did it, many of the favorites where caught in the crash, but I didn't think it was right. That's part of racing, IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by IFjane
So has George gone with different sunglasses? The Oakley Jackets he has worn for so long have been his trademark. I noticed he was wearing something different in the prolog, and here he again with different Oakleys. I like them!:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
Here's a another shot of the glasses.
Quote:
Originally Posted by maillotpois
Oh, a little off thread - but memories do come back! Oakville Grade - fastest I have ever been on a bike especially in a tight corner - WOW, the G forces were incredible!
The other memory - climbing up the Oakville Grade - talk about wicked! I made it once - and didn't make the other time I rode it.
I got to see the last turn before the finish in Sacramento today. Except I mostly got to see the back of the big guy who stepped in front of me at the last minute ... I was very irritated, because I'd held that spot for half an hour before he decided to block my view.
Some tall roadies were there letting shorter women go in front of them, though, which was very nice of them. And I managed to weasel my way into a viewing hole before the second lap.
I just got tomorrow off! YAY! Now to decide where to go to watch.....
I thought we had it nailed and would be able to just see them finishing before we had to run for the airport. Alas it seems that they were running behind so we had to leave before seeing them.
However, I was VERY upset I got home and watched the farce at the finish on OLN...
I'm sorry, but if it wasn't for the fact that Levi and some of the other "favorites" were involved in the crash I'm quite sure that they would have said "oh well, sheat happens"...
Am I totally off base here? It just seems like they bent the rules because Levi was in the fray.
Now before you blast me, I LOVE Levi!!! I have met the guy. He is such a nice person and I ALWAYS pull for him, but he fell. Things happen. Wrong place at the wrong time. PERIOD.
So if George or Levi falls in the time trial at Solvang are they gonna call a do over???
I LOVE this sport, but sometimes the decisions made by the powers that be baffle me!!! - Of course the same could be said about our government, but that's ANOTHER story... heh heh heh ;)
Yay! I missed stage 1's big crash due to travel, but got to see today's leg. It's so cool to see racing in February! Thanks for the pictures Cali peeps, these are GREAT! keep em coming. I didn't watch it last year but I am impressed with the field that's turned out. Many big name riders!
So, is Team Discovery angling for Levi to win this one, and Basso to win the TdF, ie that Levi will be a LT. for Basso then?
Had a great time today at the TdC -- I have a few other possible pics (still have to examine them for star content), but I just HAD to post this one before knocking off to bed (sorry it's a bit grainy after resizing). Right after we got there, we came upon this guy that looked like Floyd in a suit outside Starbucks...we all did a double take, and yep -- it was him. He had been on his cell phone when we spotted him, hung up as soon as he realized he had visitors, and then instantly reached out his hand to greet us. VERY candid, open person. It was a pleasure to meet him.
He also gave us the "Quote-of-the-Day." After we asked how everything was going with his healing & all, he replied, "Oh shoot, the hip is great, I can do anything I want now. It's everything else that's fxxked up!" Instant laughter from everyone, including him. 'Twas awesome.
Ironically, his lawyer took the picture. :p (I'm in the yellow to the left of him)
Attachment 2667
So good to see Floyd.
He sure does clean up nice doesn't he. I feel so bad about all the crud he's going through. :(
Bubba was supposed to have a hearing yesterday but his client left him a garbled message that the hearing was cancelled. Not being able to translate the garble, he dutifully went into the office so he missed our ride but saw the final circuit loops in Sac. He's hanging out on a corner and "some guy" comes wandering up behind him. The "some guy" signed a red one and picked out a black one to keep for himself.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...7/DSCF0018.jpg
woo-woo! :cool: Good job Bubba.
So, who is "some guy?" I'm clueless.
I think that's a Floyd sig on a AV buff.Quote:
Originally Posted by slinkedog
I learned that word from TrekHawk :D
Nick Gates of Predictor-Lotto on the 2nd KOM, Stage 2, as they leave Napa County.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...7/DSCF0011.jpg
"I hope the peloton takes it easy so I have a chance to look at the sights..." Paolo Bettini
IFJane, maybe Jobob got a picture, but on the 2nd KOM Paolo was 2nd from end lolly-gagging along in the tea party back there. He was definitely seeing the sights.
I have a question, maybe I missed something, but why is George H. wearing USA Colors as is his bike instead of the Discovery kit.
I also want to say that the pics all of you are taking are great and very much appreciated from me here on the East coast. I have been watching and of course tonights stage will be recorded because of how late it is airing. The scenery in CA is stunning and every city that they are riding through is truely amazing. I really hope to take a cycling vacation in your neck of the woods.
Again, thanks for all the great pics and reports!!!
~ JoAnn
George is the current USA Road Racing champion, which entitles him to wear the stars and stripes jersey in road races (you'll notice that he goes back to his plain Disco kit for TT's) He'll get to wear the jersey all year until the next USPro championship (road) race when he'll either defend or lose the title.
Dave Z is the TT champ
You'll also see Paolo Bettini wearing a white kit with rainbow bands - That is to indicate that he is the world road race champion. If you've ever had this title I believe you get to wear rainbow bands in some form (like on your sock) for the rest of your career.
Thanks for the clue, Regina!Quote:
Originally Posted by Regina
Another sighting... My husband had a meeting this morning at the Hotel DeAnza in San Jose, and as he was walking into the lobby, who turns around right in front of him but Floyd! He called me after his meeting to tell me. Of course, I asked if he talked to Floyd, but he said no. Floyd seemed to be leaving in a hurry, so Blaine didn't want to bug him. Shoot!
Thanks Eden!! I completely missed that about George. Wow, I am happy for him, he is such a great guy.
I'll post pics later, sorry. Yep, I have a fuzzy one of Bettini bringing up the rear (as it were) over the KOM yesterday.
We're off to Sierra Road after all. Hope the weather holds ! :)
Yuk, yuk, yuk!! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by jobob
Have fun! I'm probably going to the finish with my 5 year old. She's all into bikes now that she's got her training wheels off.
Score one for the Bub-meister!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
Awesome!!!!!
Another star crossing: I also forgot to mention that I met Davis Phinney after the awards ceremony. He's looking fit as could be and was very friendly. About 20 years ago at the SF finish of the Coors Classic, I came within five feet of getting his autograph, but he had to leave before I got up to the front of the line. Got it yesterday. ;)
~BikeMomma
Floyd's a member of AV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:DQuote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
Veronica that pic of the peleton with the ocean behind them is AWESOME! Man, I know you said it's not printing as well... but that is totally frameable!
BikeMomma... I LOVE that Floyd story! :D That's just too funny... he is a nice guy...
dang, I didn't know about the crash...
Thanks - I don't see what Thom sees either. But he's a perfectionist about his photos. I'm glad he doesn't try to do it for a living. :D
V.
I LOVE THIS!! Levi's my absolute favourite. I'm so jealous we couldn't go. Maybe next year. Would it be okay if I downloaded this and used it as my background?
Quote:
Originally Posted by maillotpois
Here's another Levi photo, not as exiting as MPs, but he's in Yellow.
Wow great pictures girls. SadieKate you better keep an eye on that buff it might just get mixed up with mine next time we ride or is that one getting framed.:D
I had a great time watching most of todays stage via the internet (much better link today) and I got to see them climb Sierra Road before I had to head out and pick up the kids. Great stuff!!!
Here is my Floyd story:
My road-racing, teenage nephew met Floyd yesterday in Sacramento and Floyd signed his cycling cap. Nephew (and his dad) were pretty excited. Not as spiffy as your stories, but it is the best I can do considering I am in Utah :) . I think it is cool to think Floyd has a Buff like mine (not the other way around :D )
Has the Jobob Kiss of Death losts its punch? Our artwork on yesterday's ride.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...2007/AVKOM.jpg
LOL - yep that is cool. Look out Floyd strange people could start calling out Amici Veloci my a*s at you now.:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Lifesgreat
Gosh I hope so !!! :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
I'm off to the Floyd Fairness Fundraiser in San Jose with snap, we'll tell you all about it.
Have fun - I want to hear all about it.:)