USA Pro Challenge Aug 20-26 2012

[Pedal Wench]

My view today

[colby]

Nice!!! AND you managed an excellent photo

The last two days have been exciting finishes! Independence Pass, 11k of climbing, at altitude. At one point they were going 17mph UPHILL, and later up to 60mph DOWNHILL.

My favorite quote from yesterday's coverage was: "I'm not sure what Dave Zabriskie had for breakfast but something tells me we're going to find out."


And, that photo of grandma is so awesome.

[Norse]

This has been a much more exciting course this year. I am glad they changed up the route - but DID leave in yesterday's. I was yelling at the tv when Tommy D was hanging on for his nail-biting win!

[jobob]

JENS!!!!!!!!

that is all.

[ny biker]

JENS!!!!!!!!

that is all.

I was busy at work today and then went for a bike ride. So the last I saw before turning on the TV coverage tonight was a tweet from hours before that said he had crossed Independence Pass in a solo break.

I stood and applauded and he crossed the line.

Key quote: "It was painful but very enjoyable."

http://www.radioshacknissantrek.com/...win-jens-voigt

p.s. 51 degrees and raining, and he rode in short sleeves and shorts? My teeth chatter just thinking about it.

[azfiddle]

Just caught the last 10 minutes of the race on the phone app.... and yeah, how about Jens! Wish I could have seen a little more of the race.

[redrhodie]

It was really frustrating that there was no feed for the last several miles, but what a great stage. Actually, this race has been more exciting than the tour for me, with Teejay and Christian being same time.

I love Jens.

[ny biker]

Does anyone know how the elevation in Colorado compares to that of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites? I'm getting the impression that Colorado is significantly higher.

[colby]

Does anyone know how the elevation in Colorado compares to that of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites? I'm getting the impression that Colorado is significantly higher.

Interesting question. The Independence Pass climb took them over 12k feet in altitude (3657m). Denver itself is at ~5300 feet (~1600 meters).

Found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...oads_in_Europe

Which shows there's several TdF marked French Alps climbs in the 2500-2800 meter range. 2800m = 9186 feet. Dolomites and Pyrenees at highest travel routes in that list are at the 2300m range, 7545 feet.

That is assuming Wikipedia is accurate, but it's at least a guide I did find some corroborating evidence that the list is relatively accurate doing some other searching.

The TrainingPeaks guys said over the first few stages they were down about 20% in output due to altitude - what would normally be recovery ride wattage was them going uphill.

[Kathi]

Does anyone know how the elevation in Colorado compares to that of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites? I'm getting the impression that Colorado is significantly higher.

My SO has skied in France and he says that although the climbs are not as steep, the elevation in Colorado is higher. Elevations in France are about 6-7000 ft, whereas, most of yesterdays ride was from 9 -12,000 feet. Tomorrows ride, from Golden to Boulder, even though lower altitude will still be 85% higher than the Alps.

Our ride on Friday was around 8,000 ft and our Sunday ride from Keystone to Montezuma was from 9,000 - 10,200. I really felt both rides, having recently been in Wisconsin for 3 weeks and I don't normally train at that altitude.

Local news interviews from the racers all comment about how the altitude is affecting them.

[Norse]

It was really frustrating that there was no feed for the last several miles, but what a great stage. Actually, this race has been more exciting than the tour for me, with Teejay and Christian being same time.

I love Jens.

Does anybody not love Jens? JENSIE!!!!

[ny biker]

My SO has skied in France and he says that although the climbs are not as steep, the elevation in Colorado is higher. Elevations in France are about 6-7000 ft, whereas, most of yesterdays ride was from 9 -12,000 feet. Tomorrows ride, from Golden to Boulder, even though lower altitude will still be 85% higher than the Alps.

Our ride on Friday was around 8,000 ft and our Sunday ride from Keystone to Montezuma was from 9,000 - 10,200. I really felt both rides, having recently been in Wisconsin for 3 weeks and I don't normally train at that altitude.

Local news interviews from the racers all comment about how the altitude is affecting them.

Thanks Colby and Kathi for doing the math for me.

Chris Horner has mentioned the altitude a few times, and Ted King said he ralphed during yesterday's stage.

[Pedal Wench]

Got an awesome look at Jens about to climb the steepest part of Battle Mountain, in the big ring.

[ColoG8r]

I've never been one to really enjoy watching cycling. I would rather ride than watch however I found myself out riding near the route of the race today. I watched them from a trail high above the route. It was truly amazing watching the pack descend and then ascend Highway 93 in between Golden and Boulder. A crowd had gathered where I stopped and I loved the cheering and general atmosphere of the crowd.

[pll]

It's an exciting race this year... watching the TT, which normally I find dull.