A great week of professional bike racing. Gorgeous scenery to rival any race anywhere. We headed south to meet the racers on Monday for the 5 mile Time Trial that started in Garden of the Gods. Just a great day for hanging out with some world class competitors.
Let the Racing begin HERE!
We spent a lot of time at the Team Paddocks…
Australian Cadel Evans, winner of 2011 Tour de FranceDetail of Cadel's bike...look at all that carbon!BMC team member warming up for the Time Trial on their trainersThis was interesting to see the team boards of the day schedule - here is BMC'sThe Team Radio Shack rider on the left is wearing an ice vest to keep his body cool.Ivan Basso (winner of the 2010 Giro de Italia) of Liquigas-Cannondale reviewing with his mechanics an issue with his bikeSkil-Shimano rider heading to the starting blockLevi Leipheimer starting his time trial raceGeorge Hincapie's first pulls of the TTIvan Basso takes to the courseCadel Evans, at #1, is the last to start the TT race.
But the Time Trial ends with Patrick Gretsch taking the yellow jersey at the finish line.
For the second Time Trial, our neighbors Motor in the Mini with us on Thursday to Vail. The tour has been going on for two days: First day from Salida to Mt. Crested Butte then on to Aspen over both Cottonwood and Independence passes for the second day.
Analyzing the bikes of Team Type 1 (and the VIEW up to Vail Pass)The beauty is in the details - what a racing machine!Racing against the clock through the streets of Vail, CoToughing it up the hill on the way out of Vail, COTeam Radio Shack rider takes an uphill cornerJelly Belly Cycling Team rider heading up to Vail PassA redheaded fan (with a new BMC cap) watching the riders at one minute intervals
The day in Vail finishes with German beer at Sonnenalp and toasting Levi, who has not only regained the yellow jersey but set a new record for the course.
Howdy Folks, welcome to the final day of racing
Two more days of racing later: Avon to Steamboat Springs and then Steamboat to Breckenridge, we come to the end of the week, Stage 6, and literally the race to the finish line. 73 miles from Golden to Denver, with a detour up and over Lookout Mountain, the last King of the Mountain stage. We arrive at the start line at 7:30 to get a good viewing point (as well as parking spot).
Great day for a raceA great day to celebrateTom Danielson training his son to give high-5 and signaturesAndy and Frank stratergizing their ride to Denver. The Schleck brothers finished two and three for podium finishes at the Tour de France 2011Paul Mach #126 signing in with PamReady to ride in Golden (Henry's panorama shot)Pedaling up 19th Street in Golden: Lookout Mountain climb is over with the final stretch into downtown Denver aheadUsing some Skil and Shimano on the final turn of the raceThanks to all the riders for a great week of racing!
 Hope to see you all at the start line in 2012 😉
Great coverage of the Tour de Colorado … See you next year at the start line!