Merced, CA - February 18, 2009 - As the single ring of the Triple covering the Amgen Tour of California, I sometimes have to make some difficult choices. Writing, shooting the race and editing photos takes a great deal of time and often has me reeling at the end of the day, and sometimes the following morning.So its not often that I make it to both the start or the finish of each stage. In fact, I rarely make the start and just head to the finish.
But because I finally caught up to covering the race, I actually made it to the start of Stage 4 in Merced, CA. Gratefully, the "Golden State" complied with a sunny and gorgeous day.
"Located in the heart of California, Merced is a vital community bursting with promise and opportunities as their business and industrial climate fosters growth on the next wave of economic development. Proud of being a family-friendly community with quiet residential areas, Merced’s kinetic downtown is highlighted by the historic Merced Theatre, robust business and industrial districts, and the newest University of California campus. Merced’s spacious parks and nearby mountains, foothills, rivers and lakes provide a wealth of recreational possibilities."
The local community was out in full force to cheer on the peloton. As per race protocol, the riders wearing each of the specific leaders' jersey led the pack out of the starting area for two full neutral laps to warm up the legs on a day that would see the riders tackle the grandiose Sierra Mountains.
Triple Crankset T-Shirt Contest
Here's your opportunity to win a FREE Triple Crankset T-Shirt in the color of your choice. In the final photo, above, name the Astana rider to the right and tell us what he has become infamously known for doing after Stage 1 of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California?
Leave your answers in the comment section and we will announce the winner [the first person to answer both parts correctly], at the end of the Tour of California on February 23rd.
Photos: Leonard Basobas
3 comments:
Cris Horner. He ignored his boss Johan Bruyneel, and got Lance to work with him to tow Levi to the finish. His gut told his that the break was getting too far along
Oh yeah, he also went to in and out in Santa Rosa and loaded up with a double-double (xtra onions), fries, coke, and a strawberry shake
I'll second that Steve! And I know the answer but it just wouldn't be fair. Great coverage today Len. So glad the sun cooperated!
Post a Comment