Final Stage of Greatness...the Test of Time

Stage 7 time trial day was exciting for the simple fact that you were able to get so close to the riders and feel like you were part of the action.  Here are just some of the highlights I captured from the day. Enjoy!

The finish line 

Jens on deck waiting his turn

The start Civic Center Park

George Hincapie 

Food trucks were everywhere

Tom Danielson

Andreas Kloden 

Levi finishing out the time trial.

Take it From a Pro...SHUT UP LEGS!

On Thursday, stage 4 of the USA Pro Cycling challenge was underway and we were in a race against time ourselves. We left Denver at noon and drove straight to Avon just in time to catch the last shuttle to Beaver Creek resort base. My excitement was building and I was curious just how close we were going to be able to get to the action. Along the road more and more people were lined up along the shoulders. 

As we walked through the base making our way to the finish there was such a fun energy. I was thrilled to see varied artists working on cycling inspired works; everything from painting to ice sculptures. Really amazing talent! We checked out some vendors and then wandered around and scoped out a spot. We decided to go uphill after the finish. It proved to be an awesome spot, and I managed to not only get super close to the pros, but I captured some pretty decent shots as well. Such a cool experience! 

Jens Voight was the stage winner where his notorious quote of "Shut up legs" proved to give this man an edge on the competition in the nasty wet conditions over Independence pass.  He's quite the character and seems really down to earth. If you want to check out a little more about him I found an interview with him on http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2011/03/jens-voigt-interview/

Champ was enjoying the cool weather and seeing all the cyclists go by, such a happy pup. Stage 4 BMC rider Tejay van Garderen re-claimed overall lead that day taking the yellow jersey from the midwesterner Christian Vandevelde. It was pretty sweet to see the riders come right past us.

Chris Horner rolled by.

Some of the long time riders of the cyclist crowd, last years pro cycling challenge winner Levi Leipheimer and George Hincapie. Personally I was super pumped about seeing George ride as this was my only chance to see him ride in person before he retired.

Some other famous faces at the event, Olympian and Vail local Lindsey Vonn helped with the awards.

In honor of George's retirement Beaver Creek gave him a saddle cover and named one of their stable horses "Big George".  He seemed pretty surprised and was a good sport. Sad to seem him leave the sport, but it was an awesome to watch him all these years.

The clouds started to roll in, but they for sure did not rain on our parade. It was such an amazing day, and I was so happy I got to share it with my wonderful husband. And walking around I couldn't help but have the Zac Brown Band, "Quiet Your Mind" in my head after seeing the New Belgium brewery truck.

Sun beatin' down on my shoulders

It's a near-perfect day

Wishin' I wouldn't get any older

They say that it's gone 'fore you know it now

Quiet your mind

Soak it all in

It's a game you can't win

Enjoy the ride 

Playtime in the Park

What can I say about these two. Love them to death and had so much fun finally getting the chance to take their pictures.  So much fun!