Man in the Arena : Tags : palo-alto

Today's Prologue was the kind of opening event organizers dream about. The morning fog burnt off by noon, just in time for the pre-race benefit time trial. Local radio and TV personalities, amateur riders, a former mayor of Palo Alto and this guy...

...who warmed up the 2.1-mile time trial course up for the professionals to come later. Joining in on the action was 2007 Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack (wearing a not-available to the public Specialized aero helmet).

By the time the pros starting taking off, the crowd was pretty into it. Palo Alto was awash in la vita cyclisma. It seemed like every other person was riding a bike or walking around in their kits, cleats or helmet. I felt like I was in Amsterdam.

As the cycling content manager at Active, it warmed my heart to see roadies mix with mountain bikers, riding past singlespeeds and fixes. Recumbent bikes and a few hand-crank cycles could be seen. And best of all, kids seemed to be enamored with the fact that they could ride their bike in the street. The cycling love was ever present and there was nary a "They'realldoperssowhocaresthisisAmericaanywaygoplaysomefootball" sentiment about.

But really, the riders put on the show--both on the course and off. Fabian Cancellara's time trial blew the competition away (as Bruce predicted.), but American favorite Levi Leipheimer stayed close in the fourth spot. The talk of the starting area were the sweet Slipstream Stashes:

Though I'm not sure how aero they are, the facial hair must have worked, since Slipstream placed four guys in the top ten. Then there was the nose plugs, a "traditional/superstition" according to Bruce Hildenbrand (I'll get his video explanation up as soon as I can).

A few more observations:

-Cancellara was the only rider to not sit down before the time trial. Instead, he arrived late to have his bike measured and weighed, then rode around until just before he needed to take off. He then just coasted his bike up to the gate, waited, and won the day.

-Mario Cipollini arrived with a camera crew, a million-dollar smile and perfect hair to a raucous welcome by the crowd. As good a greeting as any that the American riders received.

-Fan access was amazing. Team buses filled the streets and riders warmed up right next to the sidewalk as spectators watched in awe. More than once I saw or overheard someone ecstatic over being given a water bottle by a pro. Kind of like that Mean Joe Green commercial where he gives the kid his jersey after getting a Coke. Really cool. The riders seemed more than happy to be visible to the public.

Lots to look forward to in the coming days. Tomorrow it's Sausalito to Santa Rosa--Levi's current home. Should be a good reception for the defending champ.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: amgen-tour-of-california, cycling, ironman_world_championship, leipheimer, palo-alto, levi_leipheimer, mario_cipollini, fabian_cancellara, chris_mccormack, team, slipstream

I started the trip with a camcorder sans microphone, a point-and-shoot camera, a rented Chevy cobalt, 400 miles between San Diego and Palo Alto, and a "Go get 'em!" from Luke (the boss, aka Luc the Good Egg).

Along the way, I thought about the approach Active's Tour of California page should take in presenting the race. While creating the package, I wanted a section to showcase helpful articles related to the stage. You'll see climbing tips on mountain days, sprinting tips on days that end in circuits, and general cycling and racing articles throughout the eight-day event.

I also had a box created that features rides in California anyone can sign up for. This is a step beyond our traditional coverage of big events (such as the Tour de France). The goal is to make it easy for you to ride some of the same roads the pros will. Because after all, if we're not getting you fired up to ride your bike, we're not doing our job as journalists.

I'm not exactly sure when it was I realized I had attempted to create a page that could pertain to cyclists even if they didn't care about Vaughters and the gang, Leipheimer, Boonen, and the rebels of Rock Racing. If Cameron Crowe were directing this trip, the epiphany might have hit me while I was listening to the Allman Brothers as the sun set over the hills south of San Jose. But it may have been while singing along to the Aladdin soundtrack driving along the top-tube-straight stretch of Interstate 5, past endless farmland drinking Dr. Pepper and eathing Munchies Mix. Whatever...

The point is, there's more to cycling than biological passports, ASO's evite list and the constant need to update your Rolodex of who is on what team. cycling also involves, you know, pedaling and riding and stuff. And these pros do that pretty well, I hear.

So America, here's your chance to watch a top-notch tour on your home turf. I'm thrilled to be along for the ride.