A Day at the Race in Aspen - 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge
Although the day started in a light rain this morning in Aspen, by the time Jens Voigt reached the finish line in Beaver Creek the sun had some out. The crowds were large in Beaver Creek and I got the feeling that a number of fans started the day in Aspen along with me and joined to caravan of cars traveling to the finish to end up on the mountain top finish at Beaver Creek Resort. It was wonderful to see fans line the route to the top of the hill, riding their bikes or taking the convenient shuttle buses available free to spectators. What a day it was for the fans - our favorite Jens Voigt won! I bet it was quite a day for Jensie as well. Photos from the day by Karen at Pedal Dancer®
At the stage start in Aspen
Aspen, Colorado
Christian Vande Velde arrived - he greeted the small group of fans around him with a "good morning" and said he "felt good"
Jens in Aspen this morning before his big day and big stage win. How could he have known he was about to win the stage.
Chris Horner signing autographs for young fans
Joe Dombrowski, better then the best, maybe even a great young rider
This is the Mavic support crew the fans see out on the road on motorcycles and in cars. (That is Marcel van Garderen 2nd from Left, Tejay van Garderen's Father).
George Hincapie wows the crowd every time he appears
Christian Vande Velde all smiles and ready for another hard ride
Green Jersey wearer Damiano Caruso ready to race
Cadel Evans smiling on Day 4 of a tough race
Tom Danielson knows how to work the crowd of fans
The call-up: Cadel, Tommy, Francisco, Damiano, Christian, Tommy, Joe
It is hard to believe that this will be George's last race. Christian, Tom and George have known each other for a long time. George is the rider everyone likes and respects. He will be so missed by the fans and the riders.
The race was on and Jens was in a solo breakaway over Independence Pass!
 |
| Somewhere near here Jens Voigt thought he "could see all the way to Canada" |
 |
| Jens came screaming down the pass |
 |
| The rest were left to chase |
 |
| Rory Sutherland |