Pedal Dancer®

Photo of the Day: Two well-traveled fans

2013-05-21T18:22:00.000-06:00

Here they are again

Remember when I told the story of our day at Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California when I kept photobombing my sister-in-laws photo ops with her favorite riders.

Exhibit A

Sylvain Chavanel and Suz, and ... me

me .... and Johan Vansummeren and Suz

Suz and Dave Zabriskie, and ... me

And how my brother kept walking into the frame of so many of my potential masterpiece shots (because he is actually better than I am at moving around races).

Exhibit B

Get out of the way of my photo of World Champion Philippe Gilbert!

Well Willie The Photographer happened to notice these same two well-versed fans in one of the Photos I had recommended viewing from the albums of team BMC.

Exhibit C: Where are Mike and Suz?

This photos is one in a collection of albums from team BMC

It is so fun to see family or friends in photos or videos. We have so much fun together as fans!

Maybe you are in one of the photos too ...

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 8 Results, final

2013-05-20T23:24:00.000-06:00

Results Stage 8

The last and final stage of the Tour of California ended this past Sunday. Peter Sagan took the stage win securing his 4th green jersey win at the ATOC. Tejay van Garderen won the overall Leaders yellow jersey. There was little change in the general classification in the last stages of the tour this year, but the individual stage wins were still exciting, with a good variety of teams and countries represented:

2013 Stage winners:

Stage 1: Lieuwe Westra, (the Netherlands), Vancansoleil
Stage 2: Janier Acevedo (Columbia), Jamis
Stage 3: Peter Sagan, (Slovakia), Cannondale
Stage 4: Tyler Farrar (USA), Garmin-Sharp
Stage 5: Jens Voigt (Germany), RadioShack Leopard Trek
Stage 6: Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC
Stage 7: Leopold Konig (Czechoslovakia), Net-App Endura
Stage 8: Peter Sagan, (Slovakia), Cannondale

This was the year of 8s at the Amgen Tour of California. The race's 8th year, 8 stages, 8 riders on each team, BMC won the best team classification by just over 8 minutes, and Jason McCartney was awarded the Most Courageous Rider jersey for being the only rider to have ridden in, and completed, all 8 previous Tour of California races.

Stage 8 winner
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling

Stage 8 Podium in San Jose

Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Daniel Schorn (AUT), Team NetApp-Endura
Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp

General Classification (yellow)
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team

Sprint Classification (green)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling

KOM Classification (polka dot)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling - his 6th stage!

Best Young Rider (white)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Jason McCartney (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling Team

Team Classification
BMC Racing Team - took over the lead in the Team Classification.

Top 10 General Classification Stage 8, final standings:

Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA,
Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia,
Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia,
Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland,
Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia,
Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA,
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5-Hour Energy, Spain,
Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia,
Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland,
Chad Haga, Optum, USA,

My top 10 from chasing the tour:

Huge numbers of fans turned out in Santa Rosa for Stage 8 (there is hope for the sport).
Old man Jens actually won a stage.
There are some awesome photographers out there, and the best was a local photographer in Santa Barbara named Michael.
I love California Mexican food.
We need an ocean in Colorado.
Tejay van Garderen is an impressive competitor.
The Stone Brewery in Escondido is one of the most amazing concepts for enjoying a beer that I have seen.
From beach cruisers to the best Cannondale EVO Supersix - as long as it has two wheels - ride it.
Being among the mix of languages and cultures at an international bike race is a cool place to be.
Cycling fans are the best!

Honorable mention: I also hit an all time high this past week for my modest blog with 3,573 visitors in one day. My blog also sailed right by it's landmark 500,000th visit on the final day of ATOC coverage. Thank you! What an incredible 3 years it has been.

I preferred the southern to northern route of the tour this year

The 2013 ATOC went from southern California to norther California for the first time in it's 8-year history.

PHOTOS

Recommended Viewing: Photo albums from team BMC (http://bit.ly/146NEaA)

Before the #Giro resumes, take one more look at the BMC Racing Team's week at the @amgentourofcali. bit.ly/146NEaA
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) May 21, 2013

More photos from the tour - from Willie Reichenstein

Looking back at a week of racing; tonight we are looking at the photography of Willie Reichenstein who helped me photograph the tour. Willie and I would sometimes be at the start together, then take off in different directions, Willie out on the route to key climbs or to the KOM points. I would be at the finish, or on one day at a sprint points location. Willie's hard work (and good mood) added much to my week. Willie also likes beer and took me to the Stone Brewery in Escondido (fantastic gardens and beer). I also enjoyed a beer tasting night with Willie and his wife at their home, at weeks end, to share stories and photos.

Working along with another photographer gives life to my storytelling at the race and throughout the year. Many thanks to Willie for adding so much to Pedal Dancer® at the 2013 Amgen Tour of California. I am now looking for a sidekick for travel and chasing the race at the USA Pro Challenge. I have learned that it takes two to plan stage coverage and go over maps (and find the Media signs), to keep up with the race and news (and Social Media), to photograph so much activity (and upload photos), and to research the upcoming stage (even though it all changes anyway). Mostly it is just fun to be able to share the excitement of being at a bike race, play tourist, and meet lots of enthusiastic fans.

Anyone with me for Colorado - August 2013?

Stage 1

Peloton on the road during Stage 1. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Jens Voigt wearing #1 had returned once again to California. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The hawk that Jens Voigt frequently referred to which soared along with Jensie across the hills of San Diego county. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The arid landscape of Southern California and the roads of Stage 1. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Fans having fun with an original form of road chalk art. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Orica Green Edge gives the thumbs up to fans even in the high heat of the day. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The Pro Continental teams played a big roll in this years tour - Bissell, Net-App, Optum, and 5-Hour Energy. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The peloton is coming... ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The peloton has arrived. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Chasing a champion. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The many colors of Trek (and the fad for brightly colored frames). ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The impressive expanding team bus of Garmin-Sharp. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

BMC team cars made a strong presence along the race route. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

It was a week of the best fastest bikes on the market. This is Sylvain Chavanel's bike. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 2

Carter Jones, (who stayed in the polka-dot jersey all week) signs in with his Bissell teammates. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

The typical high-activity on the sign-in stage at each stage start. Dave Towle the announcer, Patrick Demsey, podium girls, riders, and photographers. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Two McDreamys: Actor Patrick Demsey and Sprinter Peter Sagan. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Sylvain Chavanel ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Brad Sohner interviewing James Stemper and Tejay waiting for his turn with Dave Towle. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

SRAM moto - a long way to travel with only a couple wheels, I guess they matter. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Sometimes the peloton is just a blur of color, but look closely. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Until the effortful breakaway stays clear. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 2 was a hot uzippered kind of day for the peloton. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

But an air conditioned kind of day for those inside the team cars. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein at Pedal Dancer®

Looking back at Pedal Dancer at the race

Pedal Dancer Cruisin' California fan travel series and daily Results from the 2013 Tour of California. A full week of covering the race is complete.

Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 7 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 8 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 8 Results, final

Interest topics are next, until coverage of the 2013 Tour de France commences. I will be posting my annual Legs of the Tour post soon, one about young team Bontrager, another about the incredible volunteers, and one about who to select for your fantasy team for the 2013 Tour de France.

Watch the Final Stage of Tour of California Live

2013-05-19T11:34:00.000-06:00

The race is not over till it's over

Remember Peter Sagan and Tyler Farrar are separated by just one point to win the Green Jersey for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California. This sprint is one worth watching.

Watch live on Tour Tracker online: http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/
Use your app: Google play or download from the Apple App Store, (the app is slightly delayed!)
Watch TV: Sunday, May 19th, LIVE Coverage (Final Stage 8) 1-3p.m. EDT/10a.m.-12p.m. PDT live on NBC
International links to coverage (bottom of page): http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/

Estimated race finish into San Jose is approximately 11:40 a.m.

Points classification standings ATOC 2013 after Stage 7

How to watch the Tour of California: TV Schedule and online links

What a week to be a cycling fan!

Thanks for hitting one of my old posts out of the park today; it looks like many of you googled "Podium Girls Amgen Tour of California" today. My blog is flooded with visitors for: The fans want Podium Girls? Of course, I should have learned last year when I thought I was covering the race and found out I was actually covering the podium girls.

Thanks to the organizers of the Amgen Tour of California, to the wonderful volunteers, and all the riders who gave us fans a great week of racing. Thank you.

I enjoyed my week of vacation very much. I had a blast in California. Visiting family members, reuniting with old friends, playing tourist, and hanging out at the Tour of California. I truly love this race. I was pleased that so many fans visited my blog over the past 8 days, topping out at nearly 3600 of you today, the final day. I hope I was of assistance in helping you attend the race, or in bringing you some photos and stories that you normally would not see or hear in the mainstream cycling publications.

My final Stage 8 results and update will be posted tomorrow.

I will be posting my annual Legs of the Tour post soon, one about young team Bontrager, another about the incredible volunteers, and one about who to select for your fantasy team for the 2013 Tour de France.

Photo of the Day: Snow in France

2013-05-19T10:18:00.002-06:00

There was a heat wave in California; it is still snowing in France

Weren't we just sweltering in the brutal heat of southern California? Today at the Giro d'Italia in France, it was snowing on the fans and riders. If you are wondering how the summit of the Col duGalibier could be non-reachable for a bike ride in mid-May, this photo of the road near the summit of the Col du Tourmalet, (from today), explains a lot.

3.5km from the summit of Col du Tourmalet. This weekend is supposed to be the start of summer. fb.me/2ZxMzToGm
— Velo Peloton (@VeloPeloton) May 19, 2013

See the photo and article by Paddy Sweeney at Velo Peloton in the French Pyrenees, and his expected date of when the route over the Col du Tourmalet should be open this year:

Please read: Is Col du Tourmalet Open 2013.

Paddy is a man from Ireland, who now operates a (recommended) cycling lodge in the Pyrenees, together with his wife Olive. They live in Saint-Savin, a fantastic location in the Lavedan Valley, at the foot of many of the bucket list climbs in the French Pyrenees. You will find that Paddy and Olive are not only a good hosts, they will surely become friends. See more of Paddy's photos here: Photo galleries. His websites are jam-packed with information for cyclists: La Lanterne Rouge Cycling Lodge, VeloPeloton.

@VeloPeloton | facebook.com/pyreneescycling

It is snowing on the riders in the Giro d' Italia this morning - in May!

There was an amazing finish on the Col du Galibier this morning in the French Alps. Giovanni Visconti won the stage in a snow storm. Molto drammatico!

Overall standings in the 2013 Giro d'Italia, after Stage 15:

1 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana Pro Team 62:02:34
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 0:01:26
3 Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling 0:02:46
4 Mauro Santambrogio (Ita) Vini Fantini-Selle Italia 0:02:47
5 Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre-Merida 0:03:53
6 Przemyslaw Niemiec (Pol) Lampre-Merida 0:04:55
7 Carlos Alberto Betancur Gomez (Col) AG2R La Mondiale 0:05:12
8 Rafal Majka (Pol) Team Saxo-Tinkoff 0:05:32
9 Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) AG2R La Mondiale 0:05:39
10 Benat Intxausti Elorriaga (Spa) Movistar Team 0:05:51

So which is harder for the riders to ride through - heat or cold?

RT @johnwilcockson: @mickrogers What's worse, Mick? Epic heat (today) or epic cold (Milan-San Remo)? Definitely MSR was worse
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) May 14, 2013

Tour of California Finale

Today the Amgen Tour of California wraps up. Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. PDT (California time). Watch it live http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/

Pedal Dancer related posts:
Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Results
TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Results

2013-05-18T17:14:00.003-06:00

A Race Up Devil Mountain

Today we witnessed an incredibly impressive effort given by Leopold König (NetApp-Endura), in the final 100 meters of the climb up Mt. Diablo, to win Stage 7 of the Tour of California. Janier Acevedo Calle (Columbia) nudged Cameron Meyer off the GC podium to take 3rd overall after Tejay van Garderen (USA) and Michael Rogers (Australia).

After seven days of racing, we are getting a true picture of whose form is coming in nicely. Key riders use the Tour of California as training for the Tour de France in July, and the ability to respond to small accelerations is a good sign of rider form. Now I wouldn't call König's final effort small, I would call it dominant; he deserved that win today.

Leopold König

Results Stage 7

Stage 7 winner
Leopold König, (Czech Republic), NetApp-Endura

Stage 7 Podium in San Jose

Leopold König (NetApp-Endura)
Janier Acevedo (Jamis-Hagens Berman)
Tejay van Garderen (BMC)

General Classification (yellow)
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team

Sprint Classification (green)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling

KOM Classification (polka dot)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling - his 6th stage!

Best Young Rider (white)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Lieuwe Westra (Vancansoleil- DCM)

Team Classification
BMC Racing Team - took over the lead in the Team Classification.

The BMC team bus that can be seen rolling down the highways in California this week.
©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Top 10 General Classification after Stage 7:

Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA,
Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia,
Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia,
Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland,
Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia,
Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA,
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5-Hour Energy, Spain,
Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia,
Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland,
Chad Haga, Optum, USA,

The mountain brought changes to the GC today.

Today's Race

Stage 7, Presented by Nissan: Saturday, May 18 – Livermore to Summit of Mount Diablo
2013 ATOC Stage 7: route map, profile, and stage information
Stage Length: 91.4 miles
KEY FEATURES: Departing the city of Livermore, the peloton rode out Morgan Territory Road, Patterson Pass Rd, looping back through Livermore for a sprint, then followed a break of 10 riders to the final climb up Mt Diablo, with Acevedo and König leaving the rest behind before König showed an amazing burst of strength pulling away from Acevedo for the finish line.

Photos from the day on Mt. Diablo

Katie Strausser was out on the road of Mt. Diablo today and captured these photos.

Riders approach on the road of Mt Diablo. Photo by Katie Strausser for PedalDancer®

De la Cruz and Westra climbing. Photo by Katie Strausser for PedalDancer®

Tejay van Garderen (in yellow jersey) climbs Mt Diablo with the main group of top GC contenders. Photo by Katie Strausser for PedalDancer®

Have you been watching Tour Tracker?

I was cool and comfy today as I watched the race live on Tour Tracker (in English!): http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/

The experience of watching the ATOC race live on Tour Tracker

About the climb of Mt. Diablo

Amgen Tour of California took on Mt. Diablo today for the first time ever in the races history. A well-known climb to northern California cyclists, the peak is visible from most of the San Francisco Bay area and is one of The Big 3 climbs in the Bay area. The road to the top of Mt. Diablo is a State Park road with permitting and public use restrictions.

The Big-3

Mt Diablo
Mt Hamilton
Mt Tamalpais

The peak of Mt Diablo rises 3,864 feet (1,178 m) above sea level and receives snowfall in winter. Access to the top is possible via the North Gate Road or the South Gate Road. The course record for the climb is 43.33 (from the Athenian School in Danville), set by Nate English on October 5, 2008. The women's record is held by Flavia Oliveira, set in 2012, with a time of 48'13".

The Mount Diablo Bicycle Challenge is an 11.2 mile timed bike ride, climbing up South Gate Road 3,249 feet to the summit, it is held annually on the first Sunday in October. The next Mt. Diablo Challenge will be Sunday, October 6, 2013, register now.

The year after Nate English set his fastest ascent record, my nephew Kenny Rakestraw, won his age group (19-29) and came in 1st overall for the entire race (47.10.07), at age 21. That same year Kenny won Mt Evans Hillclimb race (SM4) in Colorado, in a time of 2:05:31. Read more about the history and details of Mt. Diablo, on the ATOC official website: Mt. Diablo.

Yes! We have a HC (Hors catégorie) climb in California!

Up up and up - the profile of Mt Diablo, California

Mt Diablo climb details by Climb by Bike:

Average grade: 5.7 %

Length: 17.1 km

Height start: 178 m

Height top: 1155 m

Elevation: 977 m

Maximum: 19 %

Seems I missed a very scenic press conference on the summit of Mt. Diablo!

This has to be the most picturesque press conference ever. #atoc twitpic.com/crj7si
— Team Garmin-Sharp (@Ride_Argyle) May 18, 2013

TOMORROWS FINAL STAGE 8

Stage 8, Presented by Amgen: Sunday, May 19 – San Francisco to Santa Rosa Start 2013 ATOC Stage 8: route map, profile, and stage information
Location: Marina Green, San Francisco
Finish Location: 3rd Street and Santa Rosa Ave.
Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Estimated Finish: 11:40 a.m.
Stage Length: 86.2 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about San Francisco
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Rosa
KEY FEATURES: San Francisco, departing across the bay with a rolling traffic break over the Golden Gate Bridge (at approx. 8:20.a.m.) (the bridge sidewalk will be open to spectators), into Sausalito, up beautiful Highway 1, Point Reyes National Seashore, Occidental and ending with two finishing circuits in Santa Rosa. Done.

111 riders will start the 8th and final stage tomorrow morning in San Francisco.

Tour of California Finale - watch it LIVE!

The Amgen Tour of California wraps up Sunday morning. Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. PDT (California time). Watch it live http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/

Looking back at Pedal Dancer at the race

Pedal Dancer Cruisin' California fan travel series and daily Results from the 2013 Tour of California:

Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 7 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 8 results:

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results

2013-05-17T23:56:00.000-06:00

Tejay van Garderen is the real deal!

Cameron Meyer had an incredible ride and moved up the overall General Classification (GC) from 7th to 3rd, Frank Mathias moved from 8th to 4th on GC. The rest of the top-10 in the General Classification (overall race leader) did not change order significantly, however the time gaps increased considerably. Tejay van Garderen dusted the competition, widening his yellow jersey lead by 1'47". Michael Rogers gave a gutsy performance and earned the Most Courageous rider jersey for the stage.

Tejay van Garderen not only retained his yellow jersey, but earned that jersey all over again today. I was not at the stage today, having returned to Colorado where I will resume watching the Giro along with the Tour of California. Please read the race report and see the incredible photography of one of my all-time favorite moto photo journalists (a man who works very hard at these races while hanging onto the back of a motorcycle): Darrell Parks for Pez Cycling, Tour of California, St.6: It’s Time Trial Time!

Tejay van Garderen rode his race without full communication with his team, at the press conference after the race, he stated, “It didn’t really make a difference. I had my SRM so I knew what power I needed to shoot for. Sometimes going without a radio, if you’re in the right mindset, you don’t need it. You have tunnel vision. Sometimes it’s nice to hear time splits of others on the road but sometimes you don’t want that. So the radio didn’t play into it much.” All the technology in the world and it still comes down to one man and his bike.

The shocking news of the day came when we all learned that Dave Zabriskie had fallen out on course during a warm-up ride, fracturing his clavicle. He will not be able to compete in the upcoming national time trial championships on May 25th, a race he has won 6 times. The news bummed me out, and I am sure plenty of other fans as well who have become accustomed to his Captain Marvel skinsuit. I eagerly await the ITT of the Tour of California every year just to see how Dave Zabriskie can perform against the clock. I hope DZ heals well and fast.

At the initial press conference in Escondido before the 2013 Amgen Tour of California started, Tejay van Garderen told the crowded room that his personal prediction for overall race leader in this year's race included Michael Rogers, Francisco Mancebo, and Dave Zabriskie. I am so sad to see Dave Zabriskie out of the race, but from now on, I am listening whenever Tejay makes predictions, he was closer than all the other pre-race analyzers. I'd say he is a good tactician and one smart bike racer.

See full Stage 6 results on the Amgen Tour of California official website, and read and article on the official ATOC website, Van Garderen Triumphs on San Jose Time Trial Course and Increases Overall Lead in the 2013 Amgen Tour of California.

Video: Official Stage 6 Time Trial Highlights Official, Amgen Tour of California
Video: Stage 6 Analysis w/ Joe Lindsey and Frankie Andreau Bicycling.com
Read: Mixed equipment choices for riders in San Jose TT CyclingNews, some riders chose to change out to road bike frames for the final climb up the hill, stage winner Tejay van Garderen remained on his time trial bike.

Stage 6 winner
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team

Tejay van Garderen ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 6 Podium in San Jose

Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Tea
Rohan Dennis (AUS), Team Garmin-Sharp

Michael Rogers ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

RT @mikeroecklein twitter.com/mikeroecklein/… "Lady with a baby and a shiv". Thanks to the kind lady for holding my bike yesterday" #multitasting
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) May 19, 2013

Team Classification
BMC Racing Team - took over the lead in the Team Classification.

The deep BMC team now leads the Team Classification. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Top 10 General Classification after Stage 6:

Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA, 00"
Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia, 1'47"
Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia, 2'57"
Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland, 3'21"
Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia, 3'31"
Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA, 3'33"
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5-Hour Energy, Spain, 4'26"
Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland, 4'52"
Chad Haga, Optum, USA, 5'02"
Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia, 5'04"

Stage 6 Women’s Time Trial Top – 3

Evelyn Stevens (USA), Specialized-lululemon (USA)
Alison Powers (USA), NOW and Novartis for MS (USA)
Kristin McGrath (USA), Exergy Twenty16 (USA)

Photos of Tejay van Garderen from Stages 1-5

This is a serious competitor. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Young, talented, capable - that is how I would describe Tejay van Garderen. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay hydrating before another hot stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay is never far from his BMC bike. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay (center in read BMC kit) watching Tyler win the sprint, Stage 4. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay, offering good interviews. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

TOMORROWS STAGE 7 - Mt Diablo!!

Stage 7 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | ATOC Stage 7 page

Stage 7, Presented by Nissan: Saturday, May 18 – Livermore to Summit of Mount Diablo
2013 ATOC Stage 7: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: 3rd St./Carnegie Park
Finish Location: Mount Diablo – summit parking lot (mountain top finish)
Start Time: 11:35 a.m.
Estimated Finish Time: 3:48 p.m.
Stage Length: 91.4 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Livermore
LOCAL CYCLING ROUTES: biking near Livermore
MOUNTAIN HIGHLIGHT: Route & Location information about Mount Diablo
KEY FEATURES: Departing Livermore the peloton will ride out Morgan Territory Road, Patterson Pass Rd, looping back through Livermore for a sprint (this town is always an excellent host), and finally up famous Mt Diablo. For 2013 an additional 4.5 miles of climbing was added for a longer mountain top finish (11m climb).

Thanks for a great week!

I have now completed the 2013 Cruisin' California series for the Tour of California, but will continue with race Results through Stage 8. And yes - I wish I had remained in California at the race. There is always 2014!

Looking Back at Pedal Dancer at the Tour of California 2013 - and a fantastic week playing tourist and fan in California. Thanks for coming along on the adventure!

Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 7 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Results

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results

2013-05-17T09:41:00.003-06:00

Jens Jens Jens!

#1 finished the stage #1

Recipe for making fans of the Tour of California really happy: See Jens Voigt go up the road in a breakaway, cheer go really loud; watch the peloton chase Jens, yell go Jens go; Dance around as Jens Voigt wins Stage 5; Talk to anyone who will listen about how old Jens is, and how rock-hard Jens is, and what a great guy Jens is; Send a lot of texts and tweets about how the world has a chance since Jens Voigt can still win a stage at age 41; Go to sleep really happy knowing that the good guy sometimes comes in first.

Well- gotta say this one worked accordin to the plan!! Happy jensie here... And do i need to sign for another year now??!!
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) May 17, 2013

See full Stage 5 results and standings at: ATOC website

Stage 5 winner
Jens Voigt (GER), RadioShack Leopard Trek

Jens, looking clam and confident in the morning before the stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 5 Podium in Avila Beach

Jens Voigt (GER), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Thor Hushovd (NOR), BMC Racing Team

Every stage contains Jens fans! ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

General Classification (yellow) - Tejay has taken over the yellow jersey!
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team

Tejay arrives to sign-in for Stage 5 in Santa Barbara. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Sprint Classification (green)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling

Peter Sagan and teammate Lucas Sebastian Haedo head to the sign-in stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

KOM Classification (polka dot)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling

Carter Jones, another day in the polka-dot-jersey

Best Young Rider (white)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Lawson Craddock getting ready for the race before Stage 5. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Jens Voigt (GER), RasioShack Leopard Trek

Team Classification
United Healthcare Pro Cycling

Christopher Jones of UHC. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Top 10 General Classification: (no changes today)

Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA, 00"
Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia, 42"
Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia, 50"
Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA, 1'04"
Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland, 1'17"
Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia, 1'29"
Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland, 1'35"
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5Hour Energy, Spain, 1'53"
Chad Haga, Optum, USA, 2"03"
Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia, 2"22"

Race Day Photos and Stories from Stage 5

Let's hear it for the "Old Guy who still has it" - Jens Voigt wins a stage!

Jens Voigt and Andy Schleck in the morning at the sign-in stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

These legs would go on to win the stage! ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens arrived cool, calm and collected at the start of Stage 5 where we had gathered near the breezy coatline at the same location where Stage 4 had ended yesterday. It seems Jens is allowed leniency to show up a bit late to the office. Always prepared and eager for the race, he sometimes gets delayed to the line-up (unless called for in the call-up). On Thursday morning, most of the other riders had their bikes and were ready behind the start line, as they watched the call-up and waited to hear the national anthem, Jens was over on the side still talking with people near the stage. No rush for Jens, the stage would start with or without #1 and he would probably still have managed to make the break. It certainly ended with #1 in #1.

Come on Jens line-up, a bike race is about to start. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens Voigt is wearing #1 this year at ATOC because Robert Gesink is not here, Robobank is not here, and Chris Horner is not here. The honor of leading the team went to Jensie. His team was correct in placing the number one (dossard) on Jens Voigt. Leadership is a role this patron takes naturally.

Jens (#1) approaching the start line of what would be a glorious victory of Stage 5 into Avila Beach, California. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

See highlights from Stage 5 and what to expect at Stage 6: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California

Individual Time Trial Start List for Friday Amgen Tour of California (ITT order of riders):

The best way to track the order and times of riders is to use your Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker app on your phone or ipad.
For a printable list of riders: Stage 6 ITT Start Order and Rider Start Times
Stage 5 Results

See Fan tips for watching the ITT in San Jose by Pedal Dancer: How to watch a really fast time trial

113 riders will race the Individual Time Trial in San Jose on Stage 6

Michael Rogers (Australia) now sits second on the GC behind race leader Tejay van Garderen.

Michael Rogers - can he make up 42" over Tejay van Garderen in the time trial on Friday to take over the yellow jersey? ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California

2013-05-16T11:53:00.000-06:00

Pedal Dancer Cruising California

Stage 5, Presented by Visit California: Thursday, May 16 – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
2013 ATOC Stage 5: route map, profile, and stage information

Stage Length: 115.6 miles

KEY FEATURES: The first climb started at mile 7.77 today over San Marcos Pass, it then skirted the town of Solvang through Los Olivos and up Foxen Canyon (a wonderful bike ride through wine county) across agricultural lands arriving into the quaint and controversial beach town of Avila Beach.

Stage 5 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

STAGE 5 HIGHLIGHTS

Stage 5 Results photos and stories by Pedal Dancer Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results

How do you pronounce their names?
Jens Voigt: Yens Vokedt (close to evoke)
Tyler Farrar: Far-rah (not like the car Farrar-i, but more like Farrah Fawcet, with a little r)
Philippe Gilbert: Gee-bear (not like Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie)
Peter Sagan: Sah-gone (not like saggin' baggin' lycra)
Vncenzo Nibali: Nee-bah-lee (not like NiBALLy). This guy is now leading the Giro so get it right! Giro d'Italia 2013: stage 13 - as it happened

Race Day Photos and Stories

The Jensie

Dave Towle, Andy Schleck, Jens Voigt and Brad Sohner in the morning at the sign-in stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens, looking clam and confident in the morning before the stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

These legs would go on to win the stage! ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Cruising among the team buses in Santa Barbara

The riders were noticeably happy this morning in Santa Barbara. The cooler temperatures, nice accommodations and perfect location made moving about easy for the riders. Their hotel rooms were steps from the team buses, steps from their bikes, and an easy block from the start line. The team buses were parked to the side of the Fess Parker Hotel, the start line out front along Cabrillo Blvd.

Santa Barbara was a great location for the race, a good Host City, and as I mentioned yesterday I wouldn't mind if they ran a few stages out of this city similar to the Tour Down Under. The riders were smiling and joking and social, general stress had been lessened, a noticeable difference from earlier stages. The mood was excellent.

Another sunscreen king of day in California. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

DZ selecting his sunscreen. Why don't we have a sunscreen sponsor in this sport?! ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

All quiet around the team buses. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Michael Rogers and Axel Merckx. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Andy Schleck all smiles at the start ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Cannondale marketing at it's best. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Don't you want to go ride with these guys? Haedo, Bodnar, Sagan of Cannondale Pro Cycling.
©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Team bonding with Bontrager. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Philip Deignan ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Ben Jacques-Maynes

More Andy Schleck. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Johan Vansummeren and Andy Schleck leave autograph alley. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

If you are a lucky fan, you get a really warm greeting from Andy. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Sylvain Chavanel ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

How do you like Tejay's orange shoes? ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

A sure sign that the Omega Pharma-Quickstep team must be nearby. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Patience ... waiting to race. Andy Schleck, Haiar Zubeldia, Irizar Arranburu. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

American National Champion Timmy Duggan found his Mom in the crowd in her matching jersey. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

riders listening to the National Anthem. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Start Line in Santa Barbara Tour of California. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Startlist of riders for Individual Time Trial, Amgen Tour of California, Stage 6, San Jose

The best way to track the order and times of riders is to use your Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker app on your phone or ipad.

For a printable list of riders: Stage 6 ITT Start Order and Rider Start Times

Stage 5 Results

Tips for being a fan at an Individual Time Trial tomorrow

A similar route was used in 2006, the riders gain 1000' over the 19.8 miles. Team cars will be following the riders on a narrow 22' road, allowing the riders only 11' passage as they ascend the hill to the finish. The final area up to the motorcycle park will be fully fenced along the route for rider and spectator safety as team cars will follow the riders. Also read Tough time trial route to test Tour of California contenders By CyclingNews.

The official Amgen Tour of California site advises:

There will be three waves of racers: Amateurs at 12:30pm, Pro Women at 12:45pm and Pro Men at 1:00.
The last riders should finish at 3:45pm
Race Start is at 555 Bailey Road in San Jose
Race Finish is at Santa Clara County Motorcycle Park at 300 Metcalf Road, San Jose
Total miles raced 19.62 (or 19.8 varying length stated)

Pedal Dancer Spectator tips for watching the ITT as a fan:

The Lifestyle Village is located at the start area on Bailey Road.
The best swag is at the Breakaway from Cancer tent.
The most fun for true fans is to watch the riders warming up on the spinners outside the bus, or to watch the riders take the final turn, or stretch of road, to the finish line.
It is great if you can see the final timer at the finish line and hear the announcers in the distance near the finish line, to keep track of race standings.
Watching the racers approach the start line in full regalia (bike, skinsuit and helmet) is also interesting. Quietly notice their concentration (but don't disturb them).
My main tip would be to move around at any ITT, you will experience so much more than holding one place at the barriers.
Oh and check out the bikes!!

Pedal Dancer tips on where to watch the race:

The best place to capture photographs would be

Near the team buses as the riders warm up
Next to the holding pen where the riders await their entry onto the start ramp (one side is usually reserved for VIP)
On any long sweeping turn on the course (allowing for position of sunlight).
On the final ascent as they slow a bit and show their final effort.

Please do not disturb: Please do not disturb the riders before they begin their race near the start line. The only place to ask for autographs, with consideration, is when a rider is exiting or entering the team bus near it's steps.

TOMORROWS STAGE 6

Stage 6 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | San Jose FB page

Stage 6: Friday, May 17 – San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
2013 ATOC Stage 6: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Bailey Ave.
Finish Location: Metcalf Road – Metcalf Motorcycle Park (short hilltop finish)
Start Time: 12:50 p.m.
Stage Length: 19.62 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about San Jose
KEY FEATURES: I hope you got in your car and drove because suddenly we are in northern California (south of San Francisco). Returning to the town of San Jose for a 20-mile semi-loop/uphill individual time trial. The route is south of downtown SJ with a start near Calero Reservoir and a finish up Metcalf Rd at the motorcycle park. (3km of nearly 10%).

Stage 6 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California

2013-05-15T23:28:00.000-06:00

Pedal Dancer Cruising California

Stage 4: Wednesday, May 15 – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
2013 ATOC Stage 4: route map, profile, and stage information

Stage Length: 83.6 miles

KEY FEATURES: This route was done previously in reverse in recent years. The first 33 miles were basically downhill, followed by a 9-mile climb to a KOM and a technical descent of Dennison Grade, followed by a sprint in Ojai, a climb up Casitas Pass and a flat fast sprint finish parallel to the beach into beautiful Santa Barbara.

Stage 4 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

STAGE 4 HIGHLIGHTS

Stage 4 Results

Tyler Farrar won! For results and stage photos, please read: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results

At the Race

I walked on a sandy beach today. That is a big deal for a person who lives in Denver, Colorado. I can soundly proclaim that I prefer cool ocean breezes over dessert heat. In fact I was driving into Santa Barbara this morning thinking the race organizers should consider a Tour Down Under format for the Tour of California. Running the riders on several courses out and back from the city of Santa Barbara. Then hop up north to take in a mountain, ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, done. Simple enough.

I know 3 things:

65℉ is the perfect temperature for a bike race; It makes for happy riders.
I like the Bontrager Cycling Team!
It's more fun to be at a stage with my brother and sister-in-law, or Willie (the photographer). All of them were missing today. It was just me and a mass of photographers in a spectacular seaside setting.

Je suis arrivé à Santa Barbara, 64 degrees and breezy. Can't wait for the arrival of the riders, they'll like it here. #atoc13
— Pedal Dancer (@karenrake) May 15, 2013

Santa Barbara is a wonderful town with Spanish architecture, palm trees, and a curved shoerline with the feel of a Mediterranean beach town. In fact I overheard some fans walking toward the bike race say, "We could be in Italy." Santa Barbara is a primary tourist town along the coast of California, evident by the variety of languages and accents overheard. The drive from Santa Barbara north on Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 to San Francisco is one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

We have left the brutal heat and Dust Devils behind (which knocked down two riders today). Tomorrow's temperatures should be mild, the terrain green and scenic. The race coverage should look a whole lot nicer on your TV screen.

Race Day Photos and Stories

Palm trees!

A beach front finish line ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Get your jerseys ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

We have Podium Girls, Cannondale Girls, and Michelob Girls

Fans, Podium Girls and Riders have used the services of the helpful EMTs. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Get yourself to the race anyway you can. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The haze of coastal California. Looking at the finish area from the pier. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The shops of State Street in Santa Barbara. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The tram, 50 cents will get you up and down town. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The train. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The Lifestyle Village and more palm trees. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The sideline view of the typical fan AND media photographers who often get black squares in their frames.
©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tyler Farrar (USA) wins Stage 4

The peloton finishing Stage 4. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Ken Hanson ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The magnificent Jens Voigt who brings so much joy to fans. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens, a true crowd favorite. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Johan van Summeren talking with another staff member. It's a small world at a bike race. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 4 podium. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Peter Sagan ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Carter Jones ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lawson Craddock ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Asevedo Calle ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Recommended Reading:

Joe Lindsey and Frankie Andreu (even though Frankie is working for the 5-Hour Energy team) are doing their usual video analysis, called Race Radio, again this year. Catch up with Joe and Frankie if you have missed any of their episodes:

Race Radio: Stage 1, Tour of California
Race Radio: Stage 2, Tour of California
Race Radio: Stage 3, Tour of California
Race Radio: Stage 4, Tour of California

TOMORROWS STAGE 5

Stage 5 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Barbara spectators

Stage 5, Presented by Visit California: Thursday, May 16 – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
2013 ATOC Stage 5: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Cabrillo Blvd.
Finish Location: Front St.
Start Time 11 a.m.
Stage Length: 115.6 miles
PEDAL DANCER FAN TRAVEL GUIDE: California Here I come
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Barbara
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Avila Beach
KEY FEATURES: Rise and shine, the climb starts at mile 7.77 today over San Marcos Pass, it then skirts the town of Solvang through Los Olivos and up Foxen Canyon (a wonderful bike ride through wine county) across agricultural lands arriving into the quaint beach town of Avila Beach.

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results

2013-05-15T20:21:00.001-06:00

A Beautiful Day with a Fast Finish

The Amgen Tour of California has arrived into Santa Barbara and Tyler Farrar seemed to have arrived a little faster than anyone else. Farrar won Stage 4 in a fine sprint finish. The final kilometers were straight, wide, flat and fast, with Farrar crossing the line ahead of Ken Hansen and Gianni Mersman. Fans along the final stretch had a perfect view of the final exciting sprint finish.

I was personally very happy to see Tyler win the stage today. He fought for it, he deserved it. Peter Sagan has won the green jersey for the past three years in a row, Tyler finally had his win. In 2008, Farrar wore the yellow jersey for one day, after collecting intermediate sprint points, but today was his first sprint stage win at the Tour of California.

The order of the top-10 riders in the sprint were:

Tyler Farrar
Ken Hanson
Gianni Meersman
Kris Boeckmans
Peter Sagan
Michael Matthews
Thor Hushovd
Sylvain Chavanel
Jeremy Vennell
Jasper Stuyven

STAGE 4 RESULTS

See full Stage 4 results and standings at: ATOC website

Stage 4 winner
Tyler Farrar (USA), Garmin-Sharp

Stage winner Tyler Farrar ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 4 Podium (you betcha I got podium pictures today!)

Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Ken Hanson (USA), Optum
Gianni Meersman (BEL), Omega Pharma-Quickstep

General Classification (yellow)
Janier Alexis Acevedo Calle (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman

Janier Acevedo Calle ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Sprint Classification (green)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling

Sagan finally got his green sprint jersey today. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

KOM Classification (polka dot)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling

Carter Jones ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Best Young Rider (white)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Lawson Craddock ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Nathan Brown (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Nathan Brown ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Classification jerseys - Stage 4 Amgen Tour of California

Sagan, Brown, Acevedo, Craddock, Jones.
©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Team Classification
United Healthcare Pro Cycling

United Healthcare - leader of the Team Classification ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Top 10 General Classification: (no changes today)

Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia, 00"
Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA, 12"
Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland, 27"
Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland, 45"
Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia, 55"
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5Hour Energy, Spain, 01'03"
Chad Haga, Optum, USA, 01'13"
Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA, 01'15"
Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia, 01'32"
Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia, 01'40"

114 riders finished Stage 4 in Santa Barbara.

Photos from Stage 4 Finish - Tyler Farrar won!

Tyler wins ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The peloton comes in. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

A pat on the back for Tyler from his Garmin-Sharp teammates. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Podium after Stage 4 ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

This could be my favorite photos from the finish line area of Stage 4: Ryan Eastman (USA) and James Oram (New Zealand National Champion) of Bontrager Cycling Team are greeted by Ryan's parents after the stage:

A very warm reception after the race

Ryan and James -so nice to see riders finishing the stage upright and smiling. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California

2013-05-14T23:55:00.000-06:00

Pedal Dancer Cruising California - at the race

Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
2013 ATOC Stage 3: route map, profile, and stage information

Stage Length: 110.4 miles

KEY FEATURES: The race entered San Francisquito Canyon, with a 22-mile climb up Lake Hughes Road and a gradual 18-mile descent down Spunky Canyon and Bouquet Road, followed by a field sprint into Santa Clarita as expected.

Stage 3 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

STAGE 3 STORIES

Peter Sagan won Stage 3 in a glorious sprint, see the results, standing and photos of Peter Sagan here: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results.

I took a break from chasing the tour today to be with family. California is my home state, I grew up in southern California in Rancho Palos Verdes. This is the state were my family still resides so I have been chasing the race half the time and visiting with family half the time in Orange County and Ventura County. My family are huge fans of cycling as well and today we shared some good food, good wine, and watched the race together on TV.

I believe in a quality rest day as a fan. Even when we chase races in Europe, we allow for breaks to enjoy family, friends, culture, food and a peaceful rest day in between attending stages. Same goes for chasing races in the USA, a little time away makes the heart grow fonder. By now, I admit - I miss Ted King, I'm ready to go back.

Ted King ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Recommended Reading:

Read On The Road Again with Matthew Busche of team RadioShack Leopard Trek, who wrote on his personal blog about the brutal day of Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California. Please read: The Tramway of Heat

On this Pedal Dancer® rest day, I would like to share some previously written Pedal Dancer interest stories that you might enjoy.

Educational topics for fans

Faces and legs at the race

Who is Peter Sagan?
Time Trial legs
The fans want Podium Girls?
Jens Voigt on the Podium
Who is that voice on stage?
You are looking good (one for Jens who has asked the fans "not to yell" at him, (which from his side is like screaming), but joked that pushing is ok, (not really))

Teams and Team Equipment

What pedals do the pros use?
2012 Time Trial Bikes (to get you psyched for Friday's ITT)
2013 Pro Teams, and team links
ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Bikes, Components, Wheels, Tires
ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Pedals, Saddles, Clothing, Helmets

Or catch up on the Pedal Dancer crew's journeys at the tour - news and photos from Stage 1, 2, 3:

Enjoy your reading assignments. I will be traveling to Santa Barbara tomorrow for Stages 4 and 5. See you there! Read my travel post about Santa Barbara, California: California Here I come

If you haven't looked over Willie Reichenstein's photos at the race, please see: Photos of Stage 1 and photos of Stage 2.

FAN TIP: Anyone going to the remaining stages of the Amgen Tour of California, please buy goods and food from any business welcoming cycling fans. A great big Thanks to the individuals who volunteer and work in the Host Cities who extend a warm welcome to tourists. Thank you!

TOMORROWS STAGE 4

Stage 4 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Clarita spectators

Stage 4: Wednesday, May 15 – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
2013 ATOC Stage 4: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Theater Drive and Town Center
Finish Location: Cabrillo Blvd.
Start Time: 12:30 p.m.
Stage Length: 83.6 miles
PEDAL DANCER FAN TRAVEL GUIDE: California Here I come
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Clarita
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Barbara
LOCAL CYCLING ROUTES: biking near Santa Barbara
KEY FEATURES: This route was done previously in reverse, the first 33 miles are basically downhill, followed by a 9-mile climb to a KOM and a technical descent of Dennison Grade, followed by a sprint in Ojai, a climb up Casitas Pass and a flat fast finish along the beach into beautiful Santa Barbara.

Stage 4 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results

2013-05-14T23:03:00.000-06:00

A Classic Sprint Finish

Peter Sagan showed his amazing strength as he maneuvered his way around the other riders in a full sprint in front of him, gradually moving far right, he deftly passed them all to win Stage 3. It was a classic sprint finish, one that should have been, and was, rewound several times and viewed over and over to catch the instinctual movements of Sagan through the pack. A sprint finish remains one of the most thrilling events to watch in sports.

At the ATOC Press Conference after the stage, Peter Sagan said, "This win is for Mauro Da Dalto who was transported to the hospital after yesterday's stage. This victory is for him." The Italian rider is a Cannondale teammate and friend of Sagan's, who withdrew from the race after suffering heat-stroke at the end of Stage 2 on Monday and being transferred to hospital.

Maurio Da Dalta (Cannondale) before the start of Stage 2 yesterday. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

This is Peter Sagan's fourth year of competing in the Tour of California and his 9th stage win. The General Classification remains the same after Stage 3, with no changes in the order. Two big-time trial power-houses abandoned today and will be missed at the Individual Time Trial in San Jose on Friday - Tom Zirbel (Optum Kelly Benefit Strategies) and Bert Grabsch (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) are out of the race.

Stage 3 results - full results and standings on ATOC website

Stage 3 winner
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling

Stage 3 Podium (no podium shots today, I was celebrating a belated Mother's Day with Mom)

Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Michael Matthews (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp

General Classification (yellow)
Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman

Sprint Classification (green)
Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Tea

KOM Classification (polka dot)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling

Best Young Rider (white)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Chad Beyer (USA), Champion System Pro Cycling Team

Team Classification
United Healthcare Pro Cycling

Top 10 General Classification: (no changes today)

Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia, 00"
Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA, 12"
Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland, 27"
Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland, 45"
Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia, 55"
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5Hour Energy, Spain, 01'03"
Chad Haga, Optum, USA, 01'13"
Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA, 01'15"
Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia, 01'32"
Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia, 01'40"

There remains 117 competitors, but the unbearable heat is now behind us, much cooler temperatures lay ahead. This photo sums up stages 1-3:

"May I have some water please!" ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Photos of today's winner - All Peter All The Time (Photos from Stages 1-3)

Peter and the Podium Girls: Joanna and Allison (I guess they didn't have a clean Slovakia National Champion jersey for Peter to change into before the podium presentation because he is missing his signature red stripe). ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Peter Sagan is from Slovakia, age 23, he turned pro in 2009 and is the current Slovakian National Champion Road. Also read a previous Pedal Dancer post: Who is Peter Sagan?

Slovakia

Peter Sagan ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Those are some strong legs! ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Peter's Cannondale EVO Supersix bike, #51. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Signing autographs for fans ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Peter Sagan's legs ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California

2013-05-13T23:48:00.000-06:00

Pedal Dancer Cruising California - at the race

Stage 2, Presented by Visit California: Monday, May 13 – Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
2013 ATOC Stage 2: route map, profile, and stage information

Stage Length: 124.3 miles, 111℉ (44℃)

KEY FEATURES: Riders rode through Temecula Valley wine country, climbed up the San Jacinto Mountains to the hamlet of Idyllwild, finished up the Tramway Road climb to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway parking lot. The last 3.8 miles gained 1,880 feet of elevation (average over 9%) – "one of the toughest climbs anywhere".

Stage 2 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

STAGE 2 HIGHLIGHTS

Stage 2 Results

Please see results and my photos from Stage 2 here: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results

How do they do it? How do they keep cool?

From the official ATOC website:

TEAMS ENDEAVOR TO STAY COOL AT THE 2013 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA At the post-stage press conference, the race’s chief medical officer, Ramin Modabber, M.D., related that the average team goes through 120 bottles of water on a stage like today. One director he pulled up next to on the course had gone through 40 bottles (5 per rider) in the first 50 kilometers. Modabber added that riders will consume on average approximately 8 liters of fluid during a stage like today. About half of that is water and the other half would typically include some type of energy/electrolyte solution – too much of either will not replace what is lost and can lead to dramatic reductions in performance.

Other measures taken by riders include ice bags or ice stuffed into socks which are placed down the back of a rider's jersey in order to lower core body temperature – similarly pouring cold water over one’s head/helmet and clothing can further lower core temperature. After the race, the riders will sit in cold baths, pools or showers to further reduce core body temperature when necessary to enhance recovery. The race organizers also take measures to protect the riders from excess heat by allowing them to 'feed' from their team vehicles much earlier in the race than typically allowed to account for the increased consumption of fluids.

Keith Borg, ATOC Race Doctor. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

RT @johnwilcockson: @mickrogers What's worse, Mick? Epic heat (today) or epic cold (Milan-San Remo)? Definitely MSR was worse
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) May 14, 2013

At the Race

Today Willie and I were both at the start in Murrieta, we had fun spotting riders near the team buses and at the sign-in stage. We then split up, I headed to the Sprint at the High School in Hemet where I was entertained by the High School Marching Band and dancing students excitedly waiting for the sprint. Willie went to the climb near Idyllwild. Here is a link to Willie Reichenstein's album of photos from stage 2, Amgen Tour of California: Murrieta - Palm Springs.

Race Day Photos and Stories

The fans who attended today's stage of the Tour of California probably experienced many of these same images themselves as spectators. As the race travels to the coast and then north, the temperatures will cool, I hope to see you at the race! You could find yourself yucking it up with these guys:

Axel Merckx and Bob Roll together at the start of Stage 2 Tour of California. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Photos from the stage start area in Murrieta

A Peter Sagan Fan. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Cannondale Girls at the Tour of California. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

The bike of #51, Peter Sagan, a Cannondale EVO Supersix. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Actor Patrick Demsey and Race Announcer Dave Towle. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Carter Jones signing a Fan autograph. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Jens Voigt and his instant California tan. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Axel Merckx, Team Manager of the Bontrager Pro Cycling Team, and son of Eddy Merckx. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

A fleet of Bissell Pinarello bikes, and team cars. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Podium Girl Allison Steinkamp and Ted King having fun on the sign-in stage. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Waiting at the start line of Stage 2. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Time for interviews and photos, Laura Weislo of CyclingNews.com and Timmy Duggan before the start of Stage 2 ATOC. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Doesn't this make you just want to line up behind these guys and give it your best shot? ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Or maybe him - Tejay, a man with a lot of weight on those shoulders. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Are you wondering who caught their attention? ......

This guy walked onto the sign-in stage - World Champion Philippe Gilbert of Belgium. He garnered everyone's attention! ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Carter Jones, Francisco Mancebo, Lieuwe Westraw, Jasper Stuyven at the call up. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Rolling Start of Stage 1, Murrieta, California. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Photos along the race course of Stage 2

At the Sprint point in the city of Hemet

High School students in Hemet dancing with the band as they wait at the sprint line in front of there school. Tour of California gave them a great excuse to get out of class, and kept us entertained waiting for the rush of riders to pass. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The sprint

On the Climb to Idyllwild

Ben Jacques-Maynes (Jamis-Hagens Berman), Scott Zwizanski (Optum), Pat McCarty (Bissell), Sylvain Chavanel (Omega Pharma-Quickstep). ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

California climbing. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

Wesley Kreder and Kris Boeckmans of Vancansoleil.
©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

9,790 feet of climbing in today's stage, out of over 60,000 total. ©Photo by Willie at Pedal Dancer®

TOMORROWS STAGE 3

Stage 3 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Palmdale spectator guide

Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
2013 ATOC Stage 3: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Marie Kerr Park
Finish Location: Magic Mountain Parkway
Start Time: 11:20 a.m.
Stage Length: 110.4 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Palmdale
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Clarita
KEY FEATURES: Enters San Francisquito Canyon, with a 22-mile climb up Lake Hughes Road and a gradual 18-mile descent down Spunky Canyon and Bouquet Road, with a field sprint expected into Santa Clarita.

Stage 3 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results

2013-05-13T23:44:00.000-06:00

One of the hottest stages ever

That is what Tejay van Garderen said at the finish of a very hot steep climb to the tram station in Palm Springs, California. I was at the start this morning in Murietta, where I met three cycling fans who were very knowledgeable about the local area, I predicted, "What until the finish, we are going to see exhausted riders on the ground after they cross the line." We could imagine it clearly from where we stood 124 miles away, the morning was already too hot. I am wishing I could have predicted a different outcome for those young men. I wouldn't want to wish upon anyone what the riders during Stage 1 of the Tour of California experienced today.

124.3 miles in 111℉ (44℃) heat, over 9,790 ft elevation gain, to finish up a dusty mountain climb barely able to unclip from their bikes.

Yesterday in Escondido in the searing hot 105℉ temperatures, my friend and photographer for Pedal Dancer®, Willie Reichenstein, commented as we reviewed his photos from the KOM point on Coal Grade Road, "By this point, most of these guys looked like they couldn't get home fast enough." Well today these pros, who will ride through anything as their profession demands, probably wished they had never left home.

Pieter Serry (Omega Pharma-Quickstep), from Belgium, dramatically collapsed in the final few hundred meters of the finish line from the heat, abandoning the race. Mauro Da Dalto (Cannondale) from Italy, also had to withdraw suffering from heat stroke he was taken to the hospital.

Five riders did not start Stage 2 today. Only two riders did not finish today's stage - very admirable. 121 of 128 ride on ...

Tomorrow we will see the same riders, pick themselves up, get back on the saddle and again line up on the start line of Stage 3 ready to race. I wish each and every one of them a cool peaceful nights rest.

Also read: Tour of California shakes and bakes in searing Palm Springs heat By: Laura Weislo in CyclingNews

How steep is steep? The tram road in Palm Springs:
Length: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1910 ft
Average Grade: 9.5%
Last 1.2 miles: 12%
Last 1/2 mile: 14.3%
2nd steepest climb in southern California

Stage 2 results - full results on ATOC website

Stage 2 winner
Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman

The Jamis bike that powered today's Stage 1 winner - Janier Acevedo ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 2 Podium (no podium shots today, we were at the start, first sprint, and first KOM)

Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Tea
Philip Deignan (IRL), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team

General Classification (yellow)
Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman

Sprint Classification (green)
Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Tea

Lieuwe changed colors today from yellow to green. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

KOM Classification (polka dot)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling

Carter Jones earned another day in read and white polka dots. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Best Young Rider (white)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team

Sylvain Chavanel ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Team Classification
United Healthcare Pro Cycling

United Healthcare team car at the start of Stage 2 in Murrieta. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Top 10 General Classification:

Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia, 00"
Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA, 12"
Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland, 27"
Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland, 45"
Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia, 55"
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5Hour Energy, Spain, 01'03"
Chad Haga, Optum, USA, 01'13"
Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA, 01'15"
Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia, 01'32"
Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia, 01'40"

Tejay van Garderen drinking even before the stage started. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

For a full gallery of photos from Stage 2, please see: Willie Reichenstein for Pedal Dancer®, album of photos from stage 2, Amgen Tour of California: Murrieta - Palm Springs.

To read stories about the day: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California

Looking Back at Pedal Dancer at the Tour of California 2013

Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results

California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California

2013-05-12T23:25:00.000-06:00

Pedal Dancer Cruising California - at the race

Stage 1, Presented by Nissan: Sunday, May 12 – Escondido
2013 ATOC Stage 1: route map, profile, and stage information

Stage Length: 104.3 miles

KEY FEATURES: Climbing began on day 1 at mile 12, the riders took on the climb of Mt Palomar (from the eastern slope), hit the summit by mile 50, followed by a steep climb up Cole Grade Road, a fast descent and a final sprint in town. Start and finish were from the same block in the city of Escondido.

Stage 1 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

The city of Escondido is in southern California

STAGE 1 HIGHLIGHTS

Stage 1 Results

Lieuwe Westra won the stage; see my results and finish photos here: Amgen Tour of Califronia - Stage 1 Results

Lieuwe Westra, Vancosoleil, wins Stage1. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

At the Race

Today was one of those rare times when a stage started and finished in the same town. We happily gathered in Escondido after applying copious amounts of sunscreen and grabbed our first free swag, the annual Breakaway from Cancer musette bag. I remained at the Start/Finish area with my brother and sister-in-law, both expert professional cycling fans. Willie headed to both Ramona and to the Coal Creek Road climb.

See Willie Reichenstein's album of photos from Stage 1, Amgen Tour of California: Escondio-Escondido. Like this one:

At Stage 1 Start

City of Escondido ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Nothing like a fresh line-up of team bikes ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

How to fuel team Bontrager ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

It was definitely a day for sunscreen. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay van Garderen came out to give an interview to Bob Roll ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

But forgot his shoes (and it was hot pavement!) proving that he has no ability to feel pain. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lieuwe Westra (left) and Bert-jan Lindeman heading out on what would be a very successful Stage 1.
©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Peter Sagan came out to give an interview to Bob Roll and sign autographs, he also offered Bob Roll an lesson in how to pronounce his name - "Sah-gone". FAN TIP: if you find Bob Roll near the team buses, follow him, he is on the interview circuit and riders will come out of the bus to talk with him. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Did you know that Frankie Andreu is Team Manager of 5-Hour Energy? ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Thomas de Gendt #71 ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

You'll recognize Thomas by the scorpion on his leg ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Brent Bookwalter (BMC) ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Thor Hushovd ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Sylvain Chavanel outside his team bus ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Rohan Dennis of Australia ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Dave Zabriskie with two young fans ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Fans I met

Thanks to so many friendly fans I met throughout the day, in the Lifestyle Village, near the team buses, in the Michelob Ultra tent watching the race live, along the barricades, and the DuVine Cycling Adventure Co tour group from Australia - you made the day special. Sorry @DanielParker Orr that I did not meet up with you, I looked for you three times in that fancy AEG VIP tent.

Willie found the Timmy Duggan fan club was out in support of our current American National Champion Road:

The Go Timmy Duggan Fan Club

Race Day Photos and Stories

My brother Mike and Sister-in-law Suz live in Laguna Beach, CA, so they came down to Stage 1 today. Between us, we have been to the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, Tour of Switzerland, Criterium Dauphine, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, plus we've been coming to the Tour of California since it started. Basically it seems we have chased these races and riders around the world. Suz has a long tradition of getting her photos with the riders.

Suz is gutsy and she knows how to get a photo op done. I very rarely have photos taken with the riders when I am on my own, only occasionally my favorites. But today when Suz started her fun, I couldn't stand by and watch, so I kept diving into her photos with the guys. We had so much fun laughing and enjoying ourselves. The riders were amazingly kind. Here we are....

Sylvain Chavanel, Suz, and me

me, Johan Vansummeren, Suz

Suz, Dave Zabriskie, me

And if you notice how thin Bob Roll is this year, he shared with us that he just had 4 molars removed, ouch, that'll decrease your appetite. The comment of the day was the women next to us who commented in her British accent, "My he has quite a nice bum, you can't tell that on the tele."

Finally my brother had to do his own photo bomb ...

Get out of the way of my photo of World Champion Philippe Gilbert!

No worries, Mike got his own picture of Phillipe

Escondido and the race

We enjoyed a lunch in the French cafe in town near the start-finish line. A very convenient and air-conditioned place to relax and enjoy a meal between the depart and return of the riders into the same location. We also toured the Lifestyle Village to collect our customary Breakaway from Cancer Swag, and of course, had a cold beer under the shade of the Michelob Ultra beer tent (featuring large screen TVs carrying race coverage live!).

Shade, beers, and new friends at the Michelob Ultra tent in Escondido - 105 degrees!

Willie, Suz and Mike at the Breakaway from Cancer tent in the Festival Village,

Lunch at the French Bakery, right along the route in Escondido.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and all moms

It was Mother's Day today. I met a mother, whose son had planned for her the "perfect day," she said. She told me she had been a bike racer herself, back in the day she raced with Connie Carpenter Phinney (Taylor's Mom). She and her son were happily enjoying a post-race lunch and tea in downtown Escondido right along the race route.

A happy Mother's Day

Stone Brewery

We finished the night with dinner and a beer at Stone Brewery, in Escondido, with Willie, my friend and photographer for Pedal Dancer®, and family/friend and our host during these southern stages - Jeannie. Great conversation to finish a good day in a spectacular setting.

The gardens of the Stone Brewery ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

TOMORROW'S STAGE 2

Stage 2 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | ATOC Stage 2 page

Stage 2, Presented by Visit California: Monday, May 13 – Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
2013 ATOC Stage 2: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Murrieta City Hall/Town Square Park
Finish Location: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (short steep hilltop finish)
Start Time: 10:20 a.m.
Stage Length: 124.3 miles
Live Viewing: 2pm PDT NBC Sport Network
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Murrieta
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Palm Springs
KEY FEATURES: Rides through Temecula Valley wine country, climbs up the San Jacinto Mountains to the hamlet of Idyllwild, stage will finish up Tramway Road climb to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway parking lot. The last 3.8 miles gains 1,880 feet of elevation (average over 9%) – "one of the toughest climbs anywhere".

Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results

2013-05-12T18:32:00.001-06:00

Lieuwe Westra, Vancansoleil, wins Stage 1 in Escondido

Lieuwe Westra of Vancansoleil, from the Netherlands, wins Stage 1 Tour of California ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage Winner
Lieuwe Westra (Vancansoleil- DCM)

Stage 1 Podium

Lieuwe Westra
Francisco Mancebo Perez
Peter Sagan

General Classification
Lieuwe Westra (Vancansoleil- DCM)

Sprint Classification
Lieuwe Westra (Vancansoleil- DCM)

Sprint Classification - jersey
Francisco Mancebo Perez (5-Hour Energy)

KOM Classification
Carter Jones (Bissell)

Best Young Rider
Jasper Stuyven (Bontrager)

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
James Stemper, 5HR, USA

James Stemper, in the break away all day, deserved this kiss and the Most Aggressive Rider jersey. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Team Classification
5-Hour Energy

Top 10 General Classification:

Lieuwe Westra, VCD, NED
Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5HR, ESP
Peter Sagan, CAN, SVK
Giannis Meersman, OPQ, BEL
Jasper Stuyven, BLS, VEL
Jacob Rathe, GRS, USA
Alex Candelario, OPM, USA
Mitchell Docker, OGE, AUS
Jeremy Vennell, BPC, NZL
Tanner Putt, BLS, USA

What a great day it was, yes it was hot hot hot, but it was also a lot of fun as a fan. I can't wait to share some fun photos and stories from the day ... Here is the story from the day at the race by Pedal Dancer: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California

For a full gallery of photos from Stage 1, please see: Willie Reichenstein for Pedal Dancer®, album of photos from Stage 1, Amgen Tour of California: Escondio-Escondido.

Looking Back at Pedal Dancer at the Tour of California 2013

Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 7 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 results

Cycling Routes in Colorado by 5280

2013-05-10T00:03:00.000-06:00

Come bike in Colorado - we have some great rides in this state

Good news, for all of us who enjoy riding a bike in Colorado and exploring new routes, this month's issue (May 2013) of 5280 Magazine has a list (with maps) of some of our best rides in the State of Colorado. Buy the issue and read over the routes, see how many you have already done, how many are left to be conquered.

5280 Best Bike Rides, May 2013 edition - on newsstands now!

I agree with the list of recommended rides, perhaps because Deer Creek Canyon is not on the list, but most likely because Lindsey B. Koehler, who wrote the piece for 5280 Magazine, seems to know her stuff. The magazine is named after the altitude of our State Capital Denver, which is 5280 feet above sea level. With 53 mountains rising to over 14,000 feet in this State, and our highest paved road at 14,240 ft (Mt Evans), the State of Colorado is one big challenge awaiting any road cyclist.

If you are traveling through Colorado on your family vacation - bring your bike. If you are coming to watch the USA Pro Challenge in August - bring your bike. If you live here - you are one lucky bike rider.

Recommended Reading: Spin Cities in 5280 Magazine, By Lindsey B. Koehler:

" ... With dry roads and sunny days stretching out ahead of us, we’re joining the frenzy—and helping you do the same—by highlighting some of the best road cycling routes (for beginners and experts alike!) along the Front Range and in Colorado’s famed high country. Clip in and enjoy the ride."

Features of the article:

In her article recommending 21 bike rides in Colorado, Lindsey B. Koehler has listed the major nearby city, ride distance, difficulty level, maps, profiles, and most importantly - rest stops or happy hour locations nearby the routes. I enjoy a destination or loop ride, and this 5280 article offers plenty of choices. I could fill the year riding these selected routes; there remain three I have yet to tackle.

The list of 21 road rides in Colorado that made the Best of list according 5280 Magazine - Spin Cities:

Colorado Springs: The Ride: Cheyenne Cañon, Distance (Hard): 11.4 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Colorado Springs: The Ride: Pikes Peak Highway (Hard), Distance: 60 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Beaver Creek: The Ride: The Copper Triangle (Hard), Distance: 92 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Beaver Creek: The Ride: Eagle River Ramble (Easy), Distance 27 round-trip, (see the ride)
Steamboat Springs: The Ride: Steamboat Springs to Lake Catamount (Easy), Distance: 22 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Steamboat Springs: The Ride: Emerald Mountain Circuit (Moderate), Distance: 27.7 mile loop, (see the ride)
Boulder: The Ride: Peak to Peak Highway (Moderate to Hard), Distance: 60 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Boulder: The Ride: Neva Loop (Easy), Distance: 15.4 mile loop, (see the ride)
Boulder: The Ride: Super James (Hard), Distance: 40 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Boulder: The Ride: Boulder to Estes Park (Moderate), Distance: 78 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Boulder: The Ride: Super Flag (Hard), Distance: 10 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Boulder: The Ride: Magnolia (17%!) (Hard), Distance: 9 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Boulder: The Ride: Carter Lake (Moderate), Distance: 65 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Bellvue/Fort Collins: The Ride: Rist Canyon Loop (Moderate to Hard), Distance: 42 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Bellvue/Fort Collins: The Ride: Centennial Drive Loop (Easy), Distance 22.7 mile loop, (see the ride)
Aspen: The Ride: Maroon Bells (Moderate), Distance: 18 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Aspen: The Ride: Extended Maroon Bells (Hard), Distance: 52.9 miles on two branches, (see the ride)
Denver: The Ride: Confluence Park to Cherry Creek State Park (Easy), Distance: 28.4 miles round-trip, (see the ride) [I personally like the extension of the Cherry Creek Path from the Reservoir down past Parker].
Denver/Golden: The Ride: Lookout Mountain (Hard), Distance: 37.2 out and back, (see the ride)
Breckenridge: The Ride: Lake Dillon Loop (Moderate), Distance: 31 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
Breckenridge/Keystone: The Ride: Extended Lake Dillon (Moderate), Distance: 38.0 miles, (see the ride)

This is one of may favorite rides in the state - the famed Copper Triangle - and it is on the list! 5280 Magazine has added a side jaunt to Beaver Creek. I will have to try this addition.

5280's variation of the traditional Copper Triangle route. Map created by 5280 Magazine

You might have noticed that a number of the cities listed above are Host Cities for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge, so if you are visiting to see the race, be sure to go for a ride before or after your stage viewing.

If you are interested in detailed information about the climbs in Colorado, also read: Recommended Reading: Guide to Climbing in Colorado

Team Jerseys for the Tour of California

2013-05-09T11:46:00.003-06:00

16 teams will compete at the 2013 Amgen Tour of California

Learn the jerseys of the teams and the classification jerseys of the tour:

It is fun to recognize and follow my favorite teams at the race. It is like a treasure hunt. Each team will have 8 riders running around in these team jerseys. Only 4 very special riders will be discovered in the classification jerseys every day.

TEAM JERSEYS

CLASSIFICATION JERSEYS

Also read (with photos): Riders at the 2013 Tour of California

More about the teams on the official ATOC website: Teams
Buy your jersey now: Purchase ATOC Classification jerseys
More information on the Pedal Dancer Fan Guide Page: TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

LEARN MORE

ProTeams Bikes, Jerseys, Sponsors, and Equipment

Are you interested in learning what road bikes the pro teams will be riding in 2013? How about the new pro team jerseys for 2013? Or who sponsors all these teams and makes these races possible, paying rider salaries and funds to transport the teams from country to country with bikes, equipment and staff in tow. There is a lot of equipment necessary to make a bike team possible, here are the summaries of the 2013 bikes, jerseys, sponsors, and equipment for the 2013 ProTeams.

Bikes of The Peloton :: 2013 ProTeam Rides, By Cycling Tips (*Why repeat what someone else has done marvelously by capturing pictures of every road bike in the professional cycling ProTeams for 2013).

2013 Cycling Jerseys, By Ciclismo (*Again why repeat a perfectly good project that probably took this blogger hours to complete - thank you!)

2013 Riders and teams Database, By CyclingNews.com (Lists of riders, managers, Directeurs sportifs, neo pros, and which riders left the teams in 2012).

2013 Team and Rider Statistics, By ProCyclingStats (team rosters, calendars, race rosters, race results, and rankings)

Pro Team Sponsors: What Do They Do? By The Inner Ring

ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Bikes, Components, Wheels and Tires By Pedal Dancer

ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Pedals, Saddles, Clothing, and Helmets By Pedal Dancer

2013 Pro Teams, and Social Media links (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, websites) By Pedal Dancer

Picture of the Day: It ain't easy

2013-05-08T21:05:00.000-06:00

Nobody ever said cycling was an easy sport

John Degenkolb, winner of stage 5 of the Giro d'Italia today. Photo on instragram by Jered Gruber at the Giro

John Degenkolb: on the ground, destroyed, amazing. #giro instagram.com/p/ZDwoK2OtH3/
— Jered Gruber (@jeredgruber) May 8, 2013

I hope this was at the finish and not the start
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Photo of the Day: Bike Bags

2013-05-06T23:43:00.000-06:00

Ya know, I am never again going to complain about hauling my 1 bike bag around

Team RadioShack Leopard Trek is making my load seem light. Now we know why they need a team bus.

Are we bringing bikes for the whole peloton?? ;-) twitter.com/thejensie/stat…
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) May 7, 2013

That's a lotta Trek bikes. Maybe if you fly with 22 bikes there is less of a chance of the baggage handler forgetting to load the oversize bags.

Each one of those bike bags cost $599 (without the bike). Cycling Tips did a review of the Scicon soft-sided bike bag: The Scicon Aerocomfort Plus Bike Bag.

Inside those bags are the team's Trek Madone 7.9 series bikes

Trek Madone 7.9 series bike

Or maybe inside are the team's Trek Speed Concept 9 Series time trial bike

Speed Concept 9 Series time trial bike

Either way, the team is headed to California ...

Recommended Viewing: Follow 3 Riders at the Giro

2013-05-05T18:12:00.001-06:00

Elia Viviani, Alex Dowsett and George Bennett

I like this idea - Global Cycling Network (GCN) is following three young riders through the Giro d'Italia. I am fascinated by watching both the mental and physical challenge of what is involved in laying it all out there during a Grand Tour. Following these three riders should give us a picture of the ups and downs, physical demands, and hopefully triumphs.

(I will add more videos of this series as I find them...)

Giro d'Italia - Rider Diaries Episode 1
Elia Viviani (Team Cannondale, Verona, Italy, age 24) @eliaviviani
Alex Dowsett (Team Movistar, Essex, England, age 24) @alexdowsett
George Bennett (RadioShack Leopard Trek, NZ, age 23) @georgenbennett

Update 05/09/13: Giro d'Italia - Rider Diaries Episode 2

Then watch the GCN video series - Inside Line:

Giro d'Italia - Stage 1 Inside Line
Giro d'Italia - Stage 2 Inside Line - Team Time Trial
Giro d'Italia - Inside Line On Team Cars

Team SKY

Also team Sky has by now fully developed their own team marketing social network system of getting news out there to the public about their team members and races. SKY is the model of the future for disseminating team news. You can follow Sky Pro Cycling at the Giro d'Italia for playlists, apps, photos, stage previews, before and after race video and results.

Visit the SKY Pro Cycling team website to follow the team through the Giro d'Italia

Lots of photos to be found on the Sky team website

Related posts by Pedal Dancer - for the other teams social media links, see this list:
2013 Pro Teams, and Social Media links (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, websites) By Pedal Dancer

Pro Cycling Stats

This would be a recommended reading today - I like Pro Cycling Stats, they offer the meat of the race. The results, the route and profile. Sometimes pure facts are all that is needed. Well facts, and the magnificent Italian landscape. Please follow: http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/1169441-Giro-dItalia-2013. Click through all the links for deeper information.
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How to watch the Tour of California: TV Schedule and Online

2013-05-05T15:32:00.002-06:00

TV Coverage and Race App

Wondering how you can watch the coverage of the Tour of California in 2013? NBS Sports Network has committed to providing a preview show as well as daily highlights of Stages 1-7, in addition to airing 2 hours of the final stage LIVE on their primary NBC station. TV Schedule:

Sunday, May 5th, Preview Show 5:30 p.m. EDT/2:30 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network

Sunday, May 12th, Daily Race Highlights 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network

Monday, May 13th, Daily Race Highlights 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network

Tuesday, May 14th, Daily Race Highlights 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network

Wednesday, May 15th, Daily Race Highlights 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network

Thursday, May 14th, Daily Race Highlights 4:30 p.m. EDT/1:30 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network

Friday, May 14th, Daily Race Highlights 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network

Saturday May 18th, 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network

Sunday, May 19th, LIVE Coverage (Final Stage 8) 1 p.m. EDT/10 a.m. PDT live on NBC

Tour of California Finale - watch LIVE online.

The Amgen Tour of California wraps up Sunday morning. Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. PDT (California time). Watch it live http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/

Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker app

Also download the official Amgen Tour Tracker app for real race viewing and standings: Daily streaming available - get it on Google play or download from the Apple App Store, with ticker updates, gps tracking of riders, and fan chat. Free worldwide. The app is slightly delayed! So becareful not to use it for your timing to come out of that shaded cafe where you are enjoying your beer before the race arrives outside - you'll miss it. Also don't read Twitter until you have watched the finish yourself

Twitter

There is a really obnoxious phenomena of tweeters who feel the need to do play by play on twitter, sitting in their chairs at home. I wish they would leave it to the best resources like the official race tweets. I would recommend reading the live text coverage by CyclingNews.com or Live Update Guy instead.

International race viewing

For international fans, please visit Steephill.TV and the list of live or recorded links to view the Tour of California in Europe. Last year the Tour of California was shown on Eurosport and on SBS in Australia. (1 mile = 1.60934 km). International links to coverage (bottom of page): http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/

For Fans attending the race

More information can be found about the Tour of California (May 12-19, 2013) here: Pedal Dancer Guide Page for Fans: TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

If you are going to the race as a spectator, practice recognizing some of the riders: Riders at the 2013 Tour of California.

Are you ready for the 2013 Giro d'Italia?

2013-05-03T18:38:00.000-06:00

The Giro starts tomorrow May 4th!

Here is my list of recommended fan viewing and reading to get you prepared for the race. I have tried to gather a sampling from various sources across the internet, rather than the typical leading cycling magazines. But if you want those typical articles, you can find them listed on this page. I think this selection below should nicely prepare you to watch the race as a fan.

Facts

Learn about the time bonuses, mountain top finishes, history, prize money and more. Read: Giro d'Italia 2013: 10 things you need to know, By Simon Richardson and Gregor Brown in Naples for CyclingWeekly. Did you know, the winner of the Giro will earn €90,000.

Map

2013 Giro d'Italia Percorso

Route / Percorso

Read a 2013 Giro Route Preview: Giro d'Italia 2013: Stage-by-stage guide, By Peter Scrivener, BBC Sport

Or clink the stage link for details of each stage with a preview by CyclingNews.com:

Stage 1	May 4	Naples	130 km
Stage 2	May 5	Ischia - Forio (TTT)	17.4 km
Stage 3	May 6	Sorrento - Marina di Ascea	222 km
Stage 4	May 7	Policastro - Serra San Bruno	246 km
Stage 5	May 8	Cosenza - Matera	203 km
Stage 6	May 9	Mola di Bari - Margherita di Savoia	169 km
Stage 7	May 10	San Salvo - Pescara	177 km
Stage 8	May 11	Gabicce Mare - Saltara (ITT)	54.8 km
Stage 9	May 12	Sansepolcro - Firenze	170 km
Rest day	May 13
Stage 10	May 14	Cordenons - Montasio	167 km
Stage 11	May 15	Tarvisio - Vajont (Erto e Casso)	182 km
Stage 12	May 16	Longarone - Treviso	134 km
Stage 13	May 17	Busseto - Cherasco	254 km
Stage 14	May 18	Cervere - Bardonecchia	168 km
Stage 15	May 19	Cesana Torinese - Col du Galibier	149 km
Rest Day 2	May 20
Stage 16	May 21	Valloire - Ivrea	238 km
Stage 17	May 22	Caravaggio - Vicenza	214 km
Stage 18	May 23	Mori - Polsa (ITT)	20.6 km
Stage 19	May 24	Ponte di Legno - Val Martello	139 km
Stage 20	May 25	Silandro - Tre Cime di Lavaredo	203 km
Stage 21	May 26	Riese Pio X - Brescia	197 km

View video preview of the route, featuring Daniel Lloyd:

Mountains

2013 Giro d'Italia - Mountains Preview, By Podium Cafe

Riders

Twenty-three teams of 9 riders each representing 54 nations. See the Team Roster list of riders Giro d'Italia 2013: An Overview & Team lists, By Ciclismo

View Riders at the 2013 Giro d'Italia (photos), By Pedal Dancer

Top Contenders

For a list of the usual suspects, read: Giro d'Italia. Contender short-takes. By Twisted Spoke.

Or read Giro d’Italia 2013 - Preview & Favorites, By C-Cycling.

Jerseys

2013 Giro Classification jerseys by Paul Smith
(Red: sprint; Pink: general; Blue: mountain, White: best young)

History

Read: Great Moments in Giro d'Italia History, By Cycling Tips

Photos

Think Pink! By adamblythe89

View the Garmin-Sharp team gallery of photos from the team presentation

Ryder Hesjedal, last year's winner

Giro Promo Video:

The Italian's have a way with their promotional videos, I half giggle and half get shivers down my spine. No denying it, I love bike racing!

And here is one for the Fans

Get connected

Facebook - giroditalia
Twitter - @giroditalia #GIRO
Google plus - Giro d'Italia
Instagram - @giroditalia
Official website: http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/Giroditalia/2013/en/

Watch the race LIVE

According to Steve at Steephill.TV, we can begin watching the race tomorrow online. Visit Steephill.TV daily for LIVE links to watching the race.

Stage 1 start time: Saturday 14:20 CET (6:20:00 AM MDT); Weather for Napoli, Italy
Earliest live video: 14:00 CET (6:00:00 AM MDT); Live/delayed coverage options
Approximate finish: 17:14 CET (9:14:00 AM MDT); Weather for Napoli, Italy

Italian cycling terms

And to round out your cultural education, learn a new vocabulary of Italian cycling term PEZ Speak: Italian For Cyclists, By PezCycling News.

Terms to know:

Grand Tour - The Giro d'Italia is one of the 3 Grand Tours together with the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana.
Maglia Rosa - the Leader's jersey (yes it's pink!)>
Percorso - route
Corso Rosa - the affectionate name for the race route
Giro Rosa - the women's version of the Giro race
Gruppo compacto - everyone is back together, no gaps
Gruppo - peloton
Grupetto - the group in the back
Nella scia - in the wake (slipstream) - Team Time Trial!
Arm Warmers - Manicotti (!)
Tifosi - fans
Dai - go!

Related posts by Pedal Dancer:
Word of the Day: Passista, Scattista, Velocista
Word of the day: tifosi

The Grand Tour Jerseys (Maglia) - a comparison of colors

Grand Tour classification jerseys

Advertisement for the 2013 Giro d'Italia were in big lights in Times Square during my recent visit to New York in April 2013.

The Giro d'Italia advertised in Time Square, New York. Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Riders at the 2013 Tour of California

2013-05-03T12:08:00.000-06:00

Who will be racing at the 2013 ATOC or GIRO

Who is joining us at the Tour of California?

It was officially announced that Philippe Gilbert, Tejay van Garderen, Peter Sagan, Andy Schleck, Tyler Farrar, and Sylvain Chavanel will compete in the Tour of California's eight stages beginning May 12, 2013. Tom Boonen will not be coming to California, bummer. Neither will Chris Horner who is out with knee pain.

See the 16 teams for the 2013 Tour of California: Teams for 2013 Tour of California Announced.
Also visit the official Team page on the Amgen Tour of California website.

See the preliminary (not official) start list of riders for the 2013 Tour of California, By Pro Cycling Stats. Or another (confirmed) list by VeloNews.com Confirmed rosters for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California.

Beginning tomorrow morning in Italy, the Giro d'Italia launches. The roster is official for the Giro, and any rider competing in the Giro will obviously not be in California enjoying the sunny weather, nice hotels, friendly fans, and shorter 1-week tour with stiff competition. See the list (and some of my photos*) of the Riders at the 2013 Giro d'Italia.

ATOC - American Tour

Riders for 2013 Amgen Tour of California

The official roster (start list) has been released, but thre prevailing sources do not agree: view Pro Cycling Stats rider list here. Or the roster (with gaps) from VeloNews.com.

I encourage all fans to get to know the European riders, they are incredible athletes and HUGE in their home-countries. To have the kind of access that we are afforded as fans at the Tour of California is a big deal.

BMC: Tejay van Garderen, Philippe Gilbert, Marco Pinotti, Thor Hushovd, Brent Bookwalter
Cannondale: Peter Sagan, Ted King, Damiano Caruso,
Omega Pharma-Quick-Step: Sylvain Chavanel,
Orica GreenEDGE: Lee Howard, Cameron Meyer, Wesley Sulzberger, Baden Cooke
RadioShack Leopard Trek: Andy Schleck, Haimar Zubeldia, Jens Voigt, Matthew Busche, Ben King
Team Garmin-Sharp: Tyler Farrar, Lachlan Morton, Johan Vansummern, David Zabriskie
Team Saxo-Tinkoff: Michael Morkov, Micahel Rogers, Timmy Duggan
Vacansoleil-DCM: Thomas de Gendt, Juan Antonia Flecha, Lieuwe Westra

Looking back at the podium - 2012 General Classification winners of the Amgen Tour of California
Final General Classification last year

GESINK, Robert (RABOBANK) 29:14:52
ZABRISKIE, David (GARMIN-BARRACUDA) + 0:46
DANIELSON, Thomas (GARMIN-BARRACUDA) + 0:54

*Robert Gesink will not be returning in 2013, he will be at the Giro d'Italia, Tom Danielson is also at the Giro, Zabriskie will return to the ATOC in 2013.

2013 Pedal Dancer top bets for overall win at Tour of California

Tejay van Garderen
Sylvain Chavanel
Thomas de Gendt

2013 Pedal Dancer top bets for stage wins at Tour of California

Peter Sagan
I am also a huge fan of Philippe Gilbert, Ted King, Thor Hushovd and Johan Vansummeren, and fully expect to see Jens Voigt in a breakaway!

More information: 8 Stages, Previous winners, Top-10 GC ranking of riders at ATOC: See the statistics page by ProCycling Stats - 2013 Amgen Tour of California (2.HC)

Riders to watch for at the Tour of California

I would like to share some photos I took in 2012 that will help you recognize these riders at the race. As a fan it is one thing to recognize a rider in their team kit, racing down the road with the announcer telling us who is in the breakaway or returning to the team car, it is another thing to recognize a rider quickly outside a team bus with their glasses and helmet off, or walking around a host city in plain street clothes.

Recognizing your favorite rider is a big part of the fun of being a fan the races..... learn these faces. All photos ©By Karen at Pedal Dancer® click any image to enlarge

David Zabriskie

Tejay van Garderen

Sylvain Chavanel

Peter Sagan

Ted King

Philippe Gilbert

Thor Hushovd

Timmy Duggan

Brent Bookwalter

Bert Grabsch

Michael Rogers

Johan Vansummeren

Haimar Zubeldia

Andy Schleck
(I never saw Andy Schleck in 2012, I hope 2013 will be a much better year for him. Last time I watched Andy Schleck race was in 2011 at the Tour of California, glad he will be back in 2013.)

Jens Voigt

Matthew Busche

Tyler Farrar

Kristijan Koren

And Tom Boonen at the 2012 Tour of California - we will surely miss him in 2013!

And we will miss Chris Horner, a rider who is always available for fan autographs and lengthy answers to interview questions.

Wow, what a great year it was for taking photos as a fan. I can't wait to head out to the race next week. Did you read my plan for going to Stage 4 & 5 in Santa Barbara? California Here I come!

See the 8 stage routes of the 2013 Tour of California: 2013 Tour of California Route Maps & Stage Info or more information at TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

According to Pro Cycling Stats - the top 15 competitors are:

1.SAGAN Peter2635

2.CHAVANEL Sylvain1356

3.VAN GARDEREN Tejay1262

4.GILBERT Philippe1240

5.WESTRA Lieuwe824

6.MEERSMAN Gianni764

7.ROGERS Michael688

8.LEUKEMANS Bjorn574

9.DE GENDT Thomas570

10.ZUBELDIA Haimar522

11.FARRAR Tyler495

12.PINOTTI Marco445

13.FLECHA Juan Antonio416

14.HOWARD Leigh370

15.CARUSO Damiano358

But this is a bike race, so you never know who will win!

Riders at the 2013 Giro d'Italia

2013-05-03T12:05:00.000-06:00

GIRO - Pro Tour

Riders in the 2013 Giro d'Italia

The Giro d'Italia begins tomorrow. Twenty-three teams of 9 riders each will roll across the hills and plains, and over the mountains of Italy for the next three weeks. The Giro is pageantry and competition at its best.

See the full preliminary roster of 207 riders from 23 teams of the Giro at VeloNews.com: Giro roster 2013 or at Steephill.TV.

Any rider who will be competing in the 2013 Giro d'Italia will obviously not be racing at the Amgen Tour of California, where I will be, enjoying the other riders on this list: Riders at the 2013 Amgen Tour of California

Some of the key riders competing in the 2013 Giro d'Italia which begins tommorow include:

SKY: Bradley Wiggins, Christian Knees, Danny Pate, Uran
Cannondale: Damiano Caruso, Elia Viviani (Ivan Basso pulled out this week due to a cyst)
BMC: Cadel Evans, Taylor Phinney, Marco Pinotti
Garmin-Sharp: Ryder Hesjedal, Peter Stetina, Thomas Dekker, David Millar, Christian Vande Velde, Tom Danielson
Omega-Pharma Quickstep: Mark Cavendish, Pauwels
Orica-GreenEdge: Matt Goss, Luke Durbridge, Michael Matthews, Weening
RadioShack Leopard Trek: George Bennett, Yaroslav Popovych, Jesse Sergent
Saxo-Tinkoff: Majka, Boaro, Daniel Bennati, Matti Breschel, Karsten Kroon, and Rory Sutherland
Astana: Vincenzo Nibali
Blanco: Robert Gesink, Paul Martens, Wilco Kelderman, Maarten Tjallingii, Jack Bobridge
Argos Shimano: Thomas Damuseau, Koen de Kort, John Degenkolb, Patrick Gretsch

Looking back at the podium - 2012 General Classification winners of the Giro d'Italia
Final General Classification last year

HESJEDAL, Ryder (GARMIN-BARRACUDA) 91:39:02
RODRIGUEZ OLIVER, Joaquin (KATUSHA) + 0:16
DE GENDT, Thomas (VACANSOLEIL-DCM) + 1:39

* Thomas De Gendt will not be returning in 2013, he will be at the Tour of California.

2013 Pedal Dancer top bets for overall win at Giro d'Italia

Bradley Wiggins
Robert Gesink
Vincenzo Nibali

More information: 21 Stages, Previous winners, Top-10 GC ranking of riders at GIRO:
See the statistics page by ProCycling Stats - 2013 96th Giro d'Italia (WT)

I can't wait for three glorious weeks of watching early morning bike racing across the hills, along the coastline, and over the mountains of Italy. May is here!

Riders to watch for at the Giro d'Italia

Recognizing your favorite rider is a big part of the fun of being a fan the races..... learn these faces. All photos ©By Karen at Pedal Dancer® click any image to enlarge

Bradley Wiggins

Robert Gesink

Vincenzo Nibali

Cadel Evans

Rory Sutherland

Rory Sutherland has hit the big time and will lead the Saxo-Bank Tinkoff squad to the Giro in 2013 ©By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Yaroslav Popovych

Taylor Phinney

Peter Stetina

Christian Vande Velde

Tom Danielson

Wilco Kelderman

Koen de Kort

Jerome Pineau

Maarten Tjallingii

This year the Columbia team will not be at the Tour of California, they will be at the Giro d'Italia! Good Luck to them.

Team Columbia is going to the Giro, meanwhile Frankie Andreu will be back at the Tour of California, but as a Team Director for 5-hour Energy Powered by Kenda Racing Team. ©By Karen at Pedal Dancer®