I didn't want to steal any thunder from teh moreon over in Lounge, or in Pro cycling. However, wanted to share pics from an awesome day, wish you all could have been here in KC. It was a great atmosphere, and a fantastic day and great turnout for our first professional race. I talked to a few guys after the race, and they said it was lumpier than expected and the KOM climb was bigger than they expected and the eventual race leader was actually spit out of the pack and way off the back. In talking to several riders, they liked the course and the weather, so it seemed like a real good venue.

Shutting off the plaza made for interesting traffic, and the riders were pretty accessable. The melee outside of the Discovery RV was an absolute madhouse. Lots of drinks, good food...

Cool Pics! Thanks

Wonderful pictures! I'm a bit green here...would be fun to hang out and watch. I think we need a "Tour of Wa State."

BTW, that Contador really is a teeny little feller, ain't he?

Wonderful pictures! I'm a bit green here...would be fun to hang out and watch. I think we need a "Tour of Wa State."

BTW, that Contador really is a teeny little feller, ain't he?

Most of the riders are pretty small. I found Hincapie to be smaller than I anticipated. When they show him next to other TDF riders, he looks taller/bigger, but honestly in comparison to the majority of the crowds around him... he is quite slight.

The crowd around Disco was crazy. They cheered every one of them like they were rock stars... It was funny.... Levi came out... wheeee... but when George came out, you would have thought it was Oprah Winfrey the way the crowd lit up. Nonetheless. I spoke with several of the DFL/Cyclingnews afterwards and they were freaking hilarious despite their sad end to the race... their GC hopeful pulled a flat on one of the last circuits, so they all waited and then hammered to try and bring him back... but to no avail as Disco had it pegged the last two laps. So I think they finished some 3mins back...

Then another dude from Toyota was way off the back and every time he came through people started cheering as if he was way out in front. Comical. Sad thing is... there was some clunky security. They should outlaw full team kits at pro races. Seriously. There was one dude that showed up at a charity ride last sunday in a saunier duval team kit. The SAME DUDE was out riding his bike among the pros at the starting line. It was crazy. Then at the end, there were several people snapping post finish photogs and grabbing interviews and autographs... and there was this one guy in a full disco kit riding a freaking Cannondale and people were crowding him trying to get an autograph. At least he was honest, he said something to the effect of... um, you know Im not in the race... Im just plain Brian... it was funny. Anyway...

Most of the riders are pretty small. I found Hincapie to be smaller than I anticipated. When they show him next to other TDF riders, he looks taller/bigger, but honestly in comparison to the majority of the crowds around him... he is quite slight.

The crowd around Disco was crazy. They cheered every one of them like they were rock stars... It was funny.... Levi came out... wheeee... but when George came out, you would have thought it was Oprah Winfrey the way the crowd lit up. Nonetheless. I spoke with several of the DFL/Cyclingnews afterwards and they were freaking hilarious despite their sad end to the race... their GC hopeful pulled a flat on one of the last circuits, so they all waited and then hammered to try and bring him back... but to no avail as Disco had it pegged the last two laps. So I think they finished some 3mins back...

Then another dude from Toyota was way off the back and every time he came through people started cheering as if he was way out in front. Comical. Sad thing is... there was some clunky security. They should outlaw full team kits at pro races. Seriously. There was one dude that showed up at a charity ride last sunday in a saunier duval team kit. The SAME DUDE was out riding his bike among the pros at the starting line. It was crazy. Then at the end, there were several people snapping post finish photogs and grabbing interviews and autographs... and there was this one guy in a full disco kit riding a freaking Cannondale and people were crowding him trying to get an autograph. At least he was honest, he said something to the effect of... um, you know Im not in the race... Im just plain Brian... it was funny. Anyway...

Now true Disco fans know Disco does not use Dales. :)

Sheesh! Moreons :D

I could have passed if I brought my Madone there in full Disco kit. :wink:

I bet George is cussin in his head seeing as he wore that US National Champ jersey only a month back at Le Tour. (Now, how do I take Levi out.... hmmm :D)

I'm soooo jealous of you dude. I wish I could be there and see them. I'm such a hugeee fan. I wish I could get photos with or of them. Nice post man.

Great shots!

Never compare them to Oprah, shes a fat pig.

Any shots of the armadillo today?


Great pics BTW - thanks!

Hey funk,

Lemonlime and I are going to the finale in St Louee on Sunday. Any pointers to maximize our bike race viewing pleasure? You going to be there?

Hey funk,

Lemonlime and I are going to the finale in St Louee on Sunday. Any pointers to maximize our bike race viewing pleasure? You going to be there?

Im not speaking to Lemonlime, he stood me up for a bike ride. kidding. Thats a great question. Great thing is its a circuit. I would imagine its going to be the Discovery farewell parade and they will string the sucker out all day long and run it start to finish. Georgie will then win the sprint and yadda yadda... bye bye disco.

Honestly, predrive the course early, and find the scenic spots with the easiest outs, so you can get from the start, there and see the circuits, and then get back for the finish. I haven't cased the course yet, but not being from st. Louis I cant really help with the specifics. You might post in the midwest forum, or send a shout out to FTMD, he can help. Or... maybe even Bugman, but I haven't seen him around for some time... and oh yeah... he is travelling with the tour... so that wont help. You also could post on one of the saint louis cycling sites and inquire.

Im not sure if I will be there or not... likely not as I will be in central mo for the race finish/start and Jefferson City crit Friday night... so... doubt I will make st. louis.

great pics..but for thos who are wanting more just go to cycling.tv..watching the TT right now very good coverage for 400k

Thanks Chris. We're staying within walking distance of the start/finish. I've got my 7 year old in tow so we'll probably be limited on our mobility; I'm figuring driving near the race course willl be tricky. My big goal is to get the boy a chance to say hi to one or more of the Disco Big 4 (Popovych included in that, my oldest rocks as a cycling fan!). He just might mess his pants if he gets close to these guys. Heck I might too.

If you're gonna be there PM me or LL a phone # and we'll meet up.