Tour of California, Stage 6, Solvang, CA

My one-and-only worked today, but I was looking forward to seeing the Tour of California, about an hour from home, under surprisingly warm sunny skies.

Following the race, I caught up with cousin Suzanne from Colorado. I joined in her excitement of having the top names in bicycle racing hang by her car window during the race. As well as hearing her story of driving behind leader and break away groups, driving like a race car driver, while following kamikaze bicycle racers, defying death, as they descend from high mountain passes.

Yes, Lance Armstrong was there looking fast at the finish line, but finishing 14th in the time trial. He stated he hoped to be in the top 15, so he made his goal.

These are the anatomically defined legs of David Zabriskie, the days 2nd place finisher,

and the scarred and bruised knees of Gustav Larsson, who placed third. It is a real battle to get to this prestigious level and participate in the elite world of cycling.


But Fridays stage 6 time trial, as well as Sundays overall victory and yellow jersey, belonged to Levi Liepheimer!

(Get a glimpse of flowers in the upper left corner of this picture.)

All the leaders of the Tour of California, following stage 6, from left: Robert Gesink, Best Young Rider; Francesco Mancebo, red King of the Mountains; Levi Leipheimer, yellow leader and winner jersey; Mark Cavendish, green Spinters Jersey; and George Hincape, blue Most Courageous.


Robert Gesink who finished the day in 13th, as well finishing the tour in 8th over all, tossed his flowers into the crowd and I was the lucky recipient.