Day 107, The Depart, Santa Clarita, Stage 7 2008 Tour of California

IMG_7776.jpg, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

So the depart for the last stage of the Tour of California is a giant photo op, but not for me. You can't quite see it, but there are about 40 pro photographers in front of the "World Champions". The current and former WC's were up for a pic at the start. I got to see and meet, George Hincapie, a really nice guy, Levi, Chris Horner, Mario Cipollini, Chechu Rubiera, Jonathan Vaughters and many more. Here are the last of the pics that I will force on you from the Tour of California. If you are out on the west coast next year when the tour happens, you can't go wrong with a depart. There are plenty of chances to interact with the riders. If you speak a language other then English, you will be better received. I had a nice chat with Chechu just because I spoke spanish. The last pic was of Astana rider Brajkovic and was taken right after the I took the pic of the WCs, he just wanted to get going and he had to sit tight in the middle of the start pack while all of the photo ops happened.

Mario Cipollini, out of retirement.

Levi

Chris Horner

Chechu Rubiera

George Hincapie

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data.

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Day 105, Levi Leipheimer is in the Leader Jersey

IMG_7709.jpg, originally uploaded by solostandfound.

Here are the some shots from the Podium for Stage 6. Go Levi! There is also the stage winners and a shot of Paolo Bettini, the World Champ and 3rd place on the stage. When you see the size of these guys live, it becomes real obvious that the Clydesdale class that I will always ride in will never, and I mean never, be fast like these guys. They have the legs of a thoroughbred and the arms of a chess champ. I have to spot some of these guys at least 80 lbs. I guess it is easy to see why climbing kicks my butt.

Thanks for looking.

EXIF Data,

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Aperture:	f/8
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