Armstrong Takes Nature Valley Grand Prix

[hbrown]

Armstrong dominates the Nature Valley Grand Prix! Check out the top highlights from the race:

Nature Valley Grand Prix: http://www.universalsports.com/medi...PID=13044&DB_OEM_ID=23000&id=426754&sid=13044

Armstrong Clinches NVGP Title: http://www.universalsports.com/medi...PID=13044&DB_OEM_ID=23000&id=427254&sid=13044

 

[Anonymous]

funny..

great attack in the last lap of the men's final.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

It's awesome that events like this are on actual TV. Something unthinkable years ago.

I have to say though, a lot of these continental stage races bore the heck out of me. To have a five stage race, and four of those stages be crits, (or circuit races over 3 mile loops), with one 400' "hill" in them, doesn't interest me to watch. I of course understand why, completely why. But it's just too often dull to me.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Awe shuks, there goes Alpe again, he basically poops on anything that goes on in the middle of the country, especially the Mid West. Contrary to popular belief, US cycling culture doesn't revolve around Portland like he would make you believe. No offense good buddy, you know I luv ya!

P.S. Alpe, I'll be PM'ing you soon about a 'Bartoli' compilation of videos. I totally put that on the back burner as the season got under way.

 

[David LaPorte]

It's all about the show

I have to say though, a lot of these continental stage races bore the heck out of me. To have a five stage race, and four of those stages be crits, (or circuit races over 3 mile loops), with one 400' "hill" in them, doesn't interest me to watch. I of course understand why, completely why. But it's just too often dull to me.

There were actually six stages, but only two conventional crits (St. Paul and Minneapolis). The Stillwater "Criterium" is so vertical that only about 30% of the riders complete the full distance. Although it's called a "criterium" and is run under criterium rules, it's really a short circuit race.

The goal of the Nature Valley GP is to expand the fan base for bike racing in the US. We have two road races and a time trial, but the two crits (and the short circuit race in Stillwater) get maybe 100 times the crowds that the road races and TT do. The road races and time trial are important for the teams and purists, but the crits and Stillwater are crucial to recruiting new fans to the sport. In the US market, people need a show. And a beer garden with a band doesn't hurt, either.

David

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Ah ha! The Director speaks!

David,

Congrats on putting on yet another fantastic race! But, your decision to not let Tim Mulroony in the race was an unbelievable oversight on your part, since he has been one of the top racers in the state for many, many years, and I hear you've caught much flak for this fiasco listening to local chatter. Hope next year you make up for that, it's the least you could do.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Ah ha! The Director speaks!

David,

Congrats on putting on yet another fantastic race! But, your decision to not let Tim Mulrooney in the race was an unbelievable oversight on your part, since he has been one of the top racers in the state for many, many years, and I hear you've caught much flak for this fiasco listening to local chatter. Hope next year you make up for that, it's the least you could do.

That's Cipo on Tim's wheel! Go Timmers GO! Rock on you B E A S T!!!!