Leipheimer downplays chances at Kindergarten race, takes lead

[Rocksteady]

I Hope we can see more races in The USA get recognized by the UCI. The biggest reason our races aren't attended is because nobody wants to make the trip for a single race. But if you get a few races in a row with good parcours and some decent $$, it will be worth the trip. Get a line of Cali, Colorado, Utah and bring back Georgia or Missouri and I think you would see some teams take a month in the US.... Thats my dream.

 

[**Uru**]

Some people here are simply Levi haters and would take issue with anything he does. If he would have hung back and finished with the pack each day, the argument would be that he was not even good enough to compete with North American domestic riders. In the end, it is the fast guys that make everyone else improve. Personally, I think it helps bring everyone's level up when they have a stronger rider show up.

 

[Cobblestoned]

Riders like Levi bring the people, attention (obviously) and the money to this race. He is an inspiration and motivation for the other riders.

Hard to accept these thoughts I think and no one can provide him from doing his Job.
But of course you can complain about that. Its Levi.

 

[flicker]

Compared to other six-day stage races, including those in Europe, the parcours is pretty damn good. With the exception of the June pre-tour buildups, the route is about as difficult as most Euro tours.

The field isn't as strong, but you can never expect the likes of Landis and Boonen to show up at a race where you need a membership card to buy 3.2% beer.

What is a good race without good beer. The Eurps just has issue with the Shack riders Levi and Merikan racing. Do not criticise the ToU. Awesome course. Without challanging races and great riders like Levi and all the domestic pros we will not improve here. Cut us some slack, we are just about ready to remove our training wheels! Do not hate on us Lance is gone!

 

[benpounder]

Personally, I would have like to see the UCI putting the effort in building up this stager into something special, instead of throwing their weight behind the new, Colorado event.
Utah could well end up on the scrap heap, as a result.

I look to see them merge.

The ToU has built a name, much like the Gila, due primarily to route difficulty. That both are seeing top riders participate is very good for exposure outside the cloistered world of road cycling devotees. Add the weight of legacy that comes with a Colorado stage race, and you have the building blocks for an almost Grand Tour.

 

[michaeld]

I Hope we can see more races in The USA get recognized by the UCI.

The organizer has to apply, and there are certain standards required for the various UCI sanctions. Unfortunately, most races in the states fixate on NRC-type sanctions. UCI races give points needed for Olympic and Worlds start places.

This is why the Austral-Asian and South American continentals have so many worlds starts: Many more of their races are UCI sanctioned.

 

[kurtinsc]

I look to see them merge.

The ToU has built a name, much like the Gila, due primarily to route difficulty. That both are seeing top riders participate is very good for exposure outside the cloistered world of road cycling devotees. Add the weight of legacy that comes with a Colorado stage race, and you have the building blocks for an almost Grand Tour.

No... we can't support a GT.

I like the idea of a series of stage races in the US all over a continuous time frame. Something were non-US teams might come over and race 2-3 races to justify the trip, but wouldn't be forced to race all of them.

Since we are very focused on the TDF, having it revolve around tour preparation might be nice.

Something like:

-Gila (New Mexico): April 28 - May 2
-Colorado: May 8-14
-California: May 16-23
-Utah: May 25 - 29
-Cascade Classic (Oregon): May 31 - June 4

All are in the western part of the US, so travel between races should be relatively reasonable. I'm sure this would probably negatively impact other aspects of US cycling... but if you wanted to get european riders over, giving them a chunk of races they could ride in a single trip might not be a bad idea.

 

[_yngve_]

bah... I was expecting that Mancebo could take this ToU easily but Levi with 56secs ahead and tomorrow a TT... I think that this is done... unless that Levi bonk big time the last day...

I've ridden the route that they're doing the last day. While I'm a fat, slow, perpetual 5 (I do about 2 races a year, and have no real thoughts of upgrading), just finishing was a chore. Things are a long way from being decided.

 

[_yngve_]

If you're not interested in the race then don't comment on it I'd say.

It looks an interesting race, certainly more interesting than some other N. American races (Tour of California being one) and a lot of European races.

Shame it's not a stronger field as it looks a pretty good test. It could make a decent 2.1 race I reckon

They're looking into petitioning the UCI after they finish this year's event.

 

[_yngve_]

The field isn't as strong, but you can never expect the likes of Landis and Boonen to show up at a race where you need a membership card to buy 3.2% beer.

Thankfully, the "Private Club for Members" nonsense was done away with by the legislature a couple of years ago.

Heck, the state is even looking into *gasp* privatizing its network of liquor stores.

 

[joe1265]

The ToU is awesome. For Euros, you have to realize that Utah is a long ways from anywhere and it's not like Utah is exactly a super friendly cycling state. Great course, but no spectators.

THe U.S. may not have a GT per se, but the ToCali has already replaced the Giro has the 2nd most prestigous race and give it a few years and the ToCO will replace the Vuelta.

Why? Cause most of the peloton are riding US bikes, sponsored by US related cos. Where's HTC-Columbia going to send Cav? BFE Italia or smack into the middle of LosAngeles?

 

[Mellow Velo]

THe U.S. may not have a GT per se, but the ToCali has already replaced the Giro has the 2nd most prestigous race and give it a few years and the ToCO will replace the Vuelta.

Why? Cause most of the peloton are riding US bikes, sponsored by US related cos. Where's HTC-Columbia going to send Cav? BFE Italia or smack into the middle of LosAngeles?

Hey, why not organise the tour of your backyard, for July?
Simple. Then, you have the most prestigous race in the world, on your doorstep.

Kurt seems to be the only one capable of putting things into perspective and comes up with a rational, long term plan.
Why not add the 2 Canadian PT races, into that mini May calander?

 

[theyoungest]

THe U.S. may not have a GT per se, but the ToCali has already replaced the Giro has the 2nd most prestigous race and give it a few years and the ToCO will replace the Vuelta.

Why? Cause most of the peloton are riding US bikes, sponsored by US related cos. Where's HTC-Columbia going to send Cav? BFE Italia or smack into the middle of LosAngeles?

Haha, the Tour of California, it's the gift that keeps on giving, in terms of proposterous statements about its allure.

 

[Francois the Postman]

The ToU is awesome. For Euros, you have to realize that Utah is a long ways from anywhere and it's not like Utah is exactly a super friendly cycling state. Great course, but no spectators.

THe U.S. may not have a GT per se, but the ToCali has already replaced the Giro has the 2nd most prestigous race and give it a few years and the ToCO will replace the Vuelta.

Why? Cause most of the peloton are riding US bikes, sponsored by US related cos. Where's HTC-Columbia going to send Cav? BFE Italia or smack into the middle of LosAngeles?

Man, I go away for a month and the Vuelta has already replaced the Giro as the 2nd biggest GT in Europe. And apparently I should be sad if Cavendish&Co aren't making the sprint stages in GTs so predictable it is hardly worth tuning in for.

Looks like we both end up happier in the near future then.

 

[_yngve_]

THe U.S. may not have a GT per se, but the ToCali has already replaced the Giro has the 2nd most prestigous race

Whatchoo talkin 'bout Willis?

 

[mr. tibbs]

What is a good race without good beer. The Eurps just has issue with the Shack riders Levi and Merikan racing. Do not criticise the ToU. Awesome course. Without challanging races and great riders like Levi and all the domestic pros we will not improve here. Cut us some slack, we are just about ready to remove our training wheels! Do not hate on us Lance is gone!

Whoa, whoa, whoa: Utah has OUTSTANDING beer. See for exmpale Uinta's Cutthroat Pale Ale (several World Beer Cup gold medals), or Wasatch's Evolution Amber.

Utah microbreweries also have an outstanding tradition of producing UPAs (Uta Pale Ales) that compare favorable to any IPA from the likes of Colorado's New Belgium. In fact, the only beer I've had in Texas that comes close to Utah's better microbrews is Live Oak's Pilsner. Every other good beer is imported. (And, since TX has very prohibitive distribution laws, only a limited number of beers can be imported and true Texas microbrews can't bottle their product and sell it in stores, only bars and restaraunts.)

@eleven: Governor Huntsman got rid of the private club rule, so no more membership fees! Yay!

And the difference between Utah beer (3.2%) and other beer (4%) is about 11 to 10. The percentage of alcohol in Utah beer seems low b/c it's measured by weight, not volume, but it's essentially the same. See here for more: http://utahbeer.blogspot.com/2006/01/32-i-dont-think-so.html

 

[flicker]

No... we can't support a GT.

I like the idea of a series of stage races in the US all over a continuous time frame. Something were non-US teams might come over and race 2-3 races to justify the trip, but wouldn't be forced to race all of them.

Since we are very focused on the TDF, having it revolve around tour preparation might be nice.

Something like:

-Gila (New Mexico): April 28 - May 2
-Colorado: May 8-14
-California: May 16-23
-Utah: May 25 - 29
-Cascade Classic (Oregon): May 31 - June 4

All are in the western part of the US, so travel between races should be relatively reasonable. I'm sure this would probably negatively impact other aspects of US cycling... but if you wanted to get european riders over, giving them a chunk of races they could ride in a single trip might not be a bad idea.

Sounds good but why not make the ToC the first race. The Eurps here insist it is a soft pedaling easy race. Why not an easy training race the way it has been.

 

[flicker]

Whoa, whoa, whoa: Utah has OUTSTANDING beer. See for exmpale Uinta's Cutthroat Pale Ale (several World Beer Cup gold medals), or Wasatch's Evolution Amber.

Utah microbreweries also have an outstanding tradition of producing UPAs (Uta Pale Ales) that compare favorable to any IPA from the likes of Colorado's New Belgium. In fact, the only beer I've had in Texas that comes close to Utah's better microbrews is Live Oak's Pilsner. Every other good beer is imported. (And, since TX has very prohibitive distribution laws, only a limited number of beers can be imported and true Texas microbrews can't bottle their product and sell it in stores, only bars and restaraunts.)

@eleven: Governor Huntsman got rid of the private club rule, so no more membership fees! Yay!

And the difference between Utah beer (3.2%) and other beer (4%) is about 11 to 10. The percentage of alcohol in Utah beer seems low b/c it's measured by weight, not volume, but it's essentially the same. See here for more: http://utahbeer.blogspot.com/2006/01/32-i-dont-think-so.html

Thank you. Important info I will need to download into my Blackberry. By the way I rode a stage race called the tour of Park City in the 70s. What a magnificient area and the culture and Hot Springs there are epic.

 

[benpounder]

No... we can't support a GT.

Why? And if answering, please note I said an almost GT. It would take years of continued high quality routes and organization to even consider anything in North America to rival the Giro or Tour. Small steps first; like aim for something like the Vuelta a Colombia.

I like the idea of a series of stage races in the US all over a continuous time frame. Something were non-US teams might come over and race 2-3 races to justify the trip, but wouldn't be forced to race all of them.

It certainly would help bring more of the Pro Peloton across the oceans.

Since we are very focused on the TDF, having it revolve around tour preparation might be nice.

Without question, but the races would have to be useful - a long and hard ITT and a testing MTF would be requisite.

Something like:

-Gila (New Mexico): April 28 - May 2
-Colorado: May 8-14
-California: May 16-23
-Utah: May 25 - 29
-Cascade Classic (Oregon): May 31 - June 4

Some of my most memorable ski days have been in May. The point being, there are many routes out here in the west that are just too unpredictable that early in the spring. I've ridden the Iron Horse Bike Classic - Durango to Silverton on Labor Day weekend (last weekend in May) - with snow falling.

No, I think with the scheduling of the ToUtah and the proposed ToColo, we have an opportunity to draw cyclists that a) are preparing for the Vuelta (the least of the Grand Tours), or b) are looking for glory at an important and difficult race that does not have the stress associated with GTs. As with the Gila, start small, but build a solid reputation for a testing parcourse, then entice big names to participate. Anecdotally,here in Steamboat a stage race scheduled for the first weekend of September. It is it's second year, and last year, along with the usuall domestic squads, both Garmin and Fly V sent their development squads. It was a great race with good spectator turnout (unsurprising given the makeup of Steamboat). I've yet to see the start list for this year, but talking with a number of riders last year, they planned on returning. Also, I've had out of town friends notify me that they are planning on attending. The point being, build the grassroots support first.

One of the problems I see with the ToCal, and frankly the reinvention of the Coors Classic, is the promoters tend to start with grand ambitions. Not necessarily a bad thing if approached properly, but with Cal, we see the promoters more interested in having spectators at the start and finish than actually having a testing route.

 

[benpounder]

BFE Italia...

Bum F__k Egypt Italia??? What, did the Med dry up?

 

[mr. tibbs]

No, I think with the scheduling of the ToUtah and the proposed ToColo, we have an opportunity to draw cyclists that a) are preparing for the Vuelta (the least of the Grand Tours), or b) are looking for glory at an important and difficult race that does not have the stress associated with GTs. As with the Gila, start small, but build a solid reputation for a testing parcourse, then entice big names to participate. Anecdotally,here in Steamboat a stage race scheduled for the first weekend of September. It is it's second year, and last year, along with the usuall domestic squads, both Garmin and Fly V sent their development squads. It was a great race with good spectator turnout (unsurprising given the makeup of Steamboat). I've yet to see the start list for this year, but talking with a number of riders last year, they planned on returning. Also, I've had out of town friends notify me that they are planning on attending. The point being, build the grassroots support first.

One of the problems I see with the ToCal, and frankly the reinvention of the Coors Classic, is the promoters tend to start with grand ambitions. Not necessarily a bad thing if approached properly, but with Cal, we see the promoters more interested in having spectators at the start and finish than actually having a testing route.

Truth. This is why it's baffling to me that so much emphasis is being placed on the Quizno's Pro Challenge (!?) when races like Gila and Utah have already proven themselves as viable races without needing celebrity endorsements.

There are also several races that are either starting (Steamboat) or have recently died that could use/could have used the support.

 

[Angliru]

BH
I agree there is a lot of vitriol about American races and racers.
American racing is a lot closer to the speed and often even harder than Euro races. The gap has closed a lot and it is a shame how N Am riders have such an inferiority complex

My issue is with Leipheimer furthering his rep as professional cycling premiere wheel sucker. He seemingly almost laughs as he shamelessly brags about his sucking Mancebo's wheel for most of the climb, making no contribution to the chase of the escapee(s), then after Mancebo falls for the grimacing, suffering face that Leipheimer displayed, in a show of strength he attacks Mancebo, obviously spent from dragging the dead weight that is Levi, up the mountain.
It's no wonder that I wince every time I get a sighting of Leipheimer all tucked in, hiding in the peloton with his beaming forehead inches from his stem, trying to get the maximum from the draft, sucking the lifeforce from all in front of him. Well, at least he's consistent. Seldom strays from his standard M.O. .

 

[Angliru]

The ToU is awesome. For Euros, you have to realize that Utah is a long ways from anywhere and it's not like Utah is exactly a super friendly cycling state. Great course, but no spectators.

THe U.S. may not have a GT per se, but the ToCali has already replaced the Giro has the 2nd most prestigous race and give it a few years and the ToCO will replace the Vuelta.

Why? Cause most of the peloton are riding US bikes, sponsored by US related cos. Where's HTC-Columbia going to send Cav? BFE Italia or smack into the middle of LosAngeles?

Please read your own post and tell me that it doesn't sound absolutely ridiculous. Prestige comes from years of memorable stages and battles when attaching the word to cycling events. Nothing that has happened in the ToC is even close being thought of as garnering such lofty praise.

 

[eleven]

@eleven: Governor Huntsman got rid of the private club rule, so no more membership fees! Yay!

oh, and thank God for that! Seriously, that was a pain in the ***.

And the difference between Utah beer (3.2%) and other beer (4%) is about 11 to 10. The percentage of alcohol in Utah beer seems low b/c it's measured by weight, not volume, but it's essentially the same. See here for more: http://utahbeer.blogspot.com/2006/01/32-i-dont-think-so.html

Here in Vermont, we have a penchant for high-octane beers. Some of the state's best-selling products are 7-10%ish. But that's very interesting about how they measure it..... I've actually always wondered if large brewers make a different product for 3.2 states or just label the same product differently, but testing that would require drinking Coors or Budweiser in two different states and that's just not going to happen.

...and I hope you're aware I was just poking fun. I love beer in all varieties and i've had some really top notch beer in Utah - plus,the altitude makes us sea-levelers react to 3.2% beer like it's whiskey for the first couple days. <--I learned that the hard way.

 

[eleven]

No... we can't support a GT.

I like the idea of a series of stage races in the US all over a continuous time frame. Something were non-US teams might come over and race 2-3 races to justify the trip, but wouldn't be forced to race all of them.

Since we are very focused on the TDF, having it revolve around tour preparation might be nice.

Something like:

-Gila (New Mexico): April 28 - May 2
-Colorado: May 8-14
-California: May 16-23
-Utah: May 25 - 29
-Cascade Classic (Oregon): May 31 - June 4

All are in the western part of the US, so travel between races should be relatively reasonable. I'm sure this would probably negatively impact other aspects of US cycling... but if you wanted to get european riders over, giving them a chunk of races they could ride in a single trip might not be a bad idea.

I think in a situation like that you've got to have a stage race in the Northeast where you can take advantage of a much more extensive road network and a wide variety of options for climbs, plus the bonus of much greater population density for fans and sponsors.

Someday, folks are going to figure out that Whiteface Mtn in the Adirondacks would be one of the best mountaintop finish locales in the country. A fantastic climb 8 mile climb, the olympic tie-in, the finishing spot...