I am now almost 48 hours removed from the race and thought it would be fitting to offer a few final thoughts about the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Defining moments for me: first rider off in Palo Alto, driving through Davis, Sprint in Patterson on Stage 3, driving Stage 3 without getting sick, trying to open the car door against the wind on Stage 4, the Course Marshals being hammered by the wind and rain on Stage 4 and 7, the Rock Racing girls, the race start in Modesto, Sierra and Balcom, driving through La Canada Flintridge, and entering into the Rose Bowl.

I got to spend an hour with our UCI Commissaire President yesterday, as I drove him to LAX for his flight back to Amsterdam. Martin Swinkles has presided over several Tour de France races. I am adding him to my list of people I would like to have over for dinner.

I will always be amazed with what it takes to put this race together. There are so many people involved, yet I have never seen egos get in the way. Everyone works together to make this one of the greatest races in the world. AEG, Medalist Sports, the sponsors, and the host cities work untold hours and never give up on solving an issue. It is an amazing partnership of committed individuals and organizations.

It is always difficult to see the trucks packed for the final time, taking the signage off of your vehicle, and seeing your friends head to the airport. As for me, I am already behind in getting things ready for Colorado Stage Race and other Medalist events. Planning has already started for the 2009 race. The Tour de Georgia is just six weeks away and I know that most of the people I work with on the Amgen Tour of California will be gathered in Georgia.

Hope you have enjoyed these past several days with me.

-Eric

Ps. All of the pictures and text for this Blog were done with my iPhone

That's a Wrap!

This chap was walking near the deviation point in Pasadena. The sign and his expression says it all. I am going to finish this Blog in the next day or so. There are a lot of pictures to post and a lot of stories to tell you so check back in a day or so.

Danger Will Robinson

I spent a little too much time coming down Angeles Forest cleaning debris and getting a car off the course. I was 5K from the KOM when I heard on race radio that the 1st rider had made the KOM. Faced with an 8 mile descent and a rider that could go downhill faster than me, I was in a bit of a panic. I pushed the Tundra to the max and prayed that the "Black Ice" was not settling in the corners. I was able to create a modest gap and then I encountered this mile long patch of fog/cloud coming down Angeles Crest...sweet!

Rock Stars

This is a picture before the start of Stage 7. These are all of our moto officials, moto marshals, and CHP. Words cannot describe what they mean and do for the race. Simply put, without their incredible skills, there would be no Amgen Tour of California. When the riders are asked about the race, they almost always tell you the most impressive thing is how protected they are on the road. They feel totally secure and safe. That allows them to focus 100% on the race.

A "Tall" sendoff by Santa Clarita

Not sure who these folks were. The start at Santa Clarita was one of the best on the tour (Best has been awarded to the City of Modesto). Good crowd, just a spot of rain, and a really nice venue at the Town Center Shopping Center. The City of Santa Clarita bent over backwards to help us for the finish of Stage 6 and start of Stage 7. There was nothing we asked that they couldn't do!

Bikes in the Ready

Yellow can be a rider's favorite color

Pasadena Bound

Just got in from driving Stage 7 to see how bad things are (weather and the roads). The short answer is that both are bad, but can be managed. We will be going over Millcreek Summit and into the Angeles Forest. Each team has riders that are sick, but the racers are pros and want to finish what was started. I think that Stages 3, 4, and 7 will define this race as a very difficult week of racing and help further boost its reputation!