Stage 4, Start, Avon

Avon was psyched for the start and the town had a hometown feel to it, unlike Vail.  They know the riders, even the less popular. It was amazing to hear them call out the names of the rider as they approached the sign-in stage. 

Again, I snagged a spot right at the entrance to the sign-up board.  Most of the riders were willing an eager to sign autographs.  The Schleck brothers, Basso, and a few others big names that weren't doing as well as hoped, weren't so eager, although they did sign.

Here are today's pics.

Check out this cool chalk drawing at the start.

This guy stopped me in the Expo in Avon and asked me if I knew (he said the name and I can't remember what he said).  I said no, so he told me the thus guy invented the color photography method and I should remember him as I shoot the race.  I said I would, but really, I had other things to think about.  He went on for a while as his cat climbed all over his back. A colorful guy.

At the Start:  Daniel Oss and Elia Viviani

You won't be seeing this bus much longer....

The Ride

Fast Freddie Rodriguez is BACK!!

Big George Hincapie enjoying the day

Cadel being good to his fans.  The crowd loves him.

Danny is from CO and was a top Cyclocross racer. People in the crowd asked him how he liked the 'road' and he said something like it's just different.

Andy Schleck: not much more to say.  He doesn't seem very happy these days. 

Christian Vande Velde is enjoying his race!

Tom looks good for having a stomach flu before Vail.  One tough rider.

Levi: In Yellow again.  He's happier in Yellow then he was in Green.  Not sure why :)

Liquigas riding to the start:  

Jens riding to the start.

Chad Beyer

Brent Bookwalter

At he start.  There was a cool chalk painting at the start.