I'm sure Ricardo will be most happy about this as I won't need to be filling up the shop site with my reports anymore. However, I wanted to let you know that I have been asked to join the staff of www.uscyclingreport.com who are based out of the San Francisco area in California. They have just recently posted the TOC wrap up I wrote on their website, you can check it out here:
http://uscyclingreport.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1258&Itemid=1
In addition, I will be writing for them on special assignments, and possibly future US cycling events. I'm thrilled with this new opportunity and look forward to what is to come.
Rebecca~
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
As the journey comes to a close...
There is a scene in "Hell on Wheels" (the documentary on T-Mobile at the 2003 Tour de France), where one of the soigneurs is sitting on the final train ride home and he says, "The war is over, back to normal life." As I sit in the LAX airport waiting for my plane, I can't help but sympathize to those same feelings. Sure this is not the Tour but its safe to say that it was the closest thing you'll get to it here in the States. I had a slight idea of what I would experience but the real deal went so much further than I ever imagined.
My teams are Saxobank with Bobby Julich as the new Rider Development Manager, the Schleck brothers - Andy & Frank, JJ Haedo, and Jens Voigt. Then there is the new Cervelo Test Team with Sastre, Hushovd, Rollin, and Hayden. Last but definitely not least we have Ivan Basso with his new Liquigas team. There is Alessandro who seems to be the joker of the bunch; I don't think there was a time I saw him where he wasn't laughing or having a good time (Jens is the same way). Then Kjall & Gianni who both look very young, Jacobo (the quiet one) and Chicci (Alessandro's partner in crime). Then there is the staff. Following the tour I got to know the Cervelo team mechanic, Alejandro who I kept calling "alessandro" oops! Hailing from Spain, he was very nice in showing my friends and I around the bikes while he was working. He shared cookies with us while we all suffered in the freezing rain - a lot of fun. Then Francesco from Liquigas, who is a massuer for the team. I seemed to be the lone fan that would stop by their bus each day on the tour. If only I spoke Italian! Francesco was very cordial with me even though we had a slight language barrier.
In Sacramento, waiting for Ivan Basso, I met three lovely cycling fans. Dominique who came down from Oregon, and Oron & Jo all the way from Ireland! It seemed we were some of the few that were following the race the entire way. "Isn't this just marvelous? You can't get this close in Europe, especially to the Schleck brothers. It's nice that Lance is here distracting everyone!" Jo said, I couldn't agree more!
So it's the end of my journey. From the prologue in Sac town, which seemed to be an overload of the senses, to the final start in Rancho Bernardo saying my goodbyes to everyone. Everywhere you looked at each stage, another pro was weaving in and out of the crowd. At times you would miss them, since many of the public were arriving on the scene wearing the full kits from their favorite teams. Then the rains came and oddly enough, even though we were soaked to the bone and freezing, the spirit and excitement in the air never dissipated. Somewhat lonely at times since I was traveling on my own, it also gave me a chance to observe and witness how things worked within the teams and the fans who came, many for the first time because of Lance's return, but also to witness so many cycling greats race in person on US soil.
From what I witnessed, the teams are like brothers, the peloton - their extended family. They respect one another and have a good time, even in the worst of conditions. This is when I missed riding the most, when the peloton would pass me early on, not attacking just yet but simply chatting among themselves with big grins on their faces as if it were a reunion. And perhaps it was? Having Armstrong return after three years, there was Basso, Hamilton, and Landis back in the mix as well. Then you had those who retired not too long ago like Julich, and Aldag, trying to get comfortable in their new roles. "Yea, they had me following Frank today, it was nuts!!" Bobby says in the distance. Those of us who were following the tour became friends as well. Frank and Andy Schleck would wave to Jo & Oron as they were out on the course each day. Oron became known as the "7-eleven guy" due to his jacket of the old 7-eleven team he'd wear each day. They ended up getting water bottles, mussettes, and special momentos as a thank you from the team. In the meantime I followed team Liquigas and Ivan Basso every day, receiving my own mussette at the end of the tour (thanks Francesco!). One particular moment was at the top of Bonny Doon, I had a video camera in one hand and my 35mm in the other with a cowbell hanging on my arm...what can I say I multitask pretty well! ;) Anyway, it seemed Basso had a good laugh when he passed me.
Solvang is another point that will stick out when I remember this tour. I had finally gotten my picture with Sastre and was thus watching Ivan warm up for his time trial. I noticed that his knee was tapped up pretty good while instead of having tunes blasting through headphones, he had his trainer whispering in his ear. "If its still bothering you and you can't generate the power than you're just wasting your time but I think you'll be just fine." "Yes but when I push just a little, I feel pain." Basso replies with that thick Italian accent. Minutes later, he clipped out, disappointment and frustration written all over his face. Yet even then he stops to sign a few autographs before disappearing onto the bus. I knew that was the last time I would see him at the race, he was going to abandon. You couldn't help but feel for him, how many times have we all been sick, or injured at the most inopportune times and there was absolutely nothing you could do about it? Sure enough, it was announced shortly after that he was missing his start and having to abandon due to injury. Just a case of bad luck. :(
Finally, what seemed like ages of pouring rain, at the point when you thought you'd never warm up..the sun peaked through the clouds. Now THIS is California! Modesto was the point where the teams began recognizing that we were following the tour. Guys like Thor Hushovd, the Schlek brothers, and Ivan Basso would wave to us, or give us a wink when they passed, while Sastre never said much other than bowing his head with those humble eyes and smile. What can I say, I love this relationship between spectator and athlete. No, cycling will never be what football, baseball, or basketball is here in the States because in my opinion it can never generate the kind of money that those sports can. Perhaps that's what will keep cycling special in the hearts of those, (like me), who are so passionate about it and appreciate it for what it is. Many who showed up each day didn't know a lot about cycling outside of Lance which was a shame. They would hang around the European teams until Astana arrived and then in a flash they were gone.
I also found it interesting to see the differences between the dynamics of each time. There was Rock Racing who seemed like they were on a rock n'roll tour instead of a cycling race. Then Astana, the celebrity dream team of the bunch. Instead of having a 15 passenger van, or their team cars for their equipment they had escalades, black with heavily tinted windows. Then there were the American national teams like BMC, Bissell and Jelly Belly which seemed to be forgotten about with all the other world class teams that were present. Finally, Cervelo Test team, sitting quietly under the radar until Stage 3 when Thor won in the final sprint.
They came to us, a country known for its fast food and football, yet the crowds came out in droves, showing their appreciation. I hope we did them justice for getting out there in such horrendous conditions this early in the season. As I sit on the plane over Arizona and New Mexico headed home, somewhere over the Atlantic Basso and Sastre are heading home as well, while others will follow suit soon. I return to the monotonous mornings of serving coffee at Starbucks and going to school, while catching what I can on Versus of the spring classics and later on grand tours (when they decide to air it)...remembering the time in February when I was there to witness it all. Until next time...when I don't think I can make it up that next hard climb or maintain the sprint, I'll remember your efforts in my mind and know that somewhere deep down I'll have it in me, I'll know that it's possible. Thanks for the inspiration & motivation! Have a wonderful, healthy, and prosperous year boys!
My teams are Saxobank with Bobby Julich as the new Rider Development Manager, the Schleck brothers - Andy & Frank, JJ Haedo, and Jens Voigt. Then there is the new Cervelo Test Team with Sastre, Hushovd, Rollin, and Hayden. Last but definitely not least we have Ivan Basso with his new Liquigas team. There is Alessandro who seems to be the joker of the bunch; I don't think there was a time I saw him where he wasn't laughing or having a good time (Jens is the same way). Then Kjall & Gianni who both look very young, Jacobo (the quiet one) and Chicci (Alessandro's partner in crime). Then there is the staff. Following the tour I got to know the Cervelo team mechanic, Alejandro who I kept calling "alessandro" oops! Hailing from Spain, he was very nice in showing my friends and I around the bikes while he was working. He shared cookies with us while we all suffered in the freezing rain - a lot of fun. Then Francesco from Liquigas, who is a massuer for the team. I seemed to be the lone fan that would stop by their bus each day on the tour. If only I spoke Italian! Francesco was very cordial with me even though we had a slight language barrier.
In Sacramento, waiting for Ivan Basso, I met three lovely cycling fans. Dominique who came down from Oregon, and Oron & Jo all the way from Ireland! It seemed we were some of the few that were following the race the entire way. "Isn't this just marvelous? You can't get this close in Europe, especially to the Schleck brothers. It's nice that Lance is here distracting everyone!" Jo said, I couldn't agree more!
So it's the end of my journey. From the prologue in Sac town, which seemed to be an overload of the senses, to the final start in Rancho Bernardo saying my goodbyes to everyone. Everywhere you looked at each stage, another pro was weaving in and out of the crowd. At times you would miss them, since many of the public were arriving on the scene wearing the full kits from their favorite teams. Then the rains came and oddly enough, even though we were soaked to the bone and freezing, the spirit and excitement in the air never dissipated. Somewhat lonely at times since I was traveling on my own, it also gave me a chance to observe and witness how things worked within the teams and the fans who came, many for the first time because of Lance's return, but also to witness so many cycling greats race in person on US soil.
From what I witnessed, the teams are like brothers, the peloton - their extended family. They respect one another and have a good time, even in the worst of conditions. This is when I missed riding the most, when the peloton would pass me early on, not attacking just yet but simply chatting among themselves with big grins on their faces as if it were a reunion. And perhaps it was? Having Armstrong return after three years, there was Basso, Hamilton, and Landis back in the mix as well. Then you had those who retired not too long ago like Julich, and Aldag, trying to get comfortable in their new roles. "Yea, they had me following Frank today, it was nuts!!" Bobby says in the distance. Those of us who were following the tour became friends as well. Frank and Andy Schleck would wave to Jo & Oron as they were out on the course each day. Oron became known as the "7-eleven guy" due to his jacket of the old 7-eleven team he'd wear each day. They ended up getting water bottles, mussettes, and special momentos as a thank you from the team. In the meantime I followed team Liquigas and Ivan Basso every day, receiving my own mussette at the end of the tour (thanks Francesco!). One particular moment was at the top of Bonny Doon, I had a video camera in one hand and my 35mm in the other with a cowbell hanging on my arm...what can I say I multitask pretty well! ;) Anyway, it seemed Basso had a good laugh when he passed me.
Solvang is another point that will stick out when I remember this tour. I had finally gotten my picture with Sastre and was thus watching Ivan warm up for his time trial. I noticed that his knee was tapped up pretty good while instead of having tunes blasting through headphones, he had his trainer whispering in his ear. "If its still bothering you and you can't generate the power than you're just wasting your time but I think you'll be just fine." "Yes but when I push just a little, I feel pain." Basso replies with that thick Italian accent. Minutes later, he clipped out, disappointment and frustration written all over his face. Yet even then he stops to sign a few autographs before disappearing onto the bus. I knew that was the last time I would see him at the race, he was going to abandon. You couldn't help but feel for him, how many times have we all been sick, or injured at the most inopportune times and there was absolutely nothing you could do about it? Sure enough, it was announced shortly after that he was missing his start and having to abandon due to injury. Just a case of bad luck. :(
Finally, what seemed like ages of pouring rain, at the point when you thought you'd never warm up..the sun peaked through the clouds. Now THIS is California! Modesto was the point where the teams began recognizing that we were following the tour. Guys like Thor Hushovd, the Schlek brothers, and Ivan Basso would wave to us, or give us a wink when they passed, while Sastre never said much other than bowing his head with those humble eyes and smile. What can I say, I love this relationship between spectator and athlete. No, cycling will never be what football, baseball, or basketball is here in the States because in my opinion it can never generate the kind of money that those sports can. Perhaps that's what will keep cycling special in the hearts of those, (like me), who are so passionate about it and appreciate it for what it is. Many who showed up each day didn't know a lot about cycling outside of Lance which was a shame. They would hang around the European teams until Astana arrived and then in a flash they were gone.
I also found it interesting to see the differences between the dynamics of each time. There was Rock Racing who seemed like they were on a rock n'roll tour instead of a cycling race. Then Astana, the celebrity dream team of the bunch. Instead of having a 15 passenger van, or their team cars for their equipment they had escalades, black with heavily tinted windows. Then there were the American national teams like BMC, Bissell and Jelly Belly which seemed to be forgotten about with all the other world class teams that were present. Finally, Cervelo Test team, sitting quietly under the radar until Stage 3 when Thor won in the final sprint.
They came to us, a country known for its fast food and football, yet the crowds came out in droves, showing their appreciation. I hope we did them justice for getting out there in such horrendous conditions this early in the season. As I sit on the plane over Arizona and New Mexico headed home, somewhere over the Atlantic Basso and Sastre are heading home as well, while others will follow suit soon. I return to the monotonous mornings of serving coffee at Starbucks and going to school, while catching what I can on Versus of the spring classics and later on grand tours (when they decide to air it)...remembering the time in February when I was there to witness it all. Until next time...when I don't think I can make it up that next hard climb or maintain the sprint, I'll remember your efforts in my mind and know that somewhere deep down I'll have it in me, I'll know that it's possible. Thanks for the inspiration & motivation! Have a wonderful, healthy, and prosperous year boys!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Greetings from Paso Robles
It's the fifth stage of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. I'm exhausted sitting in my hotel room in the next little town somewhere in central California. I had planned to run everyday, brought all my stuff but each night I am so tired I end up eating a little something and crashing right after. I have a new appreciation for what these guys do each day. Okay so they have drivers, and chefs and souniers and mechanics that do just about everything for them but they're still riding out in the elements, 100+ miles everyday. Right as they finish the winners go to the press conference, after which they go to change/freshen up and get their massage in before dinner. Then, they have a short while to relax before going to sleep for the next morning to wake up around 6 am, get ready, eat breakfast, have their team meeting and drive to the start. I've known about this but actually following the tour myself now, I'll be so happy to sleep in my own bed and it's only been 5 days!! Seriously...perhaps its standing out in the FREEZING rain for 4 days that did it, but I can't imagine doing this, and riding 100 miles a day for 3 weeks straight!
California itself is beautiful though, having traveled through most of these United States I have to say that it's on my top favorite list of States to visit. It's an adventure stopping by each town and finding your way around. You learn, following the tour to stop to buy the local paper upon arrival because it has the map of the race, start times and local events, road closure, etc. From there I usually get some cash for my spending quota for that day which is minimal at best for merch/parking/and food expenses that day. I've managed to snag some cool things though...Livestrong scarfs, Astana/Rock Racing/Columbia team shirts, posters, socks, pins, etc. It's amazing the kind of discounts I get just wearing my volunteer shirt and showing up each day.
So if its a finishing line city then I would have driving an hour or two in the morning after getting up at 5:30 to pack up, set my route from the map, and take off. I will arrive in the city (or town) a couple of hours before the cyclists are expected in order to enjoy the local festivities and watch a bit of the tour on the jumbo trons. About 30 minutes or so before arrival I would have scoped out the team bus location and am looking for a good viewing spot, hopefully on a corner near the buses. If I'm volunteering then I go to my post at this time. I wait for what seems like an eternity until the convoy arrives..."ARE YOU READY!!!?" The announcer calls out, who is in a lead car with speakers..."WELCOME THE AMGEN TOUR OF C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A!!! Riders are ___________ miles (or minutes) behind with the breakaway about to be caught. MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!"
The cyclists pass shortly after, in a blink of an eye. "Was that Basso? hmmm he was in the front but no, it's a sprint so could it have been Chicci perhaps? Where was Lance? He's wearing his Livestrong helmet but wait is that him in yellow or Levi?? Was that Sastre at the back end? No, why would he be at the back??" All of these questions start popping up because you don't have the luxury of hearing Phil & Paul making the call (BOY do I miss them!!). The stage is over, only press is allowed around the award presentation stage, while the VIP tents blocks any possible view...so you go back to the team buses instead. "OOO!!" There's Andy Schleck! Boonen, Cavendish, Basso! Wait...JENS! Worn out, dirty, starving, still on their bikes looking for their buses but yet they stop anyway. "sure I'll sign, where?" "Picture? SURE! of course!" They're so tired, they don't say much else except for Jens, "How are you? You following the tour? Cool! Yea, stage was pretty difficult today but good, SO glad the sun was out today" Wow, hell of a guy and a DAMN good cyclist! :)
I didn't know exactly what I expected before I came. In only the past year I have fallen in love with a sport that at first intimidated me because of all the jargon and foreign language on top of the complex strategies that are involved in winning a race. Yet it all fascinated me, and now that I'm completely submersed I am convinced this is the best, most invigorating sport there is! Until you have ridden a century yourself and know the fatigue one feels after riding such lengths, compare that with the gradients and elements these men ride in will you have any idea of how inspiring this is to watch. While being so generous to their adoring public, and how accommodating they are, will you understand the appreciation and passion I feel for this sport, even more so after this experience.
It's been an exhausting, invigorating but most of all, truly inspiring adventure so far. Onward...
California itself is beautiful though, having traveled through most of these United States I have to say that it's on my top favorite list of States to visit. It's an adventure stopping by each town and finding your way around. You learn, following the tour to stop to buy the local paper upon arrival because it has the map of the race, start times and local events, road closure, etc. From there I usually get some cash for my spending quota for that day which is minimal at best for merch/parking/and food expenses that day. I've managed to snag some cool things though...Livestrong scarfs, Astana/Rock Racing/Columbia team shirts, posters, socks, pins, etc. It's amazing the kind of discounts I get just wearing my volunteer shirt and showing up each day.
So if its a finishing line city then I would have driving an hour or two in the morning after getting up at 5:30 to pack up, set my route from the map, and take off. I will arrive in the city (or town) a couple of hours before the cyclists are expected in order to enjoy the local festivities and watch a bit of the tour on the jumbo trons. About 30 minutes or so before arrival I would have scoped out the team bus location and am looking for a good viewing spot, hopefully on a corner near the buses. If I'm volunteering then I go to my post at this time. I wait for what seems like an eternity until the convoy arrives..."ARE YOU READY!!!?" The announcer calls out, who is in a lead car with speakers..."WELCOME THE AMGEN TOUR OF C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A!!! Riders are ___________ miles (or minutes) behind with the breakaway about to be caught. MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!"
The cyclists pass shortly after, in a blink of an eye. "Was that Basso? hmmm he was in the front but no, it's a sprint so could it have been Chicci perhaps? Where was Lance? He's wearing his Livestrong helmet but wait is that him in yellow or Levi?? Was that Sastre at the back end? No, why would he be at the back??" All of these questions start popping up because you don't have the luxury of hearing Phil & Paul making the call (BOY do I miss them!!). The stage is over, only press is allowed around the award presentation stage, while the VIP tents blocks any possible view...so you go back to the team buses instead. "OOO!!" There's Andy Schleck! Boonen, Cavendish, Basso! Wait...JENS! Worn out, dirty, starving, still on their bikes looking for their buses but yet they stop anyway. "sure I'll sign, where?" "Picture? SURE! of course!" They're so tired, they don't say much else except for Jens, "How are you? You following the tour? Cool! Yea, stage was pretty difficult today but good, SO glad the sun was out today" Wow, hell of a guy and a DAMN good cyclist! :)
I didn't know exactly what I expected before I came. In only the past year I have fallen in love with a sport that at first intimidated me because of all the jargon and foreign language on top of the complex strategies that are involved in winning a race. Yet it all fascinated me, and now that I'm completely submersed I am convinced this is the best, most invigorating sport there is! Until you have ridden a century yourself and know the fatigue one feels after riding such lengths, compare that with the gradients and elements these men ride in will you have any idea of how inspiring this is to watch. While being so generous to their adoring public, and how accommodating they are, will you understand the appreciation and passion I feel for this sport, even more so after this experience.
It's been an exhausting, invigorating but most of all, truly inspiring adventure so far. Onward...
Men who would be giants...
(from Sunday morning, since I didn't have Internet access until now...here it is)
I'm in Davis, California. It's pouring rain but the cyclists are still getting ready to ride. They never cancel a race, no matter what. So the rain is coming down, I decide to look for Sastre since everyone seems to be transfixed on Landis, Armstrong, Levi, & Hincapie. I'm outside Cervelo's Team trailer when I catch a glimpse of Sastre. I'm a little embarrassed because at the moment I've got on a huge navy blue poncho on, looking like a tent as its covering my backpack and me from the rain. I yell anyway, "Carlos!" He looks up and tells the mechanic going into the trailer to wait, gesturing to keep the door open...looking to me..."Carlos, do you mind signing this?" SHIT! The jersey that I have ready to sign is stuck under the poncho as I'm trying to find the opening to show him. He asks the mechanic to get it for him..."Thank you!" I tell him, as the door shuts. A minute later, the door opens again, as a man steps down to bring me the jersey, I look into the bus and Sastre is watching, making sure I get it back and waves to me..."Gracias Carlos!" A soft spoken man, he steps down from the bus and looks for his bike to head towards the starting line. "Buena Suerte, Carlos" I tell him, as he looks at me, nodding his head in thanks and smiles.
Later the next day, I'm walking through the hotel back to my car. It so happens that I had parked in the team hotels' parking lot without realizing it. I'm in Modesto, getting ready to leave for Merced. It's been a very long, wet, and cold day waiting for the guys to come in. I had been outside in the rain again watching the Cervelo team mechanics get Thor Huschovd's bike ready for the next day. Freezing, I decided to walk through the hotel to the garage to warm up a bit. I'm heading for the door as I look up and see Sastre walking towards me. I'm surprised, there are tour staff all around us chit chatting so I don't want to bother him for a picture, or be rude but it's a little awkward. It seems he's surprised that I recognize him, or perhaps he remembers me from the other day, but why should he be surprised that I know who he is? Is it due to Lance fever here in the States? Who knows but he seems embarrassed or shy or something I can't quite figure out. I hope I'm not making him uncomfortable, so a few awkward moments and I simple tell him..."Good job today, buenas noches." He smiles and waves goodnight to me.
I'm so intrigued by these men. It's as if they're shy of their own fame. I meet Cavindish the following day in Clovis after he narrowly beats out Boonen. Same thing happens, I called out to him to ask for his autograph as he's heading into a building for the press conference. He stops abruptly and gestures for me to come over. He waits for me, signs my magazine as I thank him and congratulate him on his win. "Sure thing, thank you very much" smiles at me and is gone. Oddly intriguing, these giants of their sport and heroes to thousands, yet so fragile and humble in person. You begin to feel ashamed when you try to compare them to other professional athletes in American football or baseball, of which there is no comparison. In cycling, there is no separation from the athletes and the spectators, no outrageous ticket prices to pay to see them create history. Yet they are so humble, some of the lowest paid professional athletes in the world, while they endure double what say a football player would endure on his worst day. Whatever it is I'm completely fascinated and inspired by their dedication and sacrifice they give day in and day out for a sport that is so brutal and unforgiving in return.
Rebecca Reza
from Stage 1, of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California
I'm in Davis, California. It's pouring rain but the cyclists are still getting ready to ride. They never cancel a race, no matter what. So the rain is coming down, I decide to look for Sastre since everyone seems to be transfixed on Landis, Armstrong, Levi, & Hincapie. I'm outside Cervelo's Team trailer when I catch a glimpse of Sastre. I'm a little embarrassed because at the moment I've got on a huge navy blue poncho on, looking like a tent as its covering my backpack and me from the rain. I yell anyway, "Carlos!" He looks up and tells the mechanic going into the trailer to wait, gesturing to keep the door open...looking to me..."Carlos, do you mind signing this?" SHIT! The jersey that I have ready to sign is stuck under the poncho as I'm trying to find the opening to show him. He asks the mechanic to get it for him..."Thank you!" I tell him, as the door shuts. A minute later, the door opens again, as a man steps down to bring me the jersey, I look into the bus and Sastre is watching, making sure I get it back and waves to me..."Gracias Carlos!" A soft spoken man, he steps down from the bus and looks for his bike to head towards the starting line. "Buena Suerte, Carlos" I tell him, as he looks at me, nodding his head in thanks and smiles.
Later the next day, I'm walking through the hotel back to my car. It so happens that I had parked in the team hotels' parking lot without realizing it. I'm in Modesto, getting ready to leave for Merced. It's been a very long, wet, and cold day waiting for the guys to come in. I had been outside in the rain again watching the Cervelo team mechanics get Thor Huschovd's bike ready for the next day. Freezing, I decided to walk through the hotel to the garage to warm up a bit. I'm heading for the door as I look up and see Sastre walking towards me. I'm surprised, there are tour staff all around us chit chatting so I don't want to bother him for a picture, or be rude but it's a little awkward. It seems he's surprised that I recognize him, or perhaps he remembers me from the other day, but why should he be surprised that I know who he is? Is it due to Lance fever here in the States? Who knows but he seems embarrassed or shy or something I can't quite figure out. I hope I'm not making him uncomfortable, so a few awkward moments and I simple tell him..."Good job today, buenas noches." He smiles and waves goodnight to me.
I'm so intrigued by these men. It's as if they're shy of their own fame. I meet Cavindish the following day in Clovis after he narrowly beats out Boonen. Same thing happens, I called out to him to ask for his autograph as he's heading into a building for the press conference. He stops abruptly and gestures for me to come over. He waits for me, signs my magazine as I thank him and congratulate him on his win. "Sure thing, thank you very much" smiles at me and is gone. Oddly intriguing, these giants of their sport and heroes to thousands, yet so fragile and humble in person. You begin to feel ashamed when you try to compare them to other professional athletes in American football or baseball, of which there is no comparison. In cycling, there is no separation from the athletes and the spectators, no outrageous ticket prices to pay to see them create history. Yet they are so humble, some of the lowest paid professional athletes in the world, while they endure double what say a football player would endure on his worst day. Whatever it is I'm completely fascinated and inspired by their dedication and sacrifice they give day in and day out for a sport that is so brutal and unforgiving in return.
Rebecca Reza
from Stage 1, of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California
Saturday, February 14, 2009
So the adventure begins...
If I wasn't a believer I definitely am now! Cycling has to be the most invigorating sport out there! What other sport lets you have so much access to your sport heroes? What other sport lets you see them FOR FREE?!?!? When I first heard that Lance Armstrong was returning to cycling and would possibly be racing in the Tour of California I immediately signed up to volunteer. Not that I'm "gaga" over Lance, although I do admire and respect him a great deal, more importantly I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see such a legend of the sport compete live and in person. Once he was confirmed it seemed every major international team began taking this race seriously, sending their a-list guys to participate. The media quickly coined it as the "mini-Tour de France." Never before would so many top, world class cyclists be competing on US soil. Now there was no question, I was going to come here somehow, some way. Although I tried to find someone to join me on this journey, it quickly became apparent that I would be trekking it alone.
As you all know, cycling is not that big here in the States. Local papers in Sacramento were reporting such stars as Cavendish, and Boonen walking around town freely, while there was a circus around Lance. While its a shame this sport isn't appreciated here as in Europe, it was perfect for me; following professionally cycling like I do I would be able to meet and greet the other guys pretty easy (so I hoped). I was a little weary once I landed, it began hailing and was cold the rest of the evening. We were worried that the start wouldn't be dry this morning but we lucked out! I hadn't had any sleep the night before trying to get everything together, so I turned in early at 8 pm. I was to report at 8:30am, and after a quick run to Starbucks, I was one of the first to arrive. My post? Right at the starting line making sure the press core didn't get into harms way or interfere with the riders. DARN! I knew this was going to be a difficult job! hehe
The activities didn't start until 11:30, it was not even 9 am. I wondered around for a few hours, watching the team mechanics unload the bikes, adjusting every little screw making sure each bike was set for each rider's needs. Passing through the Lifestyle Fesitival, I was like a kid in a candy store. Jerseys, pedals, wheels, carbon fiber bikes...the new Cervelo P4(!), wow!! If only I were rich, right? They did have drawing give aways at about every booth so...wish me luck! Volunteers were told to check in at 10:30 at our posts, but nothing was going on so I kept wondering around.
I was by the Saxobank team bus when someone yelled..."WATCH OUT! Riders coming through!" I turned around and nearly got hit by Levi, Lance, Chechu and the rest of the guys passing by on their warm up. Holy crap! Of course, after that it wasn't hard to hear them coming as word quickly spread, you could hear the screams from blocks away as they would come around. My next mission? FIND LIQUIGAS! It seemed I ran into every team bus BUT theirs...then I got a message from twitter "leaving for the start in 30 minutes-Ivan Basso" yea baby! After another quick check in at my post I continued on my mission. Finally, nearly 4 blocks away, I found it! "Hey! So are you wanting to meet Liquigas as well?" These two guys, Nicolas, and his friend were from Oregon. His friend was Italian and spoke it fluently (boy did that help!). We started talking, "Man I can't believe you know so much about these guys! Its rare to find a girl that is so into the sport like you!" hehe thanks? They had gone last year and had some GREAT shots of Basso and Levi, were hoping to get them autographed. "Excuse me guys, car coming through!" Basso? Nope...Rabobank! Gesink, Friere, and the rest of the guys passed. Damn! We were watching them drive by and then right behind them...Liquigas. :) It was pretty quick. I didn't go to Ivan right away, it seemed like out of no where 50 people showed up. Instead I went to the rest of the team. I met Gianni, very nice guy but unfortunately had a little trouble signing the jersey (I think I'll wear it tomorrow to make it easier), so I didn't get the other guys. Basso was surrounded by then so I went to get his autograph before he got on the bus. He did, as I wished him a Happy Valentines Day and got a quick picture. Yes ladies, the man is as beautiful in person! damn... lol
The rest of the day I spent at the starting line. I must say I had the best seat in the house! I was the first volunteer right behind the photographers so hopefully I got some good shots. The guy that was in charge of us was a bit of an ass though. When the riders were warming up I was yelling and clapping for them as they passed. "um excuse me but you can't do that if you're going to be working here" huh?!? "I'm just kidding, you're into cycling eh? DO you know this guy?" A friend of his came up to us...um no, sorry..."He used to race professionally, he was on Moterola with Lance." Um, sorry? Even now I can't remember his name! Neway, Carlos Sastre looked great, even after being sick with the flu earlier in the week. Its funny how big these guys look on TV and how much smaller they are in person. Some great names to mention, Cavendish did great today, had the best time for a short while...another one was Zabriske of course (thank god he shaved off that mustache!) Boonen was great. Hincapie's bike was REALLY cool! EVen though I could do without the new highroad jerseys, his bike was pretty cool.
I spent most of the afternoon freezing my butt off, but overall it was a GREAT experience. I can't lie in that I missed hearing Paul Sherwan and Phil Liggits commentating but luckily they are airing it again shortly. I nearly met them as well but they were in a rush so I didn't bug them. I met Joyan Bruyneel at a book signing after the stage, as well as Bjarne Riis. Crazy stuff. So that's it for now...on to Davis tomorrow morning and then I'm off to Santa Cruz. I won't have access to the internet so I'll be updating via twitter. Wish me luck...and don't forget it's LIVE on Versus all week! :)
Rebecca Reza~
As you all know, cycling is not that big here in the States. Local papers in Sacramento were reporting such stars as Cavendish, and Boonen walking around town freely, while there was a circus around Lance. While its a shame this sport isn't appreciated here as in Europe, it was perfect for me; following professionally cycling like I do I would be able to meet and greet the other guys pretty easy (so I hoped). I was a little weary once I landed, it began hailing and was cold the rest of the evening. We were worried that the start wouldn't be dry this morning but we lucked out! I hadn't had any sleep the night before trying to get everything together, so I turned in early at 8 pm. I was to report at 8:30am, and after a quick run to Starbucks, I was one of the first to arrive. My post? Right at the starting line making sure the press core didn't get into harms way or interfere with the riders. DARN! I knew this was going to be a difficult job! hehe
The activities didn't start until 11:30, it was not even 9 am. I wondered around for a few hours, watching the team mechanics unload the bikes, adjusting every little screw making sure each bike was set for each rider's needs. Passing through the Lifestyle Fesitival, I was like a kid in a candy store. Jerseys, pedals, wheels, carbon fiber bikes...the new Cervelo P4(!), wow!! If only I were rich, right? They did have drawing give aways at about every booth so...wish me luck! Volunteers were told to check in at 10:30 at our posts, but nothing was going on so I kept wondering around.
I was by the Saxobank team bus when someone yelled..."WATCH OUT! Riders coming through!" I turned around and nearly got hit by Levi, Lance, Chechu and the rest of the guys passing by on their warm up. Holy crap! Of course, after that it wasn't hard to hear them coming as word quickly spread, you could hear the screams from blocks away as they would come around. My next mission? FIND LIQUIGAS! It seemed I ran into every team bus BUT theirs...then I got a message from twitter "leaving for the start in 30 minutes-Ivan Basso" yea baby! After another quick check in at my post I continued on my mission. Finally, nearly 4 blocks away, I found it! "Hey! So are you wanting to meet Liquigas as well?" These two guys, Nicolas, and his friend were from Oregon. His friend was Italian and spoke it fluently (boy did that help!). We started talking, "Man I can't believe you know so much about these guys! Its rare to find a girl that is so into the sport like you!" hehe thanks? They had gone last year and had some GREAT shots of Basso and Levi, were hoping to get them autographed. "Excuse me guys, car coming through!" Basso? Nope...Rabobank! Gesink, Friere, and the rest of the guys passed. Damn! We were watching them drive by and then right behind them...Liquigas. :) It was pretty quick. I didn't go to Ivan right away, it seemed like out of no where 50 people showed up. Instead I went to the rest of the team. I met Gianni, very nice guy but unfortunately had a little trouble signing the jersey (I think I'll wear it tomorrow to make it easier), so I didn't get the other guys. Basso was surrounded by then so I went to get his autograph before he got on the bus. He did, as I wished him a Happy Valentines Day and got a quick picture. Yes ladies, the man is as beautiful in person! damn... lol
The rest of the day I spent at the starting line. I must say I had the best seat in the house! I was the first volunteer right behind the photographers so hopefully I got some good shots. The guy that was in charge of us was a bit of an ass though. When the riders were warming up I was yelling and clapping for them as they passed. "um excuse me but you can't do that if you're going to be working here" huh?!? "I'm just kidding, you're into cycling eh? DO you know this guy?" A friend of his came up to us...um no, sorry..."He used to race professionally, he was on Moterola with Lance." Um, sorry? Even now I can't remember his name! Neway, Carlos Sastre looked great, even after being sick with the flu earlier in the week. Its funny how big these guys look on TV and how much smaller they are in person. Some great names to mention, Cavendish did great today, had the best time for a short while...another one was Zabriske of course (thank god he shaved off that mustache!) Boonen was great. Hincapie's bike was REALLY cool! EVen though I could do without the new highroad jerseys, his bike was pretty cool.
I spent most of the afternoon freezing my butt off, but overall it was a GREAT experience. I can't lie in that I missed hearing Paul Sherwan and Phil Liggits commentating but luckily they are airing it again shortly. I nearly met them as well but they were in a rush so I didn't bug them. I met Joyan Bruyneel at a book signing after the stage, as well as Bjarne Riis. Crazy stuff. So that's it for now...on to Davis tomorrow morning and then I'm off to Santa Cruz. I won't have access to the internet so I'll be updating via twitter. Wish me luck...and don't forget it's LIVE on Versus all week! :)
Rebecca Reza~
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Twitter anyone?
We are now on Twitter! The latest craze on the web. We'll be using it mostly for posting updates and pictures from our rides. Need that little extra motivation on your lazy days? Connect with us! Plus, as you'll see on my profile, many of your favorite professional cyclists are on twitter as well, posting pics and texts during races and training rides. If you are not familiar with twitter it is like a summed up myspace/facebook. Very short and to the point but the great thing about it is that you can update your profile directly from your cell phone. This is exciting as we will be posting pictures and short texts during our rides.
Ricardo Vega:
http://twitter.com/ricardovega
Rebecca Reza:
http://twitter.com/smthcriminal
In addition, I leave for California next week to follow the Tour of California, February 14-22. This will be my first professional race that I will see in person so as you can imagine I'm pretty stoked about this. I am volunteering in Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Modesto, and Merced and will be posting pictures and messages on my twitter account directly from the tour. :) Hopefully I can get some decent pictures of Lance, Ivan, Carlos, Fabian, etc. Look for them here, only at Revolution baby!
I will also be posting blogs when I have access to the internet. Otherwise I'll post them on my twitter profile. So log on, and connect so you can keep in touch! I'll be sporting some Tour of El Paso gear on a few days...so if you see a girl on the side of the road with obnoxious yellow and green kit on yelling after Ivan Basso or Lance...it's probably me. haha j/k I can keep my composure (for the most part).
Ok, well that's it for now...keep in touch and see you out on the road!
Rebecca~
Ricardo Vega:
http://twitter.com/ricardovega
Rebecca Reza:
http://twitter.com/smthcriminal
In addition, I leave for California next week to follow the Tour of California, February 14-22. This will be my first professional race that I will see in person so as you can imagine I'm pretty stoked about this. I am volunteering in Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Modesto, and Merced and will be posting pictures and messages on my twitter account directly from the tour. :) Hopefully I can get some decent pictures of Lance, Ivan, Carlos, Fabian, etc. Look for them here, only at Revolution baby!
I will also be posting blogs when I have access to the internet. Otherwise I'll post them on my twitter profile. So log on, and connect so you can keep in touch! I'll be sporting some Tour of El Paso gear on a few days...so if you see a girl on the side of the road with obnoxious yellow and green kit on yelling after Ivan Basso or Lance...it's probably me. haha j/k I can keep my composure (for the most part).
Ok, well that's it for now...keep in touch and see you out on the road!
Rebecca~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)