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~
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