My view of the starting line. This year was a bit different for me as I managed to snag a grandstand pass near the start/finish line. (Thanks Jon!) I had planned to just watch the first lap or two from there and then head out around the course, but it was really a nice view, it had a shaded tent area, they started serving lunch, etc... I think I ended up watching about half of the race from there!
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Robin Williams after the celebrity chase. I can't tell if he was completely exhausted or just disappointed with his 5th place finish. One certainly can't complain about finishing one spot behind Gary Fisher. Robin was sporting a few more grey hairs this year but he was no less wild when he took over the mic on stage to do his Phil Ligget impersonation! ~8^O
Aldag, Grajales, Wherry, Lokkesmore, & Fraser made up the break-away for much of the day. Gord Fraser was one of the few riders brave (smart!) enough to bring a triple chainring setup.
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Wherry & Grajales were up in front for a while, and this is when Grajales swept up most of the King Of the Mountain points. You have to finish the race to collect the cash for this prize, and he barely did that, finishing in last place, over 9 minutes behind the leader. But he managed to walk away with a nice $3500 bonus.
Gabelli, Hartley, DeCanio, & Johnson pass through the feed zone.
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Mark McCormack (#6) snags a beverage from the feed zone. It's amazing there aren't more crashes in this chaotic area.
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Victor Hugo Pena coming thru the feed zone.
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Even though I was a lazy bum lounging around the Finish line, I did manage to find time to hop on my bike and make it to the far end of the course near Crissy Field to my favorite viewing spot.
Of course, I managed to squeeze into a spot on Fillmore, since the race just wouldn't be complete without seeing at least one lap go by here. Rolf Aldag, what can you say, he was a machine!
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I had to get at least one picture of one my favorite riders on the side... Viatcheslav Ekimov (aka "Eki") More pictures of him at the end. :-)
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Mark McCormack grinds up Fillmore
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Clinger, McCormack, Lokkesmore, & Murn on one of the final, smaller laps. I can't remember if this was Bay or Broadway.
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That is Gilberto Simoni leading the pack - he finished the race, so maybe he finally feels like he beat Lance. ;-)
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Postal trio - White, Eki, & Kjaergaard on that same lap.
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Chris Horner taking 1st place - but not knowing it! This would have been a great shot if Chris had realized this was the final lap, and threw his arms up in victory as he crossed the line like he was supposed to do. Unfortunately, he was sure there was one more lap to go, and he just kept his head down, and powered on through!
Eki comes outta' nowhere on the final lap to take 3rd place
They finally convinced Chris he had already won, and he was pretty happy about it. :-)
Chris and Mark have some pretty good stories to share with each other after a long, difficult day in the saddle.
The obligatory podium shot of Chris Horner, Mark McCormack, and Viatcheslav Ekimov.
Still good friends.
Just after Eki autographed my TdF water bottle. No, you can't have it. ;-)
Eki rides back to the hotel. He'd probably be there by now, if it wasn't for those pesky, stalker-like fans!
