Tour of California

I've always enjoyed watching sports on TV. It really doesn't matter what it is. I like to watch any type of running (road, cross country, marathon and track), triathlons and cycling.

On the Versus channel last week was the Tour of California. I recorded the last few stages of the race to watch. Stage 7 was really interesting to watch. This stage involved huge climbs up to Mount Baldy, which has an elevation of 7,930 feet. The entire 75.8 mile course had the cyclists climbing more then 15,000 feet. I bet they were so happy when the stage was complete. The cyclists were trying so hard, but the huge inclines were getting to them. Two RadioShack teammates, Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner of the USA, worked together to finish first and second.

I noticed something during the race that made me shake my head and laugh. The spectators at cycle races are crazy. If I was riding in these events, I would want to stay far away from them. Spectators run next to the cyclists. I think most of them just want to be on TV, but maybe they are cheering the riders on. Besides running beside them, some of them dress up in costumes. I got a huge laugh at the people who wore a Pope outfit, a Richard Nixon mask while wearing only a Speedo and the two guys wearing sumo wrestler outfits.

The cyclists that compete in any stage bicycle races are amazing athletes. They ride for hours everyday, make huge climbs and endure time trials. What can be said about them. I'm just in awe of them.