TOP: Finishing chute long view. Cyclists enter the chute at about a 90 degree turn at 40mph
2nd: Watching the cyclists out on the course via CCTV
3rd: Fabian Cancillara in full throttle down the chute
4th: Race winner Levi Leipheimer powers in for the win
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As we're walking over towards the finishing chute, Laraine yells out "Hey, there's Landis". Yes, disgraced (albeit still supported in some circles) former Tour de France winner Floyd Landis was hanging out in one of the courtesy tents. Don't know if he's guilty or not, but things don't smell all that good in Amish Country.
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The cyclists are now speeding down the finishing chute faster and faster. The top guys will exceed 40 mph...there are thousands of spectators crowded against the metal barricaides, the noise level is deafening...cheers, loudspeakers, helicopters, police sirens, you name it, that noise is being generated.
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Into the finish comes Cancillara, full tuck, and pedaling like his life depended on it. His time is a bit off however, and he finishes ~ 5th for the day (actually dropping him from 2nd to 4th overall). The last finisher is Levi Leipheimer, the yellow jersey wearer, and he powers in at an ungodly rate of speed...I was taking pix from bike level and it was like a car going by.
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Levi wins the day, retains the overall race lead (and eventually wins the overall race 2 days later). Word is that he will not be allowed to start the Tour de France this year (3rd overall last year) because his new team is being punished for past drug transgressions by riders who have since all either retired or been fired. This seems quite unfair to me. I'm not a huge Levi fan, but he has always tested clean, has no taint of being associated with any other scandals, and this year's team is brand new to him (his prior...Discovery...retired from the sport). If you concur, please surf to: http://letleviride.com/ and sign the petition.
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"Levi has no "L" in his loss column!
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Lumpy out
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