CLIFcast 04 - Stage 1 (part 1) 26:25

CLIFcast 05 - Stage 1 (part 2) 13:50
Dylan and Paul were so busy today, we had to split the podcast into two separate files!

Part 1 is the pre-show. Dylan talks tactics with some riders before the race starts and, later, banters with some of the people behind the scenes.

First up, it's Pete, the parking guy from the Team Intro party (CLIFcast 01). Jeff's exquisite driving of the CLIF truck almost got them into trouble last Thursday, but Pete proves he's a good guy.

Dylan spots a Clif Bar & Co. Green sprinter's jersey, but it's being worn by Todd, a cycling fan. So, of course, they talk about it.

From the Colavita-Sutter Home squad, Todd Herriot and Tyler Wren reveal their race strategy. Also, Mark McCormack describes Sunday's 1.9-mile Prologue as "one of the hardest races of the entire Tour" and how 5:18 can feel like hell.

Chris Horner from Davitamon-Lotto takes time from signing autographs to talk about the race.

Aaron Olson from Prodir Saunier Duval reflects on making the jump from a US program to a European team.

Then, Dylan hits the road to talk with some of the people who aren't on bikes, but play an integral role to make the Tour happen.

There's Dan and Hector from the Mavic neutral support crew, serving all riders should they get a flat and need a wheel change.

Mark, who came all the way from Portland, OR to volunteer at the Pt. Reyes Sprint line.

Photographer Alan Crawford, from Road magazine sets up for the perfect shot.

Then, it's Russell from AEG, the people who put on the Amgen Tour of California.

In Part 2, Paul, Dylan and Jeff are stuck in the van behind the peloton, worrying if they'll make it to the finish before the riders. (They do.)

At the finish, Dylan interviews a TV interviewer, who obviously is still trying to understand what the bike race is all about. Notice the extra consonant he throws in a common cycling term.

To bring you closer to the action, the last kilometer of the race is recorded, as spectators heard it, so you can listen to Dave Towle call the final sprint.

We end this podcast with the CLIF guys post-"dinner." Grant, from Russian River Brewing Company, was kind enough to talk with the guys instead of calling the police.

Pictures still to come! UPDATE: Photos added 3:49pm on 02/21.