The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is finally under way!  Mark Johnson writes in to give us a feel for the atmosphere at Colorado’s first international bike race in over two decades…

It’s been way too long since European level pro bike racing has been in Colorado. 23 years to be exact.

That’s when the Coors Classic last blessed Colorado’s nose-bleed height roads with the likes of Greg LeMond, who won it in 1985, and Bernard Hinault, who took the title the following year. Indomitable Frenchwoman Jeannie Longo won the women’s race three times.

Well, the best in the world are back, including the top three from this year’s Tour de France, Cadel Evans and brothers Andy and Franck Schleck. Along with a stacked Garmin-Cervélo team, they are here for the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

After watching all the fabulous racing through the marvelous mountains of the Tour de France - and seeing all those wild, enthusiastic fans who line the roads as the riders go by - Mark Johnson checks in to give us a glimpse of the aftermath of a mountain stage.  
The TdF racers rip down the descents at blistering speeds.  The fans in their vehicles… not so much.

Tour de France Evacuation
Story and photos by Mark Johnson  

Tour de France mountain top stage finishes are

Team CLIF Bar riders Brady Kappius & Mitch Hoke are up in beautiful British Columbia racing the BC Bike Race from July 3^rd through July 9^th.  The TCB duo has been riding well – but they took a wrong turn yesterday that added a few additional miles to their day and hurt their overall time a bit. 

But that’s how the BC Bike Race goes. 

Still three stages to go – so a lot can happen.

Follow Brady’s & Mitch’s adventures here:

http://mitchandbradybc.blogspot.com/

We hope you’re enjoying the first week of the Tour de France.

Garmin-Cervélo fans are no doubt thrilled with the team’s success during the first few days of the race. On this end, it’s been a thrilling start to the race.  Watching the guys win the Team Time Trial; then seeing a perfect lead-out help Tyler take the win on Sunday; followed by the remarkable efforts Thor made to hold on to the yellow jersey during Monday’s stage – it’s all amounted to plenty of smiles over here at CB&C.

The TCB Cycling squad was out in Tulsa recently, racing the Tulsa Tough.

Ahh, the joys of racing in the stifling Oklahoma heat. Mix in a couple thunder storms, Dave Towle on the mic, enthusiastic crowds, plus a handful of crashes and it makes for three relatively crazy days of bike racing.

Thanks to Tim & Laura for hosting the team and baking Blake a bundt cake for his college graduation celebration. The guys might not know how to spell "bundt" properly, but word on the street is