23: ericandleslie's latest photos

The race included a loop which allowed us spectators on the mountain to...

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:10:28 GMT

The race included a loop which allowed us spectators on the mountain to descend in time to see the racers pass by one more time on the way to downtown San Jose. Jens Voight won the stage in a sprint over Levi Leipheimer.

Photo by ericandleslie

Many stragglers arrive in the following half hour.

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:10:05 GMT

Many stragglers arrive in the following half hour.

Photo by ericandleslie

After the first 3 groups of cyclists, the team cars arrive, which support the...

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:09:10 GMT

After the first 3 groups of cyclists, the team cars arrive, which support the riders ahead.

Photo by ericandleslie

The 15-man chase group arrives, which includes many well known cyclists. Note...

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:08:39 GMT

The 15-man chase group arrives, which includes many well known cyclists. Note the rainbow helment and jersey of Paul Bettini, the reigning world and olympic road race champion.

Photo by ericandleslie

The 5 leaders arrive, led by the gold jersey of Levi Leipheimer (Discovery)....

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:08:08 GMT

The 5 leaders arrive, led by the gold jersey of Levi Leipheimer (Discovery). Other cyclists in the lead group were Jason McCartney (Discovery), Jens Voight (CSC), Chris Horner (Lotto), and Robert Gesink (Rabobank).

Photo by ericandleslie

We could tell the race cyclists were getting close by monitoring the...

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:07:38 GMT

We could tell the race cyclists were getting close by monitoring the helicopters.

Photo by ericandleslie

Most of the fans congregated 200 meters below the summit, near the top of the...

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:07:04 GMT

Most of the fans congregated 200 meters below the summit, near the top of the last steep (12%) pitch. The road was closed to automobile traffic all day, so most of the spectators rode their bikes up (including me).

Photo by ericandleslie

I figured I'd probably never get to see the Tour de France in person so I...

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:06:39 GMT

I figured I'd probably never get to see the Tour de France in person so I took the afternoon off to see Stage 3 of the 2007 Tour of California, a race which has many of the best cyclists in the world. This picture is a view from the summit of Sierra Road east of San Jose. Sierra Road is a 3.7 mile climb, 1900 ft elevation gain, and a 10% average grade. Its the toughest climb of the 8-day race.

Photo by ericandleslie