Cycling Safari

OVER THE TOP
- by Kathy Mell

PRESS RELEASE: After February’s racing success in California, event organizers continue to make revisions to next year’s route. Making it two days longer has already been approved and more changes could be afoot. During the event Levi Leipheimer often noted that an uphill finish could be just the ticket to shake up the race but his suggestion was met with laughter by most of those within earshot.

Well, laugh no more. Since an uphill finish is reportedly in the works for 2008 the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team recently underwent several days of test rides in the Sierra Nevadas of California. Despite the fact that the Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park is closed during the winter season due to heavy snow, race promoters feel this grueling, 17-mile climb from Lee Vining to 9,945 feet in Tuolumne Meadows could be just the ticket for next year’s Time Trial. Setting a track with a snowmobile much the way they do for cross country ski events, the riders can go in one at a time against the clock. As for fan participation and access to the area, the more hearty fan can ski the route the night before as the Park Service says overnight snow camping will be allowed. For the less ambitious, more conventional transit in snowmobiles will be offered.

After the training / reconnaissance ride Leipheimer said, “I knew my form was good after coming off the win in California. I just wasn’t sure how I would perform at altitude, but no problem. The severe drop off to one side of the climb was a little disconcerting as we neared the crest at almost 10,000 feet but they kindly set the track on the inside of the curve so it felt safe enough. We’ll just have to be careful. I think this is good. It can make or break the race.”

“I live in the snow,” chimed in Tom Danielson, a resident of Colorado, “so this is right up my alley. I think I will be a top GC contender for sure if they follow through on these changes. The promoters think the riders can’t race hard in February and aren’t ready for a challenge, but I tell you there is no better snow team than Discovery Channel. We live for this!”

Another area rumored to be under consideration is the North Shore of Lake Tahoe via Interstate 80. Notorious in history as the area where members of the Donner Party became snowbound in the winter of 1846-47 and were forced to resort to cannibalism to survive, today the route is a major thoroughfare for commercial hauling by big rig trucks across the United States. Given there is no opportunity to completely shut down an Interstate highway, event promoters say the riders will simply share the road. The left lane will be open to regular traffic, the 70 mph speed limit will be strictly enforced with miles of orange cones in between, while the right lane will be reserved for the peloton and support vehicles. In fact if the idea succeeds, it could open many new areas to racing on major highways in both the US and Europe.

Understandably reluctant at first, Johan Bruyneel has warmed to the idea and had high praise for the innovative move. “Just think, we will find an entirely new fan base not previously familiar with cycling. These winter-time fans will be heartier and bolder than those fair-weather cyclists we’ve come to see at most American races. In fact they will be more like the Belgian fans who embrace the elements! This is good for cycling, very good. Everybody wins.”

George Hincapie wasn’t so sure about the changes as he watched from the team car, unable to be on the training ride due to his broken wrist. “I don’t know, this looks a little sketchy to me. What do we do if the water bottles freeze? And how do we take a nature break in the snow and keep it discreet? I really am concerned although one good thing is we’d get to break out the Nike team gloves that have the fingers on them.”

Sitting beside him in the car, team director Viatcheslav “Eki” Ekimov concurred: “Well, all I can say after watching the guys ride today is that I’m glad I retired when I did. While I can see the fun of drafting off a Ferrari on the Autobahn, it just doesn’t seem safe to me.”

All suggested new route changes are still very much in the testing phase. Only time will tell if they are incorporated into next year’s race. In the meantime be sure to check your calendars for today’s date — and enjoy!

* Stuart Wade contributed to this report.