I just want to take this opportunity to say that I’m sorry for the display that my fellow countrymen are showing on the TOC Palomar mountain climb today. Several riders were almost taken out, and I dont blame the guy that threw a punch at one of the crazy fans. And as to the fashion content, I just have to say that maybe there is something in the water that makes people think up these things…
To the cycling world, I’m sorry…
I just want to take this opportunity to say that I’m sorry for the display that my fellow countrymen are showing on the TOC Palomar mountain climb today. Several riders were almost taken out, and I dont blame the guy that threw a punch at one of the crazy fans. And as to the fashion content, I just have to say that maybe there is something in the water that makes people think up these things…
To the cycling world, I’m sorry…
1) So the fans are acting like the fans in Europe?
I’ll second that sentiment …
I knew it would be ugly atop Palomar, but ugh!
well, i have another opinion. americans (well, at least californians) have demonstrated themselves the world leaders in shameless exhibitionism (among cycling enthusiasts). there’s got to be some merit in that. and there’s a specific style emerging, speedos and running shoes. nothing else. except maybe compression socks. i like it. and then there’s the guy with the elk antler football helmet. he’s easily the equal of europe’s devil.
further to the development of a specific american style to pro cycling, our commentator (craig hummer) has a newly found adjective all his own. his “absolutely,” which he said no fewer than 5 times during the palomar climb, matches sherwin’s “completely and utterly” as an absolutely, completely and utterly unnecessary modifier.
Hmmm … good counterpoints!
anybody want to bet jens voigt tries to go on cole grade, and motor up to schleck? that seems his kind of climb.
Ya, a rider today threw out his arm at one of the running fans. It was right after one of the guys tripped, and threw another guy into the line of the riders… I think the camera bikes should have extra long cattle prods, and use them alot…
And what’s up with the idiot running with the baby?! Absolutely unbelievable! 
Ya, a rider today threw out his arm at one of the running fans. It was right after one of the guys tripped, and threw another guy into the line of the riders… I think the camera bikes should have extra long cattle prods, and use them alot…
That was a joke, I was watching and making fun of the thread that had people ripping LA for doing that.
It embarrasses and gives me such douche chills, I usually have to look away. Not only the Americans but also the euros. I do kind of admire the “antler guy” for his uniqueness and discretion to get to a spot by himself not to irritate other spectators (I may be wrong but thats what I have noticed so far). I feel bad for the family with the camera who has waited for hours for the riders to pass by only to get a picture of some a-hole running in a speedo.
“some a-hole running in a speedo”
for most of my adult life that phrase referred to… us
gives me such douche chills
I may regret asking, but what portion of yourself are you douching, and with what?
I love America for this showing of support!!!
This is an absolute boost for USA cycling, having rabid fans coming out and putting on a show for the riders and TV, its awesome.
As for rider safety, It is up to race directors/organizers to ensure the safety of the riders, you will most likely see barricades for the last few miles of the Palomar climb next year (if they use it)
Martin
Absolutely barricades. I was at the Tour de GA last year on top of Brasstown Bald and there were barriers the entire last km or so for this very reason.
slick point-counterpoint, but aren’t both you guys in Monty’s living room watching together?
I agree with Monty it is embarassing to see these fools running along the route in Sumo suits, Elvis outfits, and speedos with aero helmets among others. My wife and I have seen Elite bike races all over the US during the past 30 years and have been lucky to see former Tour winners, Olympic gold medalists and World Champions and truly appreciate the grace and beauty of the sport of bike racing but this week and particularly today is a disgrace. These same fools would never run on the court of a NBA game or on the field of NFL game because they would get tossed out. This climb today has the makings of being a classic for cycling. Please enjoy the masterpiece these riders are producing and stop trying to get on camera.
“Please enjoy the masterpiece these riders are producing and stop trying to get on camera.”
you guys are missing the big picture! there are just about as many people spectating today’s stage as would spectate a queen stage in a grand tour, and this race isn’t yet the equal of lesser races, like paris nice or tour de suisse. and unless you have a little halloween dress-up, it isn’t real racing!
look, we’re the home state for the doo-dah parade, and any number of parades that feature many of the outfits seen on palomar today. the swiss have cowbells. we have speedos.
I was shocked by the guy with the baby! Anyone know the phone number to CPS? I do give credit to the antler guy, that was ummm… unique.
Why
Nothing happened
It was great
.
I was shocked by the guy with the baby! Anyone know the phone number to CPS? I do give credit to the antler guy, that was ummm… unique.
Antler guy had good stride, and has his game face on today!