A Fan's Perspective on Stage 1
I was not able to make it to the start or finish of Stage 1 but instead decided to do some photo recon on Cottonwood Pass. It was nice to have the media/photo pass as it gave me access to the pass even though it was closed. The pass closed at 3:00 pm which gave fans ample time to get a spot to camp and setup. Lots of people have been marking the roads with words of encouragement and their favorite riders names. I came to the pass from the east, the Buena Vista side. This side of the pass is paved to the top and has a nice wide shoulder to ride. Lots of people were out riding the pass and enjoying the road closure.
At the top of the pass a large group had a terrific RV and camper setup. I stopped to talk for a little while and it certainly seems like everyone is very excited about being there. This will be my spot for the queen stage, Stage 2. I will be able to get photos from both side of the pass as the riders ascend and speed down the pass. Who will get the KOM points?
Heading down to Crested Butte I come across more campers on most of the switchbacks and pull outs. Everyone appears to be ready for a cool night and a warm day tomorrow.
As I get further down the pass the camping scene all but disappears. Then I come up on road crews preparing the road surface for tomorrow.
Grading, rolling and water that's what it take to make a good road surface for Pro Racing.
Finally down in the Butte and wow it's pack with fans, it's really great that the races getting this kind of turn out. So from my perspective of Cottonwood Pass, the USA Pro Cycling Challenege could easily be mistaken for a large race in Europe.
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