Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium

This race will be a highlight of my 2008 season, for sure. When we found out about the possibility that Amgen and the Tour of California might have a women's event and that the event was to be held in our hometown of Santa Rosa, I found it hard to believe. And even after I had thrown down my entry fee, it still seemed un-real.

For the first time in...forever....NorCal Velo had four women qualified to race with the pro's: Tracy Barhydt, Cindy Carroll, Ashlee Staroba, and myself. It was incredible to have Cindy get a call-up at the start line thanks to her many wins and podium places at world-class events. As the racing commenced, we could hear our people cheering and yelling "Go NorCal". Even though there was an immense amount of suffering and concentration going on, I could distinctly hear familiar voices and see friends, family, and teammates out of the corner of my eye. I felt like I was racing on behalf of all these people who have supported the vision of our women's development team over the past 4 years. Thank you!

Afterwards, I had the most intense natural high. I felt like I a had discovered bike racing for the first time. After the race, one of our sponsors, SMT Law, hosted a killer party for NorCal Velo Women's Team and the BMC Pro Men's Team. It was a fantastic party held on the balcony of the law offices, right above the men's course. We were able to eat, drink, relax, and spectate as the men's race finished in downtown Santa Rosa. The atmosphere was incredible. To me it felt like having the Tour de France arrive in my hometown. After the party, Jesse and I decided it was time to hunt down some professionals in true tifosi style. Jesse was in rare-form and after finding Santiago Botero, proceeded to announce at the top of his lungs to the entire world "This guy is BAD ASS. This guy beat LANCE ARMSTRONG in a time trial in the Tour de France!!! This guy is BAD ASS!!!!" This went on for some time. Then we found Mario. I freaking love Mario. He is an icon. No one has ever been, or will ever be as great a professional as Cipo. I could go on about this for some time, but it suffices to say that I proved my devotion to the Lion King with two firmly planted kisses, one on each cheek (above). Then it was time to find Cancellara. Jesse had this one wrapped up. The team bus was located, and we spied Fabian inside. As he stepped out of the bus, Jesse informed him that he too was "BAD ASS". The multi-lingual Swiss replied "No, I'm a GOOD ASS!". Mission accomplished!

If this day was an indication of how fun the 2008 season will be, NorCal Velo is gonna have the best year ever.

:) -Claire-bell

2008

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