Honey Bee

Lance Armstrong racing in Spain

Seven time Tour de France winner,Lance Armstrong has taken a win, just prior to taken on the Tour de France.  The Nevada City Classic is 40 laps on a 1.1 mile course.   Armstrong has not participated in the Nevada City in nearly 18 years.

Also, Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, and Chris Horner all rode under the Team Astana name, despite money woes.  (They had raced under the Mellow Johnny’s name during the Gila)

Now, it’s not just the fact that Team Astana took 3 of the top 5 spots (Levi Leipheimer 3rd, and Chris Horner 5th) that made this news.  I think the biggest part of the story is the increase in interest. Cycling Fans sheds some light on just how having Lance and other members of a high level professional team can affect a race.

According to reports, 20,000 to 40,000 spectators are expected in Nevada City…..compared to 3,000 last year! …

Media interest is of course very high, local media are particularly excited and CNN, ESPN, ESPN 2, Fox News, etc. are in town.  12 satellite trucks!  If all goes well, this should help Nevada City’s chances of getting included in the Amgen Tour of California.

That… is… insane!   from 3K to 40K?!
Anyways, congrats to Armstrong, who is still healing from breaking his clavicle in Spain.  Kick some booty in France!

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