Sort Of Fresh Cascade Cycling Goodness

Just last Saturday the Cascade Cycling Classic featured the premier event (in my opinion): The Downtown Criterium. I always love this event because the action is very close and the pace is very fast.

In the last couple of years, they moved the starting time up earlier in the evening. This is probably a good thing for the riders (except maybe the heat of the race) and it certainly drew the usual crowd. I'm still not thrilled with the simple oval course layout. Too boring at the corners and fast straight sections are somewhat boring too.

I arrived for the conclusion of the women's race, but got to experience the entire men's event. Nothing against the women, it's just one race is usually plenty.

Last year, my stomach was not feeling good, so it made it less fun to hang around. This year the weather was great and it was nice to walk around the whole course, without stomach issues.

I took plenty of photos (as usual), since there is always something to look at and shoot.

Even if you get great shots, there's always a chance to get something different.

Probably the biggest news of this years race was Floyd Landis riding. After being stripped of his 2006 Tour de France win, he wasn't much of a crowd favorite. Z21 had several pieces about him, and the news that ABC was here filming brought extra interest. However, in this particular race, he was just another rider in the peloton.

Towards the end of the race, I camped out in one spot. I used my flash more in this spot and after about 10 laps of the peloton, water came flying a little too close for comfort. I wondered if it was intentional or just coincidence? Hmmm....

Overall a great night, and I've still got plenty to do with the photos from the night. Good stuff.