The race continues to attract huge crowds, which are pleasing the American riders who compete mostly in Europe.
“Just the amount of enthusiasm is just unmatched,” said VandeVelde, a former Boulder resident who is second overall. “You have crowds from all over the world at the Tour de France, but you don’t have the same enthusiasm because everyone knows this is a one-shot thing for them during the year. They can’t see 100-some days of racing within a couple hours’ drive.
“This is their ticket. They want to go see Cadel (Evans). They want to go see Andy (Schleck). They want to see Frank (Schleck) and all these guys who don’t come over here too often. They’ve got to get out here and check it out. They’re pumped.”
Race officials did send out a note late Thursday night asking fans to give riders a clear path. The crowds for the time trial were closing in pretty tight on the riders, especially toward the top, and today’s stage to Steamboat Springs has some tight sections.
John Henderson and Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
