2009 Amgen Tour of California Recap

Since I'm pretty sure that nobody except for me watched any of the Tour of California, I'm posting to my blog for all to read about. This year's race was a big one for several reasons. First of all, Levi Leipheimer (pictured above on his time trial bike) went into the race as two time returning champion. Then there was the return of big names like Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis to bike racing in the United States. Despite horrible weather and a crash early in the race, Levi won the individual time trial in stage 6 which all but sealed his 3rd straight Tour of California. Lance Armstrong also proved that he is still capable of competing in professional cycling, coming in 7th place overall. It's also worth noting that he did this while working for his team leader Levi Leipheimer to help him earn the victory. Several big names including Frank Schleck (1) and Mark Cavendish (2) also managed to pull out stage victories.

I don't know what it is about cycling that interests me so much. It may be because I'm a mechanical engineering student. Those bikes that they ride aren't toys or transportation, but precision machines. Then again, I'm not really a NASCAR car racing fan. It must be that cycling is a sport that is both dependent on cutting edge engineering as well as extreme physical feats. I mean, look at those time trial bikes and the new integrated electronic shifters. Not only the technology impresses me, but the use of physics and science in the actual racing. Riding behind each other in a straight line to reduce the effort required to keep up to speed, working together to extend a breakaway. Then there is the time that teams spend in wind tunnels working on body position to reduce their air drag any way that they can. It's really interesting to watch and learn about. Anyway, that's my report on the 2009 Tour of California. Hope you aren't too bored after reading this.