Lining up for the Vuelta today will be Caleb Fairly, Tom Peterson, Pat McCarty, Christophe Laurent and Jason Donald.
It’s funny how this country is right next door and yet some people, myself included, have a hard time conjuring up an image of the place past the drunken stupor of a border town. But don’t worry. That was part of my college days and I learned my lesson!
The locals here in Chihuahua seem very friendly and glad to have their streets and highways shut down for a bike race. The caballeros, or cowboys, are the best part. Huge pointy toe boots that I have yet to identify in Spanish. I have half a mind to get a pair before I leave.
Today is the first stage and there isn’t much in the way of climbing – a measly hill in the first 50 km, then lots of downhill and flatness for the remainder. It’s a good way to start a stage race, a gentle warm up for the tough days ahead.
I have to say the weather is beautiful and the atmosphere is more festive and lighthearted then I first expected. The tinny, obnoxious Mexican elevator music accompanying us at every meal is no exception. And everyone seems happy! The last race of the season for all of us!
Ay! Chihuahua! A good way to go out….
