STAGE 1

       After the line-up and announcements were complete then a prayer was said before the starting gun was sounded.  It was a clean start with no observable problems.  The racers took three parade laps around downtown Augusta which gave everyone an opportunity to see all of the riders.  Compared to the final stages, these early stages probably give the best chance to see and meet the riders.  As the race progresses, and since the final two days are on a weekend, the immensity of the crowds force the teams to be more cautious about getting out in public.  If you want to see the riders up close take a weekday off and don't wait for the weekend like everyone and their brother is going to do.

LANCE BOWS HIS HEAD FOR THE PRAYER

GEARING UP FOR BATTLE

THE RIDERS ARE IN THEIR STARTING POSITIONS

AND THEY ARE OFF LIKE A HERD OF TURTLES

MORE STAGE 1

stage 1     stage 2     stage 3

stage 4      stage 5     STAGE 6

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