On Friday, Team Saxo Bank's Alberto Contador took home his second victory of the past three days in the 2012 edition of the Tour de San Luis.

Yet, despite his laying claim to the 160.6 kilometer Stage 5 from La Toma to Merlo (Mirador del Sol), his American counterpart, Levi Leipheimer of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team, finished well withing shouting distance on the day and maintained his lead in the General Classification, 46" ahead of the Spaniard.

"The guys worked really hard today but they were rewarded by the first place in the GC for Levi," Sports Director Davide Bramati said. "Everybody did their job in the flat part of the race. In the climb Chavanel helped Levi mantain a good rhythm. In the final, Contador attacked, and Levi had a good reaction and he was able to stay on the wheel of Contador. After today's stage Levi has a great chance to win the race. Tomorrow we will have to suffer to defend the jersey but the guys now are really motivated and ready to fight until the end."

"It wasn't an easy stage - the wind was really strong in the first part of the race and the guys did a great job to control the race." Leipheimer says. "The last climb was hard, 7 km of uphill with high percentage. We managed to control the race very well from the beginning. In the last climb Contador attacked at about 3 km to go. At that point I took the lead and I only thought about the GC. I'm really happy about our race today. Now we have to control the race 2 more days. Tomorrow it won't be easy, the stage is long and difficult especially at the beginning but we have to do it. We are really close to the victory. It will be an extra motivation for everybody."

Stage 5 Results
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Team Saxo Bank - 4:19:59
2. Daniel Diaz (Arg) San Luis Somos Todos - 0:00:02
3. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 0:00:05

General Classification After Stage 5
1. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 17:27:52
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:46
3. Daniel Diaz (Arg) San Luis Somos Todos - 0:01:31
4. Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Christina Watches-Ofone - 0:01:36
5. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:01:50
6. Jose Rodolfo Serpa Perez (Col) Androni Giocattoli - 0:02:13
7. Magno Prado Nazaret (Bra) Funvic-Pidamonhangab - 0:02:39
8. Luis Mansilla (Chi) Chile - 0:03:24
9. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 0:03:44
10. Cayetano José Sarmiento Tunarrosa (Col) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:04:43

Photos: Roberto Bettini

On Friday, World Champion Zdenek Stybar met with the press in nearby Ostende before the start of Sunday’s World Championship race held in Koksijde, Belgium.

His form
“I feel ready for the race, I’ve been training as I should have and I’ve had an excellent approach to the race until now. I’m not feeling the pressure of the race, I’m pretty relaxed. Last week I also worked a lot on a mental level to prepare for the race and this week I’ve tried to relax and finish preparing. I’m calm and confident for the race.”

His adversaries
“The Belgian team is the most fearsome. It will be hard to race against 7 Belgian athletes. At the beginning of the race there could also be some surprises and somebody could get into the first positions. Surely Belgium will be the team to beat.”

The route
"The route is difficult and only the best will win. In the last few years I’ve grown a lot on sandy routes, managing to enjoy some personal gratification. On this type of course you need technique and also a lot of strength.”

The Public
"The crowds will be incredible, they’re expecting about 40,000 people. I’ve never raced in front of so many people, it will be thrilling and inspiring. I hope the public will support not only the Belgian athletes but everyone in general.”

Victory
“Winning the World Championship 3 times in a row is a dream. Not many riders have done it. I’m highly motivated. I don’t want to dwell on this; first and foremost I want to think about running a flawless race and I hope to be in the right place at the right time.”

Start Times (Sunday, January 29, 2012):
Women: 11:00am CET (5:00am U.S. Eastern)
Men Elite: 3:00pm CET (9:00am U.S. Eastern)

Today Levi Leipheimer won the individual time trial stage in the Tour de San Luis.

On the hilly, 19.5-km route, the American rider from Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team was faster than Vincenzo Nibali (Team Liquigas-Cannondale) who came in 33 seconds behind him, and Stefan Schumacher (Christina Watches), who made it with a difference of 38 seconds. Leipheimer was literally flying on the course laid out on the outskirts of San Luis, working towards his success kilometer after kilometer, managing the race to perfection.

“I really wanted to do well today,” said Leipheimer after the arrival. “After yesterday’s stage and the recon we pulled on the route this morning I knew I could compete. I really wanted to thank the team for the faith they placed in me and the guys who are here for the fantastic job they’re doing day in and day out. I think I did the best I could. We worked well and we’re enjoying the benefits. The time trial was anything but simple. The wind was also an important factor. We had to stay concentrated, especially in the final 4 kilometers, which were absolutely grueling.”

Victory in the time trial also took Leipheimer to first place in the general classification for the time being, where he is 53” in front of Schumacher and 55’’ ahead of Nibali. The former leader, Alberto Contador, came in 1’01” behind the rider from Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team, putting him in fourth place in the rankings at 57’’.

“Tomorrow will be a very challenging day but I have no worries" continues Leipheimer. "I feel strong and the team is highly motivated. We’ve won 3 out of 4 stages and we’re first in the classification. Up until now everything’s been going well, our balance sheets are really positive. We’ll face tomorrow’s stage with faith in our means and determination.”

Also worth mentioning is the good performance by Sylvain Chavanel, who is regaining his groove in the time trial. The Frenchman came in 4th, just 39” behind.

On the other hand, Bert Grabsch, the time trial specialist, saw his race compromised by a flat tire at about 2 km from the arrival.

Stage 4 Results
1. Levi Leipheimer 22' 33''
2. Vincenzo Nibali at 33''
3. Stefan Schumacher 38''

General Classification After Stage 4
1. Levi Leipheimer
2. Stefan Schumacher at 53''
3. Vincenzo Nibali 55''
4. Alberto Contador 57''
5. Sylvain Chavanel 1'20''

Photos: © Roberto Bettini

The magic moment of the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team and of its sprinter Francesco Chicchi at the Tour de San Luis goes on. After yesterday’s magnificent photo-finish win, the 31-year-old Italian sprinter gave a repeat performance today edging out teammate Tom Boonen as both crossed the finish line with their arms up, celebrating a double podium for Omega Pharma – Quick-Step.

This is an important success that confirms Chicchi’s excellent form as well as that of the entire team, that today again worked brilliantly during the final sprint. During the first part of the race, Grabsch and Rabon dictated the pace in the leading pack of the peloton. Chavanel and Leipheimer started their action in the final 10 kilometers of the race, guiding Boonen and Chicchi up until the last kilometer.

“It was yet another phenomenal day”, a very happy Chicchi said. “I was supposed to help Boonen’s sprint in the end, seen as that was what we had decided during the morning meeting. I started the sprint with Casper and Tom right on my wheel. About 300 meters from the finish line I looked behind me and I didn’t see Tom anymore. At that point I launched my sprint and only in the last 50 meters I saw Tom near me. We both raised our hands and I stopped thinking about the sprint. It was only after passing the finish line that I understood I had won. It’s the first time I win two stages in a row during the same race, it’s a great feeling. Winter training and the serene atmosphere in the team are bringing in great results. Let me thank my team once again. The guys raced a team time-trial again today and they took Tom and I by the hand up until the very last kilometer. It’s a pleasure to race alongside athletes that are such great professionals.”

“We controlled the race perfectly once again today,” Boonen said after the end of the stage. “I was trying to get Chicchi’s wheel at the last kilometer in order to enhance my sprint, but another rider hit my front wheel making me wallow for a moment. I lost a few positions but I managed to keep good speed. I made my sprint attempt in the final meters and found myself head to head with Chicchi. We looked at each other and just by instinct we both raised our arms. We didn’t know who of us had won but it didn’t matter. We’re happy to have given the team another great day. I am in good shape and there will be more time for me to win.”

Thanks to today’s time bonuses, Chicchi can consolidate his advantage as leader of the standings while waiting for tomorrow’s mountain stage and Thursday’s time trial stage, when all the athletes atop the standings will put in their best effort.

Stage 2 Results (Fraga - Juana Kuslay 145.3 km):
1. Francesco Chicchi (ITA) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step
2. Tom Boonen (Bel) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step
3. Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealthcare
4. Fco. Jose Ventoso (Spa) Movistar
5. Jimmy Casper (Fra) Ag2R-La Mondiale

General Classification After Stage 2
1. Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step
2. Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
3. Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealthcare

Photos: Courtesy Omega Pharma - Quick Step © Riccardo Scanferla

Today in a photo finish Francesco Chicchi won the first stage of the Vuelta a San Luis, from San Luis to Villa Mercedes. After 189 kilometers buffeted by rain, hail and strong winds that even split the pack into several parts in the final, the rider from the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team came in just a few centimeters ahead of local idol JJ Haedo (Team Saxo Bank). The strong Italian sprinter was really hungry and on the prowl for this success, which has given his team their first road win for 2012. It was Chicchi's second personal success in Argentina, where he also won the first stage in 2010.

"It was a grueling stage," said Chicchi after the arrival. "I must thank the entire team for the great work they did and the trust they placed in me. We attacked with about 50 kilometers to go to the arrival, with team Saxo Bank taking advantage of the wind. My team mates did a splendid job and we managed to break up the group into several parts. When I lifted my head I would see athletes in front of me like Chavanel, Leipheimer and Boonen, all working for me, and my only thought was that I couldn't let them down. Having a last man like Boonen was super. Tom launched me perfectly. In the final meters I saw that Haedo was catching up to me. So I gave it everything I had and managed to just barely stay ahead of him. It's an enormous joy. I felt really well. During the winter, both in the team retreats and at home I worked really hard to regain my feelings for victory. The specific work we did has given the desired results. I'm happy that I gave the team their first 2012 success. I'm going to remember this victory for a long time. For more than a year I hadn't been able to clinch a victory. Now I hope the situation can change. Argentina is lucky for me. I also won here in 2010. Now we can look ahead to the next stages with more serenity. The team is in good shape and we are all highly motivated. In the next few days we're going to try to do some more good things."

“Today the team was perfect," said Sport Director Davide Bramati. “The guys supported Chicchi all day long, and he was really ready for this event. We decided to bet on him. We knew he could do well and even Tom put himself at Francesco's service, proving that he's a champion of altruism. The weather was horrible but fortunately all our guys arrived in the first group except for Rabon, who fell after having worked very hard. Luckily there were no serious consequences and he'll be able to take to the starting line tomorrow, too."

Stage 1 Results
1. Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step
2. Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
3. Mauro Richeze (Arg) Argentina National Team

General Classification After Stage 2
1. Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step
2. Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
3. Mauro Richeze (Arg) Argentina National Team

Stirling, South Australia – William Clarke's stirring solo victory Wednesday on Stage 2 of the Santos Tour Down Under will go down as one of the finest moments in the short history of the Champion System Pro Cycling Team.

Riding for Team UniSA, the exclusive Australian national team, Clarke delivered one of the most remarkable performances in the history of the WorldTour calendar event. The 26-year-old Tasmanian attacked with Martin Kohler (BMC Racing Team) from the start of the 148-kilometer race, then soloed the final 70 km to register the biggest win of his young professional career.

"This is unbelievable, really," Clarke said after crossing the finish line 62 seconds ahead of charging field that rapidly cut into his 12-minute lead in the final kilometers. "This is the biggest win of my career. It's my first win in the WorldTour. I knew my form was good."

Following the race from the Champion System team's training camp in Hong Kong, General Manager Ed Beamon said he couldn't help but believe even more fine performances from Clarke lie ahead. Earlier this month, Clarke registered a pair of top 10 finishes in the Australian road nationals, finishing fifth in the road race and eighth in the individual time trial.

"He's showing incredible form and that's a big reason why we were happy to give Will a break from the Champion System training camp to represent his country at the Santos Tour Down Under," Beamon said. "We hired him – to a large degree – because of his breakaway capability. He certainly proved that ability today. To manage such a time gap virtually on his own is more than impressive."

Because Clarke lost 1:40 on Tuesday's opening stage, he was not able to secure the race leader's jersey, which went to Kohler. But he did claim the SKODA King of the mountain jersey as well as Hindmarsh Most Aggressive Rider honors. He also leads the Jayco Sprint classification.

"I was dying in the last 10 kilometers," Clarke said. "(Team Manager) Dave Sanders was telling me to go for the GC (general classification). It's amazing that a breakaway rider can stay away for so long. It's sort of my speciality to keep going."

The six-day race continues Thursday with a 134.5 km stage that finishes in the seaside town of Victor Harbor.

The Champion System Pro Cycling Team is Asia's first pro continental squad. Presented last week in Beijing, the squad features 19 riders from 10 countries. The team will contest all the major races in Asia, as well as follow a program that includes races in Europe and North America.

Photo: Marc Gunter Photography

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Race Experience in Partnership with Carmichael Training Systems Introduced for 2012 Race

Denver, CO – Fans of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge will have the opportunity to experience the race like the pros through the Carmichael Training Systems’ (CTS) USA Pro Cycling Challenge Race Experience. Through an exclusive partnership between CTS and the USA Pro Challenge, a privileged few amateur riders will be selected for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride every stage of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge as a team, just hours before the professionals. These lucky amateurs will eat, sleep and live like professional cyclists for all seven days of the race, August 20-26, 2012. Retired professional cyclist and CTS Founder Chris Carmichael will be leading the selection process and riding with the team during the event.

Participants of the CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience will work together as a cohesive unit, borrowing tactics and strategies from the pros. In a serious point-to-point effort, the riders will have to push themselves to stay ahead of the fast-approaching pro peloton.

“With the altitude and the length of the climbs in Colorado, this promises to be the hardest Race Experience to date,” commented Carmichael. “The USA Pro Cycling Challenge has been instrumental in helping us create a truly unique experience for devoted amateur cyclists. It’s an insider’s view of what it’s like to live and work as a professional cyclist.”

“We were so impressed by the number of people that came out to watch the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge that we wanted to create even more experiences for our devoted fans in 2012,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “The CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience gives amateur cyclists the unique opportunity to see first-hand what the professional riders go through for their love of the sport.”

Included with the CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience is access to the VIP tent in each finish city, accommodations, meals, amenities and post-race massages, just like the pros. The cost of this exclusive race experience is $10,500 and applications are currently being accepted from riders who believe they can successfully complete this challenge. Interested athletes can visit www.trainright.com/upcc-2012 to apply for the CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience team. There is no cost to apply, but riders must be at least 18 years old to participate, and applications must be completed by Feb. 29, 2012. For information on this and other official USA Pro Cycling Challenge travel packages, visit www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/travel-packages.

Bend, OR - LUNA Team rider Katerina Nash continued her domination of the Elite Women's field at the Exergy USGP of Cyclocross presented by Greenware - Deschutes Brewery Cup by taking yet another series victory and retained her ironclad grasp on the series overall lead. Behind her California Giant Cycling teammates Meredith Miller and Teal Stetson-Lee rounded out the Elite Women's Podium. Rapha-FOCUS rider Julie Krasniak continued to show strong form, coming in 4th. Sue Butler (River City) rounded out the top five. Nicole Duke (Cannondale presented by CyclocrossWorld.com) suffered a heartbreaking mechanical, having to run her bike across the finish line and losing several places on the last lap. Andrea Smith claimed her first victory in the AVID Shorty Ultimate Hole Shot competition.

In the men's race, former teammates Jeremy Power of the Rapha-FOCUS team traded blows with a surging Cannondale presented by CyclocrossWorld.com star Tim Johnson lap after lap. Powers attacked on the last lap and Johnson was never able to come back around. Powers nearly celebrated too soon in front of the never-say-die Johnson to cement his lead for the series overall. Johnson's second place finish revealed emerging form at the crucial time in the season. Danny Summerhill rounded out the Elite Podium - finishing for the first time on the Elite Podium at the USGP. Ops Ale- Stoemper rider, Ben Berden took the AVID Shorty Ultimate Hole Shot prize.

In the U23 competition, Rapha-FOCUS rider Zach McDonald reclaimed the series overall lead while in the Masters 35+ Richard Feldman kept his USGP series leader's jersey as did Bob's Red Mill rider, Mike McShane for the 45+ Masters.

Brief Results:

Elite Women:
1. Katerina Nash, LUNA
2. Meredith Miller, Cal. Giant Cycling
3. Teal Stetson-Lee, Cal. Giant Cycling
4. Julie Krasniak, Rapha-FOCUS
5. Sue Butler, River City
6. Kaitlin Antonneau, Cannondale presented by CyclocrossWorld.com
7. Nicole Duke, Cannondale presented by CyclocrossWorld.com
8. Amanda Carey, KENDA
9. Pepper Harlton, Juventus
10. Andrea Smith, Ladies First Racing

AVID Shorty Ultimate Holeshot: Andrea Smith

Elite Men:
1. Jeremy Powers, Rapha-FOCUS
2. Tim Johnson, Cannondale presented by CyclocrossWorld.com
3. Danny Summerhill, Chipotle Development
4. Jamey Driscoll, Cannondale presented by CyclocrossWorld.com
5. Ben Berden, Ops Ale-Stoemper
6. Geoff Kabush, Maxxis Rocky Mount
7. Chris Sheppard, Rocky Mountain/Shimano
8. Chris Jones, Rapha-FOCUS
9. Zach McDonald, Rapha-FOCUS
10. Troy Wells, CLIF Bar

AVID Shorty Ultimate Holeshot: Ben Berden

For complete results visit the USGP Cyclocross website.

Boulder, Telluride, Durango and Montrose Are Newest Additions to Second Annual Cycling Stage Race

Denver, CO – With nearly 40 cities across the state expressing initial interest in the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, race officials have unveiled the 12 host cities that will serve as starts and finishes for the second annual stage race. After drawing more than 1 million fans in the inaugural year, the 2012 race will return to several cities and also visit new locations, showcasing the majestic beauty of the state.

Recently upgraded to a 2.HC ranking, the highest registration level next to the Tour de France, the race will visit a total of 12 official host cities over the course of the seven days, from August 20-26, 2012.

The host cities and stages of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge include:

Monday, Aug. 20 - Stage 1 - Durango to Telluride
Tuesday, Aug. 21 - Stage 2 - Montrose to Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
Wednesday, Aug. 22 - Stage 3 - Gunnison to Aspen
Thursday, Aug. 23 - Stage 4 - Aspen to Beaver Creek/Vail Valley
Friday, Aug. 24 - Stage 5 - Breckenridge to Colorado Springs
Saturday, Aug. 25 - Stage 6 - Golden to Boulder
Sunday, Aug. 26 - Stage 7 - Denver (Individual Time Trial)

“The host cities selected for the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge will enable us to showcase the beauty and hospitality of Colorado to a worldwide audience,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “These cities are valued partners who will work with us, hand in hand, as we continue to raise the bar for professional cycling here in America."

Overall winner of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, Levi Leipheimer said, “What makes Colorado uniquely challenging is the Rocky Mountains. Knowing that in 2012 we will start in one corner of the state and suffer through more mountain passes than any other race of this caliber in the North America is exciting. Add in the altitude factor and you’ve got one beast of a race.”

The four new cities joining the 2012 race – Durango, Telluride, Montrose and Boulder – each offer breathtaking scenery, as well as a unique cycling history, that will add to the overall impact of the race.

• The “Four Corners” area is home to Bob Roll, one of professional cycling’s most iconic commentators, as well as the Iron Horse Classic Bicycle Race.
• Durango is home to more professional cyclists, national champions and Olympians per capita than any other town in the United States.
• Often referred to as the birthplace of American cycling, Boulder is consistently ranked one of the best cycling cities in the country.

“By incorporating iconic cycling cities like Boulder and Durango in our second-year race we will further build the virtual postcard for the state of Colorado that we established in our inaugural year,” added Hunter.

Also new in 2012 is the placement of the Individual Time Trial on the final day of racing in Denver, keeping fans holding their breath to the very end to see who will be awarded the overall victory after the seven days of fiercely competitive racing. Fans in Denver will have multiple opportunities to cheer for any given rider, as well as the benefit of both start line access to riders along the traditional team “pit row” and the thrilling finish line excitement.

A number of criteria were taken into consideration when evaluating potential host cities, including full city services support. The race also considered commitments in the areas of lodging, volunteer recruitment, marketing and local tourism, as well as an ability to host world-class athletes and promote the State of Colorado.

Further details of the start and finish line locations, as well as the specific, detailed route will be announced in the spring.

Chris Carmichael and CTS Team “Going Pro” for 2012 Amgen Tour of California, Riding Entire Race Course

Colorado Springs, CO – For the second year, Carmichael Training Systems has partnered with AEG, presenter of the Amgen Tour of California, to deliver an exclusive experience for serious amateur cyclists. A select team of athletes and CTS Coaches, including CTS Founder and CEO, Chris Carmichael, are “going pro” for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California as part of “The Amgen Tour of California Race Experience.” The team will ride more than 750 miles in eight days to complete every stage of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California.

The CTS Amgen Tour of California Race Experience will put amateur cyclists, selected through an online application process, on the start line of every stage of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California a few hours before the professional peloton departs. This is not a wine-and-cheese cycling tour; the CTS team must work together as a cohesive unit and ride fast enough to stay ahead of the approaching professional peloton. If they do not, they will be forced off the race course by the pros.

Carmichael, who raced the 1986 Tour de France with the iconic 7-Eleven Team and directed US National Cycling Teams at some of the world’s biggest races, said, “I’ve been around professional cycling for a long time and I wanted to create an unforgettable opportunity for cycling fans to experience a professional stage race from the inside. Athletes on my team are going to feel the pressure of being chased by the peloton, understand the need to work together as a team, and share the camaraderie that only comes from experiencing extreme efforts together.”

Carrying the Amgen Tour of California Race Experience well beyond the bike, the race organization will provide the CTS Team with similar accommodations, meals, and amenities as the pro teams competing in the event. And just like the pros, riders will be required to live out of one team-supplied duffel bag, have professional mechanics on the route with them, and professional massage therapy after each stage.

“Last year’s Amgen Tour of California Race Experience was a tremendous success,” commented Carmichael. “We had 22 riders and coaches on the team, which ultimately managed to reach the finish line in time each day and complete the entire race. We want to thank AEG for their continued support of our event and for cycling in general. Their commitment to our event has helped us to create an unparalleled experience for devoted amateur cyclists.”

The cost of this exclusive race experience is $11,500 and CTS is accepting applications from riders who believe they have the fitness to successfully complete this challenge. Interested athletes should apply online for the CTS Amgen Tour of California Race Experience Team. There is no cost to apply, must be at least 18 years old to participate, and applications must be completed by December 16, 2011.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with Carmichael Training Systems once again for the 'going pro’ racing experience," said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California. "We're proud that the Amgen Tour of California can be the platform for this once-in-a-lifetime experience for amateur cyclists. Given that last year, the team was able to ride the same course as the professionals and finish the race in time is a testament to their tremendous athleticism. We look forward to supporting the 2012 team next year."

The Amgen Tour of California Race Experience is one event in “Chris Carmichael’s Epic Endurance Bucket List.” Others events on the list include the Leadville 100, Trans Andes, and the La Ruta de los Conquistadores. These epic events target the adventurous endurance athlete and feature various packages of CTS coaching, camps and race support.

“There’s a hunger out there for big challenges,” commented Carmichael. “The demand is there as well. We filled the 2011 Amgen Tour of California Race Experience to capacity in two days, just by reaching out to individual athletes we already knew.”