behind the scenes at the tour of california

by Cathy Mehl

A lot has been going on behind the scenes at the Amgen Tour of California so let’s get caught up.

First off, everyone needs to know about the Wounded Warrior Project.  This project is in place to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women who served in the military for the USA.  Many of these soldiers have returned to the US wounded, with amputations or facing life with other disabilities.  Trek has partnered with WWP and donated bikes to the group for those that want to get into the sport of cycling.  On Thursday night Team Astana hosted a meet and greet for a group from WWP.  They got to meet Sean Yates, riders Gregy Rast and Chris Horner, spend some time in Q&A, plus get their photos taken with Lance’s bike.  Check out the website and see if there is a way you can get involved, too.

Meanwhile Lance was at a visit in Paso Robles with the Central Coast Wellness Community, continuing to spread his message of global cancer awareness.  Lance spoke about a new six-week program co-created by LAF and the Wellness Community which helps cancer patients post-treatment.  The program provides cancer survivors with the information, skills and tools to help with exercise, nutrition, emotional health and quality of life when re-adjust to life post-cancer.

Lance focuses on his warmup

The Trek Travel access program was in full swing at the Amgen Tour of California too.  Twenty-five US and Canadian riders have been following the tour, riding parts of the stages and then enjoying the finales in the VIP areas on the finish line.  The riders were able to meet with team mechanics, get their photos taken with Lance’s bike, as well as talk to Chechu and Jani.  Levi’s personal soigneur Brenda Phelps also spoke about the life of a massage therapist and gave a tour of the bus. Behind the scenes access is the way to go at a big stage race so think about taking your next cycling vacation with Trek Travel.

Eki is wearing another hat this week besides Sports Director—he’s making a movie with a hand-held video camera and is editing his own work, too!  Certainly a man of many talents, you can expect to see his finished work on our website in a few weeks.  We hope to have other videos coming to the site in the near future, too, so stay tuned.

Chris makes an adjustment for Levi

Solvang is, of course, the location of many past training camps for Johan’s teams and because of this was able to enjoy a nice breakfast at the Bull Dog Cafe, courtesy of owner and Team Astana supporter Barbara. Massive crowds were on hand Friday to see Levi take his third time trial win in as many years on the beautiful Solvang course.  Everyone knows Levi focuses on this race each year and his preparation leading up to the event is nothing less than perfect.  He continues to feel well, although a little sore, but maintains his focus as he rides closer to a hat trick of wins in the Amgen Tour of California.  His wife Odessa and little dog Bandit were waiting for him at the finish line, as were his parents Bob and Yvonne Leipheimer from Montana.

Also visiting with the team were Sony Pictures President Matt Tolmach and producer Frank Marshall, part of the team who are producing Lance’s comeback documentary.   Filming is an on-going process and the enthusiastic crowds in Solvang certainly set a great backdrop for showing the huge welcome back Lance has received from the cycling community.

Another visitor was the Vice President of SRAM, Mike Mercuri.  Mike was able to ride in the follow car behind Jani, always a special treat in a time trial.  And Neil Browne from ROAD Magazine settled in behind Gregy’s ride.  Look for a piece from Neil in the future about his in-the-car experience.

A few reminders:  The Team Store is open and will be adding new products periodically so be sure to check back often to see what is new and exciting. We have international shipping now so fans around the world can show their Astana Pride. And don’t forget that our guys are involved with RideForLIVESTRONG.  Right now we’re racing and winning with Levi in California and Alberto Contador in Portual and you can sign up to support your favorite riders as they race and raise money for global cancer awareness.