http://www.spyns.com/
 |
| Do not go gently into that goodnight Lance... |
The seven-time Tour de France winner's presence increased crowds the past two years in Sacramento, Calif., with an estimated 75,000 turning out to watch a 2.4-mile prologue in 2009 and close to 100,000 lining city streets to view the 104.3-mile opening stage last year. But the eight-day race, set for May 15-22, has grown in stature. It survived a move from February to May last year, when it began competing for riders with the Giro d'Italia, and it is viewed as good preparation for the Tour de France in July. "I quite frankly think the race has gotten bigger than just one individual," said John McCasey, executive director of the Sacramento Sports Commission. "We're talking about the biggest name in the sport, but I think at the end of the day, people will be all wrapped up in the event itself."
The Tour of California has added Lake Tahoe for the first time, returned to a midrace trek down Highway 1 and thrown in a demanding climb up Mount Baldy in the next-to-last stage. Stage 2 goes from Squaw Valley to the state Capitol, with the third stage starting in Auburn, Calif., and finishing in Modesto. "We would have definitely loved to have Lance here," said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. "There is some disappointment, but there are going to be so many different aspects of the tour and tremendous athletes who are going to take the spotlight whether he's here or not."
Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, which owns the race, didn't address how Armstrong's absence might affect the event. "We respect any athlete's decision to retire on their own terms," he said in a statement. "We have enjoyed having Lance compete in the Amgen Tour of California and wish him well in the future." Gene Albaugh, city manager of Nevada City, Calif., which hosted the Stage 1 start last year and will be a Stage 2 pass-through city in May, said Armstrong will be missed in the foothills. "He's a legend here," Albaugh said, noting Armstrong's victory in the 2009 Nevada City Bicycle Classic. "Some people come to see Lance. Others, the love of the race itself is incentive to get out and watch. We'll never forget him up here, that's for sure."
As Spyns clients gear up for our 2011 Tour de France trips, numbers don't seem to be adversely affected by Lance's absence. I personally saw thinner crowds last year for the Paris finish whereas in 2009, when Lance was in a combative mood vying for the yellow jersey, people were standing on the Champs Elysees 4-5 deep. I believe the lingering financial crisis, a higher euro, and recent doping scandals are having a more adverse effect on demand than Lance's absence. But he will be missed.
Spyns is an active travel company based in Whister, BC (Canada) and Beaujolais France. Spyns specializes in 2011 Tour de France packages for both riders and non-riders. We specialize in providing clients with Tour de France bike and non-biking packages with Paris grandstand seats and VIP access. Spyns offers active holidays to Europe including trips to the 2011 Tour de France. For more information about Spyns 2011 Tour de France tours, please go to http://www.tdf-tours.com/ or http://www.spyns.com/. You can also call us toll-free at 1.888.825.4720.
