Seen and Heard...

Notes and photos by Marianne Werz O'Brien

Jed Scheider of Jittery Joe's. (Sorry Jed!) Click for larger image.

Jens Voigt on the podium today. Click for larger image.

When Team CSC rider Jens Voigt received his flowers from a man, he said, "I don't have to kiss YOU, do I?"

Then Jens stepped off the podium and completely stunned me when he walked over and handed ME the flowers (melt!) and then kissed me! What a total sweetheart!

Jens' flowers...Click for larger image.

Jens. Click for larger image.

Tour volunteer Jim Rollo with U23 Leader Kevin Bouchard-Hall - TIAA Cref.
Click for larger image.

The Sierra Nevada guys were asked if the long transfers were making life difficult for them. (There are transfers of 1-2 hours at the end and beginning of each stage) They said that it is tough, but they are used to it from stage races such as Langkawi.

The Sierra Nevada guys said, "The superstar teams may have budgets for plush motorcoaches, but we don't have the budget for that so the best we can do is pick up trucks with little campers on the back!" "We're really happy that they put this race together. We heard last year that it might go away. No one appreciates how hard it is to put together an event like this. They are doing a fantastic job!"

Salvatore Commesso of Saeco before Stage 6: "I need sleep every day from 7 to 7 to recover. It is such long drives after each stage. The stages are good, very good, but the long transfers are bad. I cannot get the rest for recovery. I will not come to Georgia again."

Salvatore Commesso. Click for larger image.

Sheryl Crow.  Click for larger image.

Dave Shields, author of The Race.  Click for larger image.

Bob Roll. Click for larger image.