Tour of Utah

WHAT A FUN RACE!!!!!! Six fun filled days of officiating bike racing.  I was lucky enough to be asked to be the Chief Judge. 

Day 1 was a Prologue up at the Ski Park.

Day 2 - a Circuit Race around Ogden

Day 3 - a Road Race around Utah Lake

Day 4 - Time Trial at Larry Miller Motor Sports Park

Day 5 - Circuit Race around Downtown Salt Lake City

Day 6 - Road Race starting in Park City and finishing at Snowbird.

I had a GREAT time being a part of this event.  I have been a part of TOUR OF UTAH, since it started as a 3 day stage race on the local level.  It progressed to a Cat 1 only race, then to a Pro/Cat 1 race on the National Racing Calendar, and now a Pro Only UCI race. 

Richard and Rachael were able to come to the Salt Lake City Circuit Race as guests of the event.  They had VIP passes for the finish line.  They were in the VIP tents, watching the race, eating lunch, having a good time.

On the final day, Richard and Rachael rode in the CHIEF JUDGE car.  They don't get to see much of the race, but it is a BLAST.

Rachael didn't get Levi Lepheimer to look at her.  He was the overall winner of the race.  This picture was taken as he left the sign-in area.

I had to score the SPRINT line in Kamas.

Then we moved to the KING OF THE MOUNTAIN at the top of the Alpine Loop

We were able to jump into our car and get on down the road right after this group of riders.  In between the first guy that came by the King of the Mountain and this group of riders, we had a tree fall down on the road.  Lucky it didn't hit any of the racers.

Another picture of the race leader, Levi, as we headed thru Alpine.   We worked our way around this group of 7 riders and headed to the top of Snowbird to prepare for the finish.  The excitement is building, will Levi hold onto his lead or will someone else take it away from him.  We got to the finish line to find. . . .  . . .

Yes, that is CADEL EVANS - the 2011 winner of the TOUR de FRANCE.  He was in the back of the Finish Line Trailer.  He was there watching his teammate, Jeff Louder win the "Best Utah Rider" Jersey.

I don't know how many times, one of my National Officiatiing Assignments will include the Tour of Utah, but I'll take it any time I can get it.  Officiating one of the best races in the United States right here in my back yard, how lucky can I get!