More on T de C

There is more in the news today about a Tour of California in February 2006. Backers include the Anshutz company: sports franchises owner, Staples Center, on and on. They are investing $35 million into this project to ensure that it has what it take to do it right. The race will have the largest cash prize for the winner than any other US professional bicycle race.

Arnold, the actor who plays the part of California's governor, wants it to happen--and we know he can raise money! And he sent his secretary of education, Richard Riordan to the press conference yesterday. (See a picture of me with Dick below.) Why was Mr. Riordan at the news conference? From the Daily Peloton:

"Leiweke introduced California Secretary of Education and former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, who has been an avid cyclist all his life, and who was one of the first people to ride the velodrome while it was under construction.

"Mr. Riordan said that he had with him a letter from Governor Schwarzenegger endorsing the Tour of California is. The governor quoted Ronald Reagan: "'California is not just a state or a country, it is a way of life.' The Tour of California will show the world what he knew, and what I, as governor, believe."

"Riordan recounted that he fell in love with racing thru Alex Baum (of the Los Angeles Mayor's Office and LA City Bicycle Advisory Committee) - Baum talked Riordan into riding with "some unknown racer" about ten years ago - and Riordan said, "'Are you sure he can keep up with me?' Well, it was Lance Armstrong. And he not only couldn't keep up with me, he kept hitting me in the back...as he pushed me up the hill, of course."



So, this makes me one degree seperated from Mr. Armstrong.

The Sacramento Business Journal has an article that describes one of the race legs from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. That could be exciting.