Peloton, Parade Lap, Sausalito – 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Sausalito, California. February 18, 2008. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

For those who aren’t familiar with bicycle road racing, a bit of explanation may be in order. So that fans actually get a chance to see the pack go by more than one, it is common to start road stage races with several “parade laps” around the local town. No one actually “races” during these laps – in other similar photos I may post soon you’ll also see riders smiling, laughing, and talking to one another.

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The Sprint, Santa Rosa – 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Santa Rosa, California. February 18, 2008. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

The lead sprint group winds up for the sprint finish 150 meters from the finish line at Santa Rosa.

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Riding to the Starting Line, Prolog Time Trial. 2008 Amgen Tour of California. February 17, 2008. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

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