George Hincapie, 2009 Amgen Tour of California. Sacramento, California. February 14, 2009. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell – all rights reserved.

Team Highroad rider George Hincapie rides the prologue time trial course before the start of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California in Sacramento, California.

I’ve written before that the time trial stages provide some of the best bicycle racing photographic opportunities. During the race itself the riders come by one by one, so it is much easier to spot and photograph them. In addition, you can often find a good spot on the course and set up an effective shot – riders slowing down as then come through a turn and facing you as they exit for example. But there are also many opportunities before and after the actual race. This photograph is among quite a few I made during the hour or so before the start of the race when the competitors ride the course several times and usually individually or in small groups of two or three. Not only is it easier to spot and photograph them, but the crowds that come later are often still yet to arrive.

This photograph is not in the public domain. It may not be used on websites, blogs, or in any other media without explicit advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.

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