bac

AGAIN, IT WASN'T ALL ABOUT THE BIKE:

redal

Wow, you have pictures of my brother-in-law (Antonio Cruz). My wife would kill to be in your shoes right now. She just started a new job, otherwise she would probably be there. If Tony wasn't the nicest guy you talked to that day it was only because he was stressed out from the race.

Smoothie104

How Tall is Bettini?

oneradtec

Thanks for sharing those pics!

bac

He was super nice. Even just after the race, he was willing to chat, and have his picture taken. I was really happy to meet him. He seemed a bit taken back that someone knew his name, and wanted a picture. I don't think he gets that sort of attention - @ least in the Giro.

bac

I'm 5' 8", and I absolutely towered over him. I was a bit too much in awe to notice though. I got his autograph, and picture as he popped out of the team bus before the race. He was very willing to sign autographs, and pose with the fans.

Gustaf

interesting, can anyone just get that close to basso and the riders?

redal

Tony was being modest. He was probably a little surprised that there were actually American fans there. He is really happy to see American fans when he is racing. He gets that kind of attention all of the time over there even with the superstars around. When he is home, I don't like going to the local races with him because every one wants to talk to him and have their pictures taken. He understands that it is part of the job and talks to everyone but it takes so much time.

thad

Wow, it's cool you could get so close to those guys! Sorry, never been big race before...just wouldn't expect you could walk right up to them while they are warming up, etc. Very cool!

bac

Yup, it was very obvious that I was one of the very few Americans @ all the stages I attended. I think he was suprised to see an American fan. He was so great to let me get a shot, and talk for just a minute. You just don't get that in most sports today.

bac

Isn't it amazing? I was just happy to be able to find the race stages. It was great to see all the riders so close up. The only real restriction was when riders were warming up. The teams roped off the riders in an area just in front of the bus. However, this really only applied (from my limited experience) in the TT stages. So for the most part, one has the ability to roam around, and get up, and personal with the riders.

Olyroller

Great Pics, thanks man. I dig THE MACHINES: pic.

Guest

Awesome pics! And isn't Antonio Cruz just a sweet doll to talk to? He is so approachable, and a lot of fun to talk to also!

I love how the Giro works out. The riders are very approachable, and you could totally walk up to them and hang out with them if you felt like it.

I'm glad you had a great time. I have a lot of pics from the Giro in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. This is actually the first year I'll miss it. Waaaaah!

It is also so easy to get autographs. The first year I was there, I was totally freaked out when I was right there at the sign in booth. I was able to get every rider but Pantani to sign my booklet. But it still was great. Cipo wasn't riding, but he was strolling around in the crowd, and I practically tackled him with another woman. He was very accomodating.

You going back next year or what?

Koffee

bac

Hey, my plan is to go back next year, and beyond! Actually, the plan was to go back last year. We also visited Italy in 2002, and fell in love with the country, and this race. However, last year my girlfriend was in a terrible auto accident just a few weeks before we were to depart, and we were not able to go. Well, she is now recovered, and we waited (her, in a hard plastic back brace for many months!) one more year for our return. Was it ever worth the wait!

You are so right about the riders. Almost all are so willing to sign autographs, and generally shoot the breeze. Toni C was awesome after the race. I wanted to talk his ear off, but I knew that he needed to start recovering for tomorow's race, so I tried to be a brief as possible. However, I think he would have talked to me all day.

Life is so unpredictable. Last April, after the auto accident, I didn't know if we'd ever get the opportunity to travel again. Now, just a year later, we’re back @ the Giro, and perhaps loving life more than ever. It's a bummer that you didn't get to go this year. However, you'll be back, and loving it before you know it, Koffee!!

Guest

The only reason why I am not so bummed out about missing the Giro is because I know I'll be back to Italy anyway... hopefully sooner than later!

I won't miss another Giro after this year, though, that's fersheezy!

Koffee

Devil

Wow! Awesome pictures.