Originally Posted by
fritz1255
This was the first time I have watched a bicycle race, either in person or on TV. A couple of questions/observations from a total newbie:
1) Maybe it was just the camera angle, but it seemed as though there were many spectators running out into the course among the bikers. The last thing I would want to see while tooling along at 30 mph or better is some idiot running out in front of me.
2) I know vert little about professional bikes like that. What are they made of, what size tires do they use, and how much does a typical one weigh?
You are correct. There are lots of idiots running alongside and in front on the course. Mostly on the climbs where they can actually stay up with the riders for a short period. So not quite 30 MPH there. Some make a career of it...the devil guy comes to mind, but he is rather well behaved in comparison and is well known. It seems to me it is becoming a contest as to how bizarre an outfit they can wear and get TV time. Saw one idiot get pushed away in one stage and thought, "All right. About time."