penaala

The Tour of California is coming up and the lineup is looking pretty amazing. I really did not expect the move to May to attract such a stellar field. I can't wait to see Cavendish, Cancellara, Lance and the rest.

I just got an email about VIP passes for $250. I am thinking of getting one for the Sacramento finish (May 16). I havent been to the ToC before. Are the VIP passes worth the experience or is one better off just roaming?

$ick3nin.vend3t

With the race attracting that kind of roster, perhaps over time the race will become more prestigious.

TheVeloBlog

The TOC has grown so much over the past few years! I really do believe that its more relevant then the Vuelta a Espaņa. At this rate i strongly believe that it will overtake Vuelta and become the forth grand tour. The date change was to attract more of a elite field of riders, subsequently it over laps the Giro d'Italia which was a risky move any way you look at it. But it seems like many top riders are opting to ride it in preparation for the Tour rather then the difficult Giro. I'm looking foreword to it.....should be a blood bath! Any GC picks?

The $250 Suite Pass includes watching live feed in specal VIP area with complimentray food and drinks. Not bad at all, but honestly i would suggest roaming or upgrading to the $500 dine with the pros! You would get to dine with them at the finishing city's. That sounds like something i would pay for. I imagine my self to totally start crying like a star struck 15 year old girl when i see Livi!

rouleour

I don't doubt It may gain more prestige, but I don't see it overtaking La Vuelta!.

penaala

Levi has to be a favorite. After that, there is no idea what will happen. Cancellara will be unstoppable if he decides to go for the overall with Andy Schleck's help. Its hard to tell who will be tuning up for the tour and who will be racing to win.

Pedal Dancer

Levi for 4x. However, LL has said DZ is the favorite - though this seems like schadenfreude by LL.

ToC will not "overtake" Vuelta since ToC is not a 3 week stage race. It could be up there or surpass Dauphine or Suisse but ToC needs more climbing - it really only has 1-2 mountain stages. AEG should look to add or swap a stage for more climbing - perhaps Mt. Baldy road up to the ski lifts - if set up right there is a climb of 7.6 miles with an 8.2% average. Epic.

Bobsled

Either way it should be exciting and I can wait to see a stage or two in person.

$ick3nin.vend3t

There should definitely be a grand tour based in the US. Maybe the route could also include The Rocky Mountains & the mountains of Colorado for some hilltop finishes. I think that could happen, great if it did.

deadly downtube

I hope the ToC becomes 2 weeks long and consistently draws a better field than the Giro. muahaha! we have so much great riding in California... would be a dream come true!

TheVeloBlog

The 2009 Tour Of California attracted 2 million spectators. This year it is set to grow considerably. Note that this race is 4 years old in a country that generally is uninterested in cycling. On the other hand the Vuelta is 75 year old and and has had 64 editions but only attracts around 5-7 million spectators. The proof is in the pudding. I'm in contact with much of the production staff at Verses. They say as far as revenue goes the Tour Of California was much more profitable from the broadcasting point of view but they said it was largey due to TheLanceFactor.

*****3nin.vend3t i think you may have just inspired the next VeloBlog piece! Logistically it would work out quite well and it fits very well with the international calender. The only factor is the Benjamins. A big time bike race is not cheap to get off the ground and can fail at any time (Tour De Georgia). The best thing for any race including the TOC is slow plained expansion.

$ick3nin.vend3t

I know the Palomar mountain does not compare to some of the cols raced later in the year, but at 15 miles long and 6.5% avg, I think an uphill finish would have sparked some dramatics. Big Bear, Sierra, Rockies, the Appalachian Mountains. So many great ranges to include.