Tour of California pics - Think it doesn't hurt?

Stage 7 rode through my hometowns of Redondo and Torrance, 10 laps for 70+ miles.  Situated myself at the top of a climb for most of it.  Otherwise, they came by too fast.

Note that this is not a particularly long or steep hill, but it does pitch up at the top, and these guys have to do it 10 times.... and note which front chainring they are in .....

First, Big George 

Speed - ooffa....  cut off the wheel....damn... easy to do at 50 mph :^
 

There was an early breakaway of about four riders following a crash.  Interesting, there was talk of how it was bad form, the peloton usually slows if there's a crash, these guys may not have known about it, but there would be words.....

Break was 8 minutes at the largest, the pack started reeling them in, about :45 per lap.  Every lap was lead by a different team, taking their turn at the front...

As they came up Esplanade to the hill, could see two distinct groups with two sets of team cars, sirens, etc... until the last lap.  Caught them coming up the last hill, right in front of where we were...

The sequence.  At the bottom of the hill, just behind the first group of motorcycles, is the 4 man breakaway.  Right behind is a two man group crossing the gap to reel them in for good.  Pack is on their heels. 

Two men, including Big George, bridge the gap, the beginning of the end

Think it doesn't hurt?  

overall winner, Floyd Landis in the gold jersey

The last guy......
 

Rest of the pics at
Amgen Tour, Stage 7, Redondo Beach