Pro Cycling Challenge 2011 Stage 2

George Hincapie behind Ivan Rovny on Independence Pass
George Hincapie behind Ivan Rovny on Independence Pass

George Hincapie won today’s stage from Gunnison to Aspen over Cottonwood Pass and Independence Pass.  We were predicting a Colombian would win and George’s parents are from Colombia, so he qualifies.

The yellow jersey is now on the back of Tejay Van Garderen of HTC-Highroad.

Van Garderen on Independence Pass
Van Garderen on Independence Pass

Cottonwood Pass was a pretty rough road on the Gunnison Valley side.  Lots of dirt, ruts, pebbles and rough road.  There weren’t a lot of tourists though plenty were riding up on my way down.

Independence Pass was another story.  It pretty close to a Tour de France mountain stage.  Lots and lots of cycling fans, riding their bikes up and dressed in costumes.

Fans on Independence Pass
Fans on Independence Pass
Rafael Infantino
Rafael Infantino

Rafael Infantino of the EPM-UNE Team was first over the top of Independence Pass.

Tom Danielson
Tom Danielson
Andy Schleck near the top of Independence Pass
Andy Schleck near the top of Independence Pass