Lance Armstrong races through Innsbruck

Cyclists race through Innsbruck's Old Town at the beginning of the 7th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

On Friday, the world's second biggest cycling race rolled through town, bringing with it the world's most famous rider, one Lance Armstrong.  The race is the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy), and is a grueling three week challenge second only in fame to the Tour de France.  The race is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the show was spectacular.  Lance is competing as part of his comeback, and it was awesome seeing him up close and personal! 

Italian signs pointed the way to the starting line...

... and very Italian radio hosts welcomed everyone there.

Instantly you knew this race was ITALIAN.  The uniforms, the colors, the people... everything just reeked of Italian culture!   

Click to make this one big... AWESOME FACE by the race's biggest fan.

At the start of Stage 7.

This is my favorite shot of the day.  Click it to enlarge and check out all the postures and facial expressions, just 30 seconds from the start of the race.

Support bikes

Lance has fans around the world.

It was a conservative start as the first kilometer or so is more ceremonial than actually part of the race.  They do have over 200 kilometers to settle their business, though.

THERE HE IS!

The pack spins through the Old Town and in front of the Golden Roof, much to the applause of local fans.

The racers depart the Old Town and head towards the mountains for 244 km of intense racing.

On my way out of the Old Town... I ran into the devil himself!  El Diablo was kind enough to pose for this shot!

~ J. Twice