PEOPLE AND PLACES: TOUR DE FRANCE

TOUR DE FRANCE

The 99th Tour de France cycling race began on July 1, as 22 teams of nine riders raced first through parts of Belgium, then on to France in stage three. Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara held the overall lead until stage six, when Team Sky rider Bradley Wiggins overtook Cancellara, gaining the leader's yellow jersey, which he still wears as of today. The Tour continues until July 22, heading into the Alps for grueling mountain stages in the second half of the race. The entire tour will cover a distance of 3,497 km (2,173 mi). Gathered here are images from the first half of the 2011 Tour de France.

The pack of riders cycles in the second stage of the 99th Tour de France cycling race between Vise and Tournai, on July 2, 2012. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe)

Team SKY rider Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain trains in the mountains of Mallorca in preparation for the 2012 Tour de France, on June 19, 2012 in Alcudia, Spain. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) #

The wheel of a bicycle of France's Europcar cycling team prior to the start of a training session around Liege, Belgium, on June 29, 2012, the eve of the start of the 2012 Tour de France. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images) #

Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara competes in the 6.4 km individual time-trial and prologue of the 2012 Tour de France around Liege, on June 30, 2012. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images) #

The pack passes Ouffet under a menacing sky during the first stage of the Tour de France over 198 kilometers (123 miles) finishing in Seraing, Belgium, on July 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Riders cast shadows on the road during the first stage of the Tour de France, on July 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, and Edvald Boasson Hagen of Norway, rear left in white jersey, try to catch Peter Sagan of Slovakia, right, as he sprints towards the finish line to win the first stage of the Tour de France in Seraing, Belgium, on July 1, 2012.(AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

The pack climbs towards the Citadel in Namur during the second stage of the Tour de France, on July 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Mark Cavendish of Britain, right with yellow helmet, pushes for the finish line alongside Andre Greipel of Germany, left, on the second stage of the Tour de France in Tournai, Belgium, on July 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours) #

Mark Cavendish of Britain, rear right with yellow helmet, pushes his bicycle over the finish line just ahead of Andre Greipel of Germany, front, and Matthew Harley Gross of Australia, rear left, to win the 207.5 km (129 mi) second stage of the Tour de France in Tournai, Belgium, on July 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Yukiya Arashiro of Japan passes over a bridge in Dieppe during the fourth stage of the Tour de France, on July 4, 2012. Arashiro was awarded the most combative rider of the stage. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, rides in the pack during the third stage of the Tour de France, on his way to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, on July 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

The pack rides through countryside on the third stage of the Tour de France, on July 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Michael Morkov of Denmark wears the best climber's polka-dot jersey on the podium of the third stage of the Tour de France in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, on July 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours) #

The peloton passes through wheat fields during stage four of the 2012 Tour de France from Abbeville to Rouen, on July 4, 2012. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Men cheer from atop a wind turbine as the pack passes during the fourth stage of the Tour de France cycling race, heading toward Rouen, on July 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

The pack speeds downhill towards Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer as the Channel is seen in the background during the fourth stage of the Tour de France, on July 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Radioshack-Nissan rider and leader's yellow jersey Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland awaits the start of the fourth stage of the 99th Tour de France in Abbeville, on July 4, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

The pack passes a church in Rouen during the start of the fifth stage of the Tour de France, on July 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Fans cheer on the pack as a helicopter flies over during the fifth stage of the 2012 Tour de France, on July 5, 2012. (Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images) #

The peloton make their way through the French countryside on stage six of the 2012 Tour de France from Epernay to Metz, on July 6, 2012. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) #

After a large crash 20 kilometers from the stage six finish line, riders try and get back on their bicycles near Metz, France, on July 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Injured Thomas Danielson of the US sits in the grass after a crash in the pack at some 20 kilometers from he finish line during the sixth stage of the Tour de France near Metz, on Friday July 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Doctors tend to Davide Vigano of Italy after a crash in the pack at some 20 kilometers from the finish line of the sixth stage near Metz, France, on July 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Team Sky's Richie Porte, after the end of the 207.5 km sixth stage of the Tour de France, in Metz, on July 6, 2012. (Daniel Sannum Lauten/AFP/Getty Images) #

Peter Sagan of Slovakia, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey, crosses the finish line ahead of Andre Greipel of Germany, right, and Matthew Harley Goss of Australia, left, to win the sixth stage of the Tour de France in Metz, on July 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours) #

The pack rides past a field of sunflowers during the 199 km seventh stage of the 2012 Tour de France, heading toward La Planche des Belles Filles, on July 7, 2012. (Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images) #

Bernhard Eisel of Austria and SKY Procycling leads the peloton through the French Countryside during stage seven of the 2012 Tour de France, on July 7, 2012. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) #

Spectators cheers as the pack passes during the seventh stage of the Tour de France, on July 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Christopher Froome (right) of Great Britain riding for Sky Procycling takes a look back at Cadel Evans of Australia riding for BMC Racing as Froome sprinted to the finish line to win stage seven of the 2012 Tour de France in La Planche des Belles Filles, on July 7, 2012. Evans finished second. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain and SKY Procycling rides up the final climb, on his way to taking the yellow jersey during stage seven of the 2012 Tour de France from Tomblaine to La Planche des Belles Filles, on July 7, 2012. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) #

New best climber's polka dot jersey winner, Sweden's Frederik Kessiakoff, climbs at the end of the 157.5 km eighth stage of the 2012 Tour de France, heading toward Porrentruy, Switzerland, on July 8, 2012. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images) #

Bradley Wiggins of Britain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, Ryder Hesjedal of Canada, wearing the best young rider's white jersey, and Christopher Froome of Britain, wearing the best climber's dotted jersey, ride in the pack during the start of the 8th stage of the Tour de France in Belfort, France, on July 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Team Sky rider Christopher Froome of Britain in the best climber's polka dot jersey awaits the start of the eight stage of the 99th Tour de France, on July 8, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

The legs of Astana Pro Team rider Fredrik Kessiakoff of Sweden, seen on the podium flanked by presenters, after the eighth stage of the Tour de France in Porrentruy, , Switzerland, on July 8, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

Christopher Froome of Britain concentrates prior to the start of the 9th stage of the Tour de France, an individual time trial over 41.5 kilometers (25.8 miles) starting in Arc-et-Senans and finishing in Besancon, France, on July 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Overall leader Bradley Wiggins competes in the 41.5 km individual time-trial and ninth stage of the 2012 Tour de Francee, on July 9, 2012. (Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images) #

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland strains in the last meters of the 9th stage of the Tour de France, in Besancon, France, on July 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours) #

Laurens Ten Dam of The Netherlands and the Rabobank Cycling Team in action during stage nine of the 2012 Tour de France, on July 9, 2012 in Besancon, France. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Bradley Wiggins, stage winner and overall leader, celebrates on the podium at the end of the individual time-trial ninth stage of the 2012 Tour de France, on July 9, 2012. (Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images)

The 99th Tour de France cycling race began on July 1, as 22 teams of nine riders raced through Belgium, Switzerland and France. The entire tour covered a distance of 3,497 km (2,173 mi). Sky Procycling rider Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain became the first Briton ever to win the tour on Sunday, July 22. Gathered here are images from the second half of the 2012 Tour de France.

Sky Procycling rider and wearer of the leader's yellow jersey Bradley Wiggins of Britain cycles in the Alps during the 11th stage of the 99th Tour de France between Albertville and La Toussuire, on July 12, 2012. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe)

Thomas Voeckler of France, center, crosses the finish line ahead of Michele Scarpone of Italy, left, and Jens Voigt of Germany, right, to win the 10th stage of the Tour de France in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, France, on July 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Bradley Wiggins of Britain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, climbs Croix de Fer pass during the 11th stage, on the way to La Toussuire, on July 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

From left, Frank Schleck of Luxembourg, Levi Leipheimer of the US, Vicenzo Nibali of Italy, and Cadel Evans of Australia, speed down Granier pass in the 12th stage of the Tour de France, on July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Bradley Wiggins (left) of Great Britain rides in the peloton as they pass through agricultural fields in stage twelve of the 2012 Tour de France from Saint-Jean de Maurienne to Annonay, on July 13, 2012 in Anneyron, France. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Stage winner David Millar of Britain, right, and second place Jean-Christophe Peraud of France, left, sprint towards the finish line to win the 12th stage in Annonay, France, on July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours) #

David Millar of Britain collapses after crossing the finish line to win the 12th stage of the Tour de France in Annonay, on July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) #

Cofidis rider David Moncoutie of France, after a fall during the 12th stage, on July 13, 2012. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe) #

The peloton passes a woman on a horse during the 13th stage of the Tour de France, on July 14, 2012. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe) #

The peloton with Bradley Wiggins of Britain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, passes through Uzes, heading toward Le Cap D'Agde, France, on July 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Brett Lancaster of Australia and Orica Greenedge during stage thirteen, on July 14, 2012 in Le Cap d'Agde, France. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) #

Two women wave the French national flag on Bastille Day as riders pass during the 13th stage of the Tour de France, on July 14, 2012. (AP PhotoLaurent Cipriani) #

The pack with Bradley Wiggins of Britain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, Tejay van Garderen of the US, wearing the best young rider's white jersey, and Fredrik Kessiakoff of Sweden, wearing the best climber's dotted jersey, awaits the start of the 14th stage in Limoux, on July 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Tejay van Garderen of the US, wearing the best young rider's white jersey, checks his tire prior to the start of the 14th stage, on July 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Luis-Leon Sanchez of Spain crosses the finish line to win the 14th stage of the Tour de France in Foix, France, on July 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

The peloton, during the 15th stage of the Tour de France, on July 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Tour de France superfan Dieter "Didi" Senft -- often seen leaping in the air as the peloton passed, dressed as the devil -- was forced to watch this year's race on television, due to health issues. The 60-year old fan had his old VW van already packed in late June, but a nagging headache drove him to the doctor. The diagnosis: a blood clot in the brain, landing him in the hospital. After he underwent surgery last month, he told reporters that he was now on the mend. Photo from May 4, 2010. (AP Photo/Sebastian Willnow) #

Sky Procycling rider and Tour leader Bradley Wiggins of Britain (right) awaits in front of a giant portrait of former South African President Nelson Mandela before the start of the 16th stage of the 99th Tour de France in Pau, on July 18, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

Stage winner, France's Thomas Voeckler, climbs during the sixteenth stage, on July 18, 2012. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images) #

The lead group makes the climb of the Col d'Aubisque during stage sixteen of the 2012 Tour de France in Gourette, France, on July 18, 2012. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

The pack rides in stage 16, on July 18, 2012. (Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images) #

One of the two leading men, France's Romain Feuillu drinks as he rides in a breakaway in the 197 km sixteenth stage of the Tour de France, on July 18, 2012. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images) #

The pack of riders cycles in the Pyrenees mountains during the 16th stage, on July 18, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

Photographers crowd around overall leader Bradley Wiggins of Britain prior to the start of the 17th stage of the Tour de France in Bagneres-de-Luchon, on July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

The leading man and stage winner, Spain's Alejandro Valverde, rides in a downhill in a breakaway in the seventeenth stage of the Tour de France, on July 19, 2012. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images) #

A fan, dressed as Superman character with a Bradley Wiggins mask, waits for the pack during stage 17, on July 19, 2012. (Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images) #

A spectator wrapped in the Spanish flag sprays water on stage winner Alejandro Valverde of Spain as he climbs towards Peyragudes during the 17th stage of the Tour de France, on July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Jet aircraft paint the sky as they perform a flyover near the beginning of stage eighteen in Blagnac, on July 20, 2012. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

The peloton, pursued by helicopter, during the 18th stage of the Tour de France, on July 20, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

The peloton passes through a sunflower field during stage eighteen in Blagnac, France, on July 20, 2012. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Sky Procycling rider Mark Cavendish of Britain (left) sprints to win the 18th stage of the Tour de France in Brive-La-Gaillarde, on July 20, 2012. (Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier) #

David Zabriskie of the USA riding for Garmin-Sharp leaves the start as he raced to 11th place in the individual time trial during stage nineteen of the Tour de France in Bonneval, France, on July 21, 2012. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Sky Procycling rider and leader's yellow jersey Bradley Wiggins of Britain cycles during the stage 19 individual time trial, on July 21, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

Overall leader Bradley Wiggins celebrates at the end of the 53.5 km individual time-trial and nineteenth stage of the Tour de France in Chartres, France, on July 21, 2012. Wiggins won the stage, all but securing his overall win of the entire tour. (Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images) #

Best climber's polka dot jersey, France's Thomas Voeckler, celebrates on the podium at the end of the nineteenth stage, in Chartres, France, on July 21, 2012. (Picture taken with a tilt-shift lens) (Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images) #

The peloton races into Paris during the twentieth and final stage of the 2012 Tour de France, on July 22, 2012. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) #

Bradley Wiggins is congratulated by Michael Rogers of Australia during the final stage of the the Tour de France, on July 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Sky Procycling rider and leader Bradley Wiggins of Britain (left) cycles on the Place de la Concorde in Paris during the final stage, on July 22, 2012. (Reuters/Bogdan Cristel) #

Bradley Wiggins, winner of the 2012 Tour de France cycling race, celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the last stage of the the Tour de France in Paris, France, on July 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours) #

Bradley Wiggins, winner of the 2012 Tour de France, looks at his son Ben who has "Allez Wiggo" (Go Wiggo) painted on his face, during the team parade in Paris, France, on July 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) #

Sky Procycling rider Bradley Wiggins celebrates his overall victory with teammates on the Champs Elysees in front the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, on July 22, 2012. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe) #

Bradley Wiggins of Britain -- he first Briton to ever win the Tour de France -- kisses the trophy as he celebrates his overall victory on the podium after the final stage, on July 22, 2012. (Reuters/Jerome Prevost)

The Best Photos from the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

In a spectacular time trial Sunday that surprised everyone but himself, Christian Vande Velde flew past leader Levi Leipheimer and won the yellow jersey by 21 seconds to win the second USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado.
Vande Velde brought home the win for Boulder-based Team Garmin-Sharp and Boulder native Taylor Phinney destroyed the field to win the Stage 7 time trial. Here’s a look back at the best photos as the race criss-crossed Colorado’s mountains and towns.

CIMARRON, CO - AUGUST 21: The breakaway descends the Cerro Summit during stage two of the USA Pro Challenge from Montrose to Crested Butte on August 21, 2012 in Cimarron, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Cyclists race during the first stage of the USA Pro Challenge in Durango on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012. Daniel Petty, The Denver Post #

Folks from the Dolores River RV Park cheer on the riders. The second annual USA Pro Challenge kicked off today August 20th, 2012 in Durango, Colorado hit three mountain passes and finished under stormy skies in Telluride, Colorado. Tyler Farrar of Garmin - Sharp -Barracuda won Stage 1and took the yellow jersey. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

TELLURIDE, CO - AUGUST 20: Tyler Farrar of the USA riding for Garmin-Sharp celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win stage one of the USA Pro Challenge from Durango to Telluride on August 20, 2012 in Telluride, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** #

United Health Care rider Ben Day makes his way down the long hill after the Cerro summit. The second annual USA Pro Challenge held it's second stage today August 21st, 2012 starting in the small western slope town of Montrose and finished in Mount Crested Butte. The course covered 99 miles with an average speed of the riders going 24.9 mph. The race had three King of the Mountains the first on Cerro Summit at 7,197 feet, the second at Blue Mesa summit at 8,672 feet and the final coming into Mount Crested Butte at 9,424 feet. BMC Racing's Tejay Van Garderen won today's stage. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Riders make their way along Highway 135 towards Crested Butte. The second annual USA Pro Challenge held it's second stage today August 21st, 2012 starting in the small western slope town of Montrose and finished in Mount Crested Butte. The course covered 99 miles with an average speed of the riders going 24.9 mph. The race had three King of the Mountains the first on Cerro Summit at 7,197 feet, the second at Blue Mesa summit at 8,672 feet and the final coming into Mount Crested Butte at 9,424 feet. BMC Racing's Tejay Van Garderen won today's stage. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Kirk Sellers and his dog Max watch the peloton as it flies by his home near Almont, Colorado. The second annual USA Pro Challenge held it's second stage today August 21st, 2012 starting in the small western slope town of Montrose and finished in Mount Crested Butte. The course covered 99 miles with an average speed of the riders going 24.9 mph. The race had three King of the Mountains the first on Cerro Summit at 7,197 feet, the second at Blue Mesa summit at 8,672 feet and the final coming into Mount Crested Butte at 9,424 feet. BMC Racing's Tejay Van Garderen won today's stage. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen comes across the finish beating out Garmin-Sharp rider Christian Vandevelde to take the stage 2 win. The second annual USA Pro Challenge held it's second stage today August 21st, 2012 starting in the small western slope town of Montrose and finished in Mount Crested Butte. The course covered 99 miles with an average speed of the riders going 24.9 mph. The race had three King of the Mountains the first on Cerro Summit at 7,197 feet, the second at Blue Mesa summit at 8,672 feet and the final coming into Mount Crested Butte at 9,424 feet. BMC Racing's Tejay Van Garderen won today's stage. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

CIMARRON, CO - AUGUST 21: Chris Baldwin riding for Bissell Pro Cycling descends the Cerro Summit during stage two of the USA Pro Challenge from Montrose to Crested Butte on August 21, 2012 in Cimarron, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

RIders begin the ascent up dirt roads near Cottonwood Pass. The Queen Stage of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge kicked off this morning August 22, 2012 in Gunnison, Colorado. The third stage of the race took riders 130 miles through two springs and three King of the Mountains competitions before ending in large crowds in downtown Aspen. The highlight of the race were the two Category 1 ascents up Cottonwood Pass that tops out at 12,102 feet and the second up Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet. Colorado's own Tom Danielson of Garmin-Sharp=Barracuda won the stage. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

ALMONT, CO - AUGUST 22: The peloton travels through a construction area on a dirt road during stage three of the USA Pro Challenge from Gunnison to Aspen on August 22, 2012 in Almont, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Ivan Santaromita (ITA) right in front, and the rest of BMC Racing lead the peloton while protecting Tejay Van Garderen in the yellow jersey (in back) throughout the day. The Queen Stage of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge kicked off this morning August 22, 2012 in Gunnison, Colorado. The third stage of the race took riders 130 miles through two springs and three King of the Mountains competitions before ending in large crowds in downtown Aspen. The highlight of the race were the two Category 1 ascents up Cottonwood Pass that tops out at 12,102 feet and the second up Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet. Colorado's own Tom Danielson of Garmin-Sharp=Barracuda won the stage. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

BUENA VISTA, CO - AUGUST 22: George Hincapie of the USA riding for BMC Racing drives the peloton in an attempt to defend the overall race leader's yellow jersey for Tejay Van Garderen during stage three of the USA Pro Challenge from Gunnison to Aspen on August 22, 2012 in Buena Vista, Colorado. Van Garderen lost the yellow jersey to Christian Vande Velde in the stage. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

ASPEN, CO - AUGUST 22: Tom Danielson riding for Garmin-Sharp launches a solo attack to the summit of Independence Pass en route to winning stage three of the USA Pro Challenge from Gunnison to Aspen on August 22, 2012 in Aspen, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Craig Lewis (USA) a rider with Champion System Pro Cycling looks over his shoulder at the pack behind him after taking an early lead right out of the starting gates. The USA Pro Challenge kicked off Stage 4 in Aspen today August 23, 2012. Riders ascended Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet for a second time in two days. Elevation was the name of the game in this stage with much of the 97 miles course above 9,000 feet. There was a sprint line in Leadville and the race continued over the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass, descended into Minturn and ended at Beaver Creek. RadioShack rider Jens Voigt commanded the entire race and won the fourth stage. The overall leader of the race is still BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Tom Danielson (USA) of Garmin-Sharp, wearing the red King of the Mountains jersey, leads the racers through the downtown streets of Aspen in a neutral start before the start of the Stage Four of the race. The USA Pro Challenge kicked off Stage 4 in Aspen today August 23, 2012. Riders ascended Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet for a second time in two days. Elevation was the name of the game in this stage with much of the 97 miles course above 9,000 feet. There was a sprint line in Leadville and the race continued over the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass, descended into Minturn and ended at Beaver Creek. RadioShack rider Jens Voigt commanded the entire race and won the fourth stage. The overall leader of the race is still BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

An avid fan tries to keep up with EPM-UNE rider Camilo Castiblanco as he makes his way to the top of Independence Pass. . He is currently in second place behind Tom Danielson for King of the Mountains. The USA Pro Challenge kicked off Stage 4 in Aspen today August 23, 2012. The overall leader of the race is still BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

PITKIN COUNTY, CO - AUGUST 23: Cycling fan Dory Holte chases as the peloton as Liquigas-Cannondale rides at the front on the climb of Indpendence Pass during stage four of the USA Pro Challenge from Aspen to Beaver Creek on August 23, 2012 in Pitkin County, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Riders in the peloton cruise down the backside of Independence Pass after a second grueling ascent of the 12,060 foot peak in two days. The USA Pro Challenge kicked off Stage 4 in Aspen today August 23, 2012. Riders ascended Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet for a second time in two days. Elevation was the name of the game in this stage with much of the 97 miles course above 9,000 feet. There was a sprint line in Leadville and the race continued over the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass, descended into Minturn and ended at Beaver Creek. RadioShack rider Jens Voigt commanded the entire race and won the fourth stage. The overall leader of the race is still BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

The peloton races past the Old Schoolhouse in Leadville during Stage Four. The USA Pro Challenge kicked off Stage 4 in Aspen today August 23, 2012. Riders ascended Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet for a second time in two days. Elevation was the name of the game in this stage with much of the 97 miles course above 9,000 feet. There was a sprint line in Leadville and the race continued over the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass, descended into Minturn and ended at Beaver Creek. RadioShack rider Jens Voigt commanded the entire race and won the fourth stage. The overall leader of the race is still BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

RIders in the breakaway pack keep up the pace despite the rain along Highway 24 north of Leadville. The USA Pro Challenge kicked off Stage 4 in Aspen today August 23, 2012. Riders ascended Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet for a second time in two days. Elevation was the name of the game in this stage with much of the 97 miles course above 9,000 feet. There was a sprint line in Leadville and the race continued over the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass, descended into Minturn and ended at Beaver Creek. RadioShack rider Jens Voigt commanded the entire race and won the fourth stage. The overall leader of the race is still BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

LEADVILLE, CO - AUGUST 23: Jens Voigt of Germany riding for Radioshack-Nissan rides through a rain storm as he rides his solo attack to victory in stage four of the USA Pro Challenge from Aspen to Beaver Creek on August 23, 2012 in Leadville, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Michael Creed of Optum holds his hands and head over his bike handle bars in exhaustion after crossing the finish line in Beaver Creek. The USA Pro Challenge kicked off Stage 4 in Aspen today August 23, 2012. Riders ascended Independence Pass that tops out at 12,060 feet for a second time in two days. Elevation was the name of the game in this stage with much of the 97 miles course above 9,000 feet. There was a sprint line in Leadville and the race continued over the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass, descended into Minturn and ended at Beaver Creek. RadioShack rider Jens Voigt commanded the entire race and won the fourth stage. The overall leader of the race is still BMC Racing rider Tejay Van Garderen. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

BRECKENRIDGE, CO - AUGUST 24: The peloton rolls out of the start through a sea of fans during stage five of the USA Pro Challenge from Breckenridge to Colorado Springs on August 24, 2012 in Breckenridge, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Riders had to get through rain and cold temperatures as they made their way east on Highway 24 through South Park as they headed towards Wilkerson Pass in Park County. Stage 5 of the USA Pro Challenge started today August 24th, 2012 in Breckenridge and ended in Colorado Springs. The stage was highlighted by a daunting climb up Hoosier Pass to 11,500 feet. The course was 118.2 miles with one King of the Mountain hill climb on Hoosier Pass and two sprints in Fairplay and Woodland Park. Garmin-Sharp-Baraccuda racer Tyler Farrar took his second stage win. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Local Hartsel cowboys from Dorris Rautenkranz, Martha Payton, Ed Rautenkranz, and George Payton watch as the peloton races past them. Stage 5 of the USA Pro Challenge started today August 24th, 2012 in Breckenridge and ended in Colorado Springs. The stage was highlighted by a daunting climb up Hoosier Pass to 11,500 feet. The course was 118.2 miles with one King of the Mountain hill climb on Hoosier Pass and two sprints in Fairplay and Woodland Park. Garmin-Sharp-Baraccuda racer Tyler Farrar took his second stage win. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

The riders descend towards the town of Golden during a neutral start just before the race started today August 25th, 2012. The 6th stage of the USA Pro Challenge started this morning in Golden and ended with the eagerly-awaited mountain finish on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder. Hundreds of thousands of people turned out in Golden, Boulder and Lyons to watch the race as it passed by. Rory Sutherland gave UnitedHealthcare its first stage win of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, going away solo from the day's breakaway on the final climb to Flagstaff Mountain to get the win. Levi Leipheimer Omega Pharma-QuickStep takes overall race lead. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

BOULDER COUNTY, CO - AUGUST 25: BMC Racing drives the peloton in defense of the overall race leasder's yellow jersey of Tejay Van Garderen during stage six of the USA Pro Challenge from Golden to Boulder on August 25, 2012 in Boulder County, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

The peloton begins it's ascent of Lehill Road towards it's second King of the Mountain for the day. The 6th stage of the USA Pro Challenge started this morning in Golden and ended with the eagerly-awaited mountain finish on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder. Hundreds of thousands of people turned out in Golden, Boulder and Lyons to watch the race as it passed by. Rory Sutherland gave UnitedHealthcare its first stage win of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, going away solo from the day's breakaway on the final climb to Flagstaff Mountain to get the win. Levi Leipheimer Omega Pharma-QuickStep takes overall race lead. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

BOULDER COUNTY, CO - AUGUST 25: Levi Leipheimer riding for Omega Pharma-Quickstep descends the summit of Lee Hill Road during stage six of the USA Pro Challenge from Golden to Boulder on August 25, 2012 in Boulder County, Colorado. Leipheimer finished fourth in the stage and earned the overall race leader's yellow jersey. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

BOULDER, CO - AUGUST 25: Joe Dombrowski (R) riding for Bontrager-Livestrong attacks the group of the yellow jersey on the climb of Flagstaff Mountain as he defended the best young rider's jersey in stage six of the USA Pro Challenge from Golden to Boulder on August 25, 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Rory Sutherland gets cheers as he wins the sixth stage of the USA Pro Challenge cycling race Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, outside Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Daily Camera, Cliff Grassmick) MAGS OUT NO SALES TV OUT #

A rider passes in front of St. Elizabeth's Church on the Auraria Campus during the final stage of the USA Pro Challenge in downtown Denver, on Sunday, August 26, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post #

Serghei Tvetcov rides in front of the Denver skyline on Colfax Avenue during the final stage of the USA Pro Challenge in downtown Denver, on Sunday, August 26, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post #

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 26: Levi Leipheimer of the USA riding for Omega Pharma-Quickstep races to ninth place in the individual time trial during stage seven and finished in third place in the 2012 USA Pro Challenge on August 26, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 26: (L-R) The final jersey winners Jens Voigt of Germany riding for Radioshack-Nissan in the king of the mountains red jersey, Tyler Farrar riding for Garmin-Sharp in the points leader's green jersey, Christain Vande Velde riding for Garmin-Sharp in the overall race leader's yellow jersey, Joe Dombrowski riding for Bontrager-Livestrong in the best young rider's blue jersey and Tom Danielson riding for Garmin-Sharp in the most aggressive riders jersey take the podium following stage seven of the USA Pro Challenge on August 26, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Defending champion Levi Leipheimer finishes the race during the final stage of the USA Pro Challenge in downtown Denver, on Sunday, August 26, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post #

Overall champion Christian Vande Velde drinks champagne straight from the bottle as second place finisher Tejay Van Garderen (left) and third place finisher Levi Leipheimer (right) spray champagne during the final stage of the USA Pro Challenge in downtown Denver, on Sunday, August 26, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz,