It seems that besides competing for the U.S. candidacy of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, San Francisco and New York were involved in another competition – the public relations aspect of hosting a professional cycling race.
New York held it’s race six weeks ago on a 1.2-mile course, and had about 100,000 spectators in attendance. This past weekend San Francisco’s version of the race drew about 300,000 spectators along a 10-mile course.
Runner-up Henk Vogels said, “the only place I’ve seen this many spectators was at the Tour of Flaunders” (in Belgium).
Lance Armstrong, the winner of the race said “New York was also a great race, but it was too flat. I love the way this course challenges riders. The hills are great for attacking. It’s grueling, which is why I’ll keep coming back”.
And now Bay Area Sports Organizing officials plan to use the television coverage of the race as part of their video presentation to the U.S. Olympic Committee board of directors who will select the U.S. candidate city.
Racecourse designer Dan Osipow said, “this race shows how receptive and supportive the city and its people are of Olympic sports, such as cycling. The footage will speak for itself”.
