Stage 3 ended in Rome with a 3 loop circuit through the town.  We caught the end of Stage 3 at the top of what we thought was a steep hill (it was hard just to walk up) thinking that it would slow down the riders and we could see them.  The first time around they were all a blur, I saw bikes and jerseys whiz by and could not tell who was who.  On the second loop (just as fast) I was able to see Lance zip by in the pack.   I could tell by the last lap that he was making his way to the front, and he went on to win the stage.  We waited behind the podium, hoping for glances of him.  Robert was able to climb in some bushes and got great pictures of him.  After the award presentation, he hopped on his bike and rode away (I ran over and he rode right in front of me- camera batteries dead at that time).  Tony put the chicken legs into action and chased him down to get an autograph.  I'll let Tony tell his tale, but let you know that Lance was very worried that the Chicken was going to take him out.

 

Stage 4 was the Time Trial.  I was able to convince the boys that we should check out the staging area (hoping to get a few good pictures and autographs).  We got there and found a spot right next the the ramp thing that they start on.  Tony, Robert and I did not move from the spot- we were there for a couple of hours before any of the racing started.  It was a long time before any of the postal guys got up there.  Lance was one of the last to go.  It was awesome to be just inches from some of the greatest cyclist (so close we could see the varicose veins in George Hincapie's legs (beautiful man)!  I can't even begin to describe the excitement that we all felt being there.  After Lance and Mario went off, we raced over to the finish (following the Postal Team Bus) and were able to see many of the guys finishing.  Lance also won the stage!!  We hung around the bus trying to get an autograph- I was only able to touch him and get some sweat!

 

It was an absolutely incredible day- wish more of you could have joined us.  We've all got lots of pictures, I'll send mine out later when they've finished uploading.  I've got to try to get a few minutes of sleep now (the boys let me sleep most of the way home).

 

Anyone want to run over to France a couple of day to see a few stages??