Fresh off the heels of Lance Armstrong's third Tour de France victory, cycling popularity was spiking in the US. Americans always love a winner, but unfortunately, we're not a cycling powerhouse, so I fear after Lance retires, cycling will slip back into anonymity again.

With the increased popularity, the Tour de France has daily live coverage now and sponsors were willing to support a race in San Francisco. It was great for cycling fans like myself to see European pros riding live without having to fly to Europe. The turnout was incredible with fans packing the entire course. A tough circuit course was designed with two leg-breaking climbs on Fillmore St. and Taylor St.

George Hincapie won this race with an attack on the last ascent of Taylor St. and soloed in to victory. Lance Armstrong made an appearance, helped chase down some breakaways, and retired halfway through the race.