Here are some views I had of the US Pro road race. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the wheel throw at the end, but the atmosphere from my vantage point was electric. All-in-all it was a great day for cycling fans and Greenville.

Panorama of my favorite spot for the US Pro race (click to enlarge)

I got to my favorite viewing spot a little late. I misjudged how quickly the peloton would make it through the in-town circuits. However, I did get to see the race complete the third lap of the in-town circuit on my way to my target location. Then I set up to wait for the field to come by during their first full lap of the main course.

It was quite a wait. I rued the fact that I hadn’t gotten their earlier. I missed the opportunity to see the peloton zip by three times. Now I would have to sit and wait to get the video I was wanting. I staked out my spot and checked Twitter to keep up with what was happening out on the course. Only one other person showed up to watch with me.

First I heard the helicopter. Then a little later I heard sirens of the city police going in advance to clear the roads. Then I could hear the rest of the vehicles leading the caravan. Finally, I could hear the swishing of the peloton on the road behind and below me. I knew as soon as they passed through the feed zone, they would be climbing up my way.

About that time, a photo moto pulled up and a photographer jumped off the bike to move to the inside of the turn. He looked at me and said, “Could you please move?” I looked at him in shock. I had been waiting here for some time to get this shot. “I want to get a good shot,” he continued. I replied, “So do I!” “I’m working,” he responded. The moto driver said, “He’s taking pictures for the paper.” I thought, but didn’t say, “And THAT is supposed to make me want to move?” I guess I still have some residual bitterness from my years in media relations!

I moved over about five feet and ignored the photographer. Here is some of the video that I grabbed with my iPhone.

This video was of the break that developed after the first climb up Paris Mountain. Thankfully, the Twitter fans were keeping me up to date with what was happening. I knew the peloton would be right behind them. Here they are in the following video.

I recorded the following cars because that is something that you don’t normally see in its entirety on TV. It gives you an idea of what all it takes to support the riders along the road. Of course, that is not to ignore the VIPs and media types.

Sorry for the shaky video in that one. I was balancing up on top of a guard rail after riding a fixed gear from downtown to get to Cleve Blackwell’s place. You can hear people calling Brent Brookwalter’s name as the break goes pass. Then the peloton comes by and the stragglers get cheered as well!

Finally, I ended up downtown. It was very hot, so I went over by the steps that go down to the River Walk. There was a cool ledge to sit on there. When the street wasn’t crowded, I could watch the big video screen and see the riders go by.

By the time of the finish, the crowds obscured my view of the street. That was made up for by the view I had of the crowd itself — and they sound they put out as George Hincapie just missed his fourth US Pro title. For sure, Matthew Busche was a worthy winner.

I love having the race here in my city. Here is hoping that we can continue to have it call Greenville home for years to come. This year certainly appeared to be a success in both the competition level and the interest of fans.