Tour of Missouri: Time Trial 2009

I'm a cyclist, and I'm a photographer. And, I know my way around Missouri. This event was perfect for me! Many of the heroes from the last several Tour de France races are spending the week in Missouri to race the "Tour of Missouri." I was fortunate to spend the day in Sedalia for the individual time trial. After riding my bike around the area to scope locations, I found the perfect spot. I was sitting in the middle of the road up against a pylon. It was a perfect spot---I didn't say it was safe!!! I couldn't get much closer to the action. I had each cyclist zipping by me within the first 2 miles of the start accompanied with their police escort, marshals on motorcycle and team support cars. Then, I turned about 125 degrees and I was able to shoot the cyclists for their final 1000 meters from the same vantage point. I had a few close calls, but the corner marshals were delightful and very accomonadating throughout the day. Here are some of my favorite shots. Enjoy!