Lance Armstrong competes at Cross Vegas, loses to Oregon cyclist

By Christopher Drexel

Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 | midnight

For one night, Desert Breeze Park was the cycling capital of the country.

An estimated 12,000 spectators showed up Wednesday night to the west Las Vegas park to watch some of the country's best cyclists, including seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, compete in the second annual Cross Vegas.

The event, which coincides with the Interbike cycling expo, consisted of an hour-long women's cycle cross race and an hour-long men's race. Competitors raced 11 times around a 2.7-kilometer track around Desert Breeze's soccer and football fields.

"It's fabulous," said Brook Watts, a promoter of the event. "Most people don't realize Las Vegas has such a beautiful park system and this is the crown jewel of it. It has beautiful grass. It's a natural stadium setting these 12,000 people can come have a ball in."

Spectators were able to roam around the track at will and get within an arm's reach of the riders. Many shook cow bells to show support and several snapped pictures.

Throughout the event, techno beats pumped in the background to keep the crowd energized. A public announcer was on the microphone the entire time to give play-by-play developments of the races.

In the parking lot, various racing teams and cycling companies set up tents, some to showcase their products and some to party.

Mike Lawrent, who traveled from Vancouver, Canada, was shirtless and covered in red and white body paint to support three of his favorite Canadian riders.

"This atmosphere brings in the fans and exposes a wider community to cycling than just the niche," Lawrent said. "It's good for the sport."

The races consisted of 40 elite racers on the women's side and 100 on the men's side. Watts said nearly all the top cycle cross riders from America were present as well as some international competitors. He added that 15 countries were represented.

The event is the first major race for USA Cycling's cycle cross season, which lasts until spring.

When the announcer declared Armstrong's presence, a crowd quickly pounced on the area of the track where he was about to start the race. Spectators crunched together and pushed their way to the front of the barricade to catch a glimpse of cycling's icon as cameras flashed at a rapid pace.

Armstrong, a typical road racer who retired in 2005 before announcing his comeback to the sport earlier this month, said he enjoyed the crowd.

"I like it. They're very supportive," Armstrong said. "It's kind of a wild scene — not what I'm used to — but it's awesome to see. The people that love bike racing and love bicycles, if you give them something to cheer for, it's always a good thing."

Watts said Armstrong's presence likely boosted attendance. About 5,000 attended the inaugural event last year.

"He brings attention to the event, but I think more than anything he gives the people in Las Vegas an opportunity to see him compete," Watts said. "Las Vegas has a vibrant cycling scene but not a large competitive cycling scene, so it wouldn't often have a chance to see Lance Armstrong racing. Not a lot of places in America do."

Armstrong ended up finishing near the middle of the pack.

In the men's race, Oregon resident Ryan Trebon won for the second consecutive year.

"It's a good crowd and the people are really into it," Trebon said. "It's one of the bigger races we do in the U.S. It's exciting and I hope they host a World Cup here eventually."

For the women, Colorado resident Katie Compton took first. She hopes to return to Cross Vegas in the future. "It's definitely a much better crowd than last year," Compton said. "I think year after year it will get more and more popular. It's a great spectator event."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].