Topic : Ron Kiefel

Hang around a group of experienced cyclists discussing the USA Pro Cycling Challenge or this year's new Colorado Classic, and sooner or later—probably sooner—they’ll bring up the Coors Classic.

Team 7-Eleven's sprinter Davis Phinney has dropped out of the Tour after crashing heavily on today's Stage 15. This leaves the team relying on Phinney's usual lead-out man Ron Kiefel to contest the sprints. Fortunately, Kiefel has shown that he has the legs for the Tour, narrowly missing a stage win to Peeters on stage 7.

"I should have been in my 12," commented a frustrated Ron Kiefel after finishing second in Stage 7 to multiple classics winner Ludo Peeters.

Just hours after becoming the first North American to win the race lead at the Tour de France, Alex Stieda has lost the yellow jersey after a disastrous team time trial performance by the 7-Eleven Team.

The injury list is ominous -- broken ribs, broken noses, sinus infections, stress fractures, bronchitis, and dysentery. Not exactly an auspicious start for the first American-based professional team to compete in the Tour de France.

The confidence Hampsten gained in winning the 20th stage of the 1985 Giro laid the groundwork for his epic ride up the Gavia.

It was more than just a stage win. Kiefel's ride that day set the stage for Team 7-Eleven to do pull off much greater feats.