Lance opts out, but Boulder Stage Race should still be exciting

BOULDER - Six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong hinted he might compete at the Excel Sports Boulder Stage Race presented by Compass Bank, but in the end has opted to train elsewhere.

Armstrong mentioned the possibility during a press conference announcing his retirement.

"We're disappointed he won't be here," said race promoter Clark Sheehan. "But it was a good exercise in thinking on that scale."

Meanwhile, Colorado's premiere bicycle stage race goes on May 13-15, albeit with one less Tour champion.

Two-time national champion Kim Baldwin and her T-Mobile team return to Boulder for the event. The men's field is wide open, with defending champion and Boulder resident Scott Moninger missing this season's edition due to prior engagements. A strong juniors field will compete as well, as the race is part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Series (LAJORS).

Cyclists tackle a time trial Friday, May 13, followed by the infamous Boulder-Roubaix road race the next day. Held on rutted, hilly dirt roads, the Roubaix is nationally known and has attracted world-class athletes like Henk Vogels in the past.

Sunday will be the deciding day in the race, with a nine-mile morning hill climb to Gold Hill and an afternoon stage that serves as the weekend's marquee event, the Frasca Food and Wine North Boulder Park Criterium.

The Frasca criterium will cover a course similar to the one featured in the late '70s and '80s when cycling legends like Moreno Argentin, Bernard Hinault, Greg LeMond and Andy Hampsten competed.

Registration for the event is available exclusively online at the official website (www.boulderbikerace.com). Results will also be posted on the site, as well as more detailed information, sponsor contacts and course descriptions. Boulder Center for Sports Medicine will provide medical support for the three-day competition.