Lance, Levi, and Chris at Tour of the Gila

Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, and Chris Horner of Astana are racing at the Tour of the Gila, a stage race in New Mexico, starting today.

Say what you will, but three pros from arguably the best team in pro cycling racing in a stage race in the United States? With no team support? And, the UCI pointing out to USA Cycling that it was acceptable for them to race in this race with it not being a ProTour race? I think its remarkable, and pretty darn cool.

Not only is Leipheimer racing here, but he also did the Sea Otter race, alone, and won it. We have been conditioned to think that the pro cyclists are prima donnas who only race in the big races, and even then just show up ride and leave after collecting a big check. This attitude trickles down to even the top riders in the state and local levels who think that they should get some sort of special treatment just because... well just because.

Horner, Leipheimer, and Armstrong want to race their bikes. Maybe it is just to gear up for the Giro de Italia or the Tour de France, but they chose a race in New Mexico. In the US, in front of their fans. Darned hard to hide their weaknesses in New Mexico. They are putting themselves out there, taking a chance on crashing or exposing poor form or just plain getting beat by some Cat 1 hotshoe.

I think this is an attitude we could all get behind. Go race your bike. Not because you are sure to walk away with a prize because the categories fit your specific age or ability, but because you want to. Because racing gives you the opportunity to test yourself against other riders. Because its fun. Because you want to take part in a sport you enjoy with other people who enjoy it, who are suffering up the same hill you are, looking forward to the beer or whatever after the finish.