It was a biker’s paradise at Stage 7 where the finish line for Saturday’s leg of Amgen’s Tour of California race was located.’ Dozens of vendors showing off the latest in cycling gear had free giveaways and contests for fans and supporters.

Mavic, a French manufacturer of road and mountain bike wheels, displayed an array of their new lightweight climbing wheels on top of their support car.

‘There is over $5,000 worth of wheels on top of this car alone,’ said Jason Darby, a cycling enthusiast.

Thousands of fans pressed against each other and the barricades blocking the raceway as they eagerly awaited the arrival of some of the world’s greatest cyclists.

‘It felt like a train went by when they came through to the finish line,’ said Jon Gustafson.’

Over a hundred cyclists participated in this 8-stage, 750-mile course from Sacramento to Escondido from February 14-22, 2009.’