Eyeing the finish

Maura Noel talks about the Tour of California during an interview last week at Cabrillo College in Aptos. (Glenn Cravens/Register-Pajaronian)

In her blue bicycle uniform, Maura Noel took a stride this road on a cold and drizzly Thursday last month.

Several students walk on by as classes are still going on at Cabrillo College. The parking lots along Cabrillo College are filled with cars.

In nine days, the lots will be filled with sponsored tents. Cyclists will come down this street as part of the final stretch of the Tour of California’s second stage.

The college will be the final destination for the near 120-mile journey.

Months ago, Noel had thoughts of seeing the Tour of California come back to Santa Cruz County. It’s about to happen.

Sure, Noel was already adding a big task to her busy schedule. But she’s a racing fan, and not having the event here in the county last year made her hungry to bring it back somehow.

For the complete article see the 05-05-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 05-05-2012 paper.

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