Presented by Outdoor Life Network and The Cable Center

The Cable Center and the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) teamed up for a special Tour de France Presentation. More than 200 Denver-area cycling fans were treated to a most exciting stage. American Lance Armstrong, with the assistance of U.S. Postal teammate Floyd Landis, won the 127-mile final stage through the Alps as he continued his march toward a record six consecutive Tour de France victories.

The evening was notable for The Center in several respects:
This was The Center's first entirely community event. While some cable affiliate representatives were present, they were attending because—like the rest of the audience—they shared an enthusiasm for the race and an interest in cycling.

We also had a significant presence from cycle clubs, cycling enthusiasts, and bicycle shop owners and employees. The overflow crowd included families, babies, singles and couples. The audience reflected the demographics of the Denver community. The entire Cable Center Theater—both downstairs and the balcony—was filled with enthusiastic folks.

OLN was particularly generous, supplying wonderful gifts that were given away to the audience with trivia contests held during the commercial breaks. The audience walked out with mini refrigerators, t-shirts, posters, picture frames and other goodies.

A special highlight of the evening was guest speaker Ron Kiefel. Kiefel participated in seven Tour de France races between 1986 and 1992 and won a bronze medal in the team time-trial event at the 1984 Olympics. He was the first American to win a stage in the Giro d'Italia and was a 7-Eleven team member with OLN commentator Bob Roll. He also was a regular participant and strong finisher at the Coors Classic in the 1980s and 90s and was recently inducted into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame.

Kiefel answered dozens of questions about the Tour and what it is like to train and compete in this grueling event.

The response from the audience and OLN was remarkable. Attendees left with a very positive impression of The Cable Center and the value of program choices such as OLN's coverage of the Tour de France.