Top 15 Podium Kisses At The USA Pro Challenge
DENVER (CBS4) - One of the most fun parts of professional bike races like this week's USA Pro Challenge for the riders has to be after a stage win when they pose for photos and get a kiss from a pretty lady.
The tradition has gone on for decades at the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, and earlier this summer rider Vincenzo Nibali made headlines when he went in for a kiss and was rejected by one of the models.
Here are the top seven kisses so far in the four-year history of Colorado's great USA Pro Challenge.
15. Ben Jacques-Maynes
We'll start off with a kiss from this year's race, which continues through this weekend. Ben Jacques-Maynes' beard must have been a little scratchy for those models...
14. Lachlan Morton
... but Lachlan Morton's moustache was smooth as silk last year.
13. Patrick Gretsch
Patrick Gretsch was one of the first riders to notch a win in the history of the USA Pro Challenge. This pic was taken in 2011 after the first stage of the first race.
12. Tim Duggan
These kisses look like they tickled Tim Duggan a little bit.
11. Francisco Jarley Colorado Hernandez
Francisco Jarley Colorado Hernandez was sporting braces during his moment in the spotlight ...
10. Peter Sagan
... and Peter Sagan showed off some eye black, something not commonly seen on the racing circuit. However, it doesn't look like he applied it very well.
9. Tyler Farrar
The model on the right is giving Tyler Farrar such a strong smooch in this pic that it look like she might break her nose. This is also one of the few times one of the ladies has their eyes open.
8. Gavin Mannion
Some of these riders look awfully young. In fact, Gavin Mannion was accepting the Best Young Rider's Jersey in 2012 when he got this double kiss ...
7. Joe Dombrowski
... And Joe Dombrowski won the Best Young Rider's Jersey in Stage 5 in 2012.
6. Levi Leipheimer
The bright Colorado sunlight spilling down onto the podium when this photograph was taken give it an almost artistic feel.
5. Rafael Montiel
Come on, Rafael! Smile! You can do it, I know you can!
4. Jens Voigt
... that's the kind of smile we expect! Good job, Jens.
3. Walter Fernando Pedraza Morales
Another example of a great smiling, happy rider.
2. Tom Danielson
Tom Danielson kept his son on his shoulders through the festivities after being awarded Stage 4's King of the Mountains Jersey in 2012. Danielson's son looks like he might like a kiss, too.
1. Danny Summerhill
And it's not clear how Danny Summerhill was able to keep from dropping the flowers he was holding in his right hand with the pure affection these two ladies showed him on Monday in Aspen.
Bonus Photo
Check out how tall these high heels are on these models kissing Lachlan Morton!
More USA Pro Challenge Stories
