Over 400 cycling enthusiast packed into Boulder Theater to see some of the best cyclist the U.S. has ever produced. Andy Hampsten, Ron Keifel, Alexi Grewal, Connie Carpenter, and Ned Overend all provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings and inside stories of their illustrious careers.

Hosted by Coors Classic and Red Zinger race promoter, Michael Aisner, each rider presented a video segment featuring their brightest moments on the bike. Aisner then had a one-on-one discussion about the segment. The event served as an ACA fundraiser and as the official launch of the new Tom Danielson Junior Cycling Cup, a series of over 20 road races throughout Colorado featuring 5 age categories for boys and for girls ranging from 8 to 18 years of age. “It’s important that we keep moving forward the way we’re going.” said Danielson. “What better way to celebrate the launch of the series by bringing in some of the greats from this area and really go in a direction that I feel will produce many champions.”

So far, over $10,000 has been raised for the series. The event included a silent auction with some incredibly rare cycling memorabilia from Alexi Grewal’s wool Panasonic jersey to a signed book by Eddy Merckx. Connie Carpenter challenged the audience by offering a donation check for $250, and asked anyone if they’d like to match it. A few generous donors joined in and they quickly become known as members of “Connie’s Club”.

Not only did the event raise necessary money, but it brought a greater awareness of the importance of exposing young people to the excitement and benefits of the sport. Some of the best juniors in Colorado attended and were inspired by the passion and desire expressed by the greats of the past and present.

Danielson hopes to be involved as much as his schedule permits and may even attend some of the races. For more information and a schedule of the Tom Danielson Junior Cycling Cup races, visit americancycling.org.

Watch the video interview with Tom and Dave Towle after the event.

The event was held at the Boulder Theater, Boulder Colorado. 2007 © Tom Danielson

Dave Towle, North America's premier race announcer, fires up the crowd before the program. 2007 © Tom Danielson

Three peas in a pod. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Coors Classic and Red Zinger promoter, Michael Aisner hosted. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Connie talks about her 1984 Olympic Gold medal win. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Alexi Grewal reflects on his achievements. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Ron Keifel as cool as ever. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Andy Hampsten brings his "A-game". 2007 © 3catsphoto

Andy, Ned Overend, and Alexi Grewal take questions from the crowd. 2007 © Tom Danielson

Tom and Beth Wrenn-Estes talk about the Junior Series. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Tom speaks passionately about the need for more junior development programs in the country. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Some of the best junior cyclist in the country joined the festivities on stage. Taylor Phinney is forth from the left. Given his pedigree, big things are expected from this young gun. 2007 © 3catsphoto

Rhys and Laurel Rathbun: two juniors in the ACA program. 2007 © 3catsphoto

2005 Junior National Cyclocross Champion Danny Summerhill 2007 © 3catsphoto

Andy Hampsten talks with Neal Rogers from Velonews. 2007 © Tom Danielson

Tom signs the promotion poster for a young junior racer. 2007 © Tom Danielson

Signing an autograph or playing Twister? 2007 © 3catsphoto

Hold Still 2007 © 3catsphoto

Some incredible items were up for auction. 2007 © 3catsphoto

The auction raised thousands of dollars for ACA and juniors. 2007 © 3catsphoto

At the end of the program, several juniors joined the greats on stage for a photo. 2007 © 3catsphoto