Not quite measuring up to the 20,000-plus individuals who were projected to flood the streets of Durango to witness the Stage 1 start of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the big day came and went as if but a fleeting moment in time. Durangoans, did, however catch a glimpse of some of their favorite road cycling heroes taking a few blistering laps around town before gunning it to Telluride. Here’s a gander:

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  Another lap through town.

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  Folks kick back to watch live racing action on the Jumbotron at Buckley Park.

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  A veritable tidal wave of cyclists drops into the sharp downhill curve at Buckley Park.

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  Last year’s overall winner, cycling guru Levi Leipheimer, shares a few words just before the Stage 1 start.

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  The official start of the USA Pro Challenge 2012.

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  Main Avenue crowds psyche up for the big start.