2001 Vuelta a España to take third and become the first American ever to achieve a podium finish in the Vuelta. Additionally, Guido Trenti became the first American ever to win a stage in the race. A total of 21 teams were invited to participate in the 2001 Vuelta a España. Fifteen of the competing squads were UCI Division I teams, while the other six teams were UCI Division II. Mercury–Viatel, who were previously scheduled to ride, didn't start. Each team sent a squad of nine riders, so the Vuelta began with a peloton of 189 cyclists, a total of 139 riders made it
Contested ideological terrain sword’ not just a place (or variable) whereby racial interests and meanings are either inhibited or advanced but rather a site where racial formations are constantly—and very publicly—struggled on and over.” The contested terrain framework focuses on looking at the interplay between structural organizations (like, businesses, the media, and the government), the individuals who are involved in sports (the individual players, coaches, and fans), and the common ideologies that revolve around sport. By looking at these three levels, sport can be seen as a site where racial meanings and social inequalities are constantly being contested. According to Kathleen Yep: “These