As the 51st annual Nevada City Classic breezes through town today, Duane Strawser, organizer of the linchpin bike race and owner of the Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, can finally witness the fruits of his labor.

Q. Is it getting any easier to organize the Nevada City Classic?

A. It's about the same. Every year, there's someone who moved who was able to help that you can't count on anymore.

Q. Does Amgen Tour of California happening a month before rob any interest from the Nevada City Classic?

A. Initially, it adds to the public interest. But locally it takes a bit of thunder out of (the Classic.) It burns out our volunteers a bit. It makes it less comfortable for me.

Q. Are you getting any more help organizing the race?

A. Well, I tried to step away from the race (this year) but I didn't have any completely good fits to take over. Some people have stepped up and are helping with key positions — mainly the volunteer coordinator position. My wife Connie had done that but there's a few good people leading that this year.

Q. What's happening with cycling as a professional sport in general with the allegations and investigation into whether Lance Armstrong used performance enhancing drugs and other top riders receiving similar scrutiny? Does it concern you how people might view cycling and this event?

A. I'm not worried about (with how people view cycling and the Nevada City Classic). There's so many great new cyclists in this country. Lance was wonderful for the race in this area. But it is what it is. The newer, younger riders don't need this cloud hanging over them.

Q. Is the Nevada City Classic perfectly positioned in the racing season?

A. Yes and no. The problem now is some promoters have moved their race to the same weekend as the Classic. Nature Valley Grand Prix in Minnesota is one of those races. I would rather have the other events staggered before or after the Classic. I want to work with the other events.