StageTwo

Santa Rosa to Sacramento

116 miles

As we arrived in Sacramento, it appeared that we brought some gloomy Portland weather with us. Intermittent showers kept newly painted roads slick as the peloton rolled in from Santa Rosa. In the end, Tom Boonen (Quickstep) took a very controlled sprint to notch his first win ever on American soil. The major news transpired earlier in the afternoon as youngster Tyler Farrar (Slipstream/H30) accumulated enough time in bonus sprints to overtake the leader's jersey. The 23-year-old Wenatchee, Washington native became the youngest leader in the Tour of California's history.

Early on, the race was once again animated by the gluttons-for-punishment in the BMC team. Today it was Scott Nydam whose attack after four miles of racing turned into a daylong solo mission until the peloton mercifully brought his ride to an end just outside of Sacramento.

For myself, the afternoon took a surreal turn as Arnold strode to the stage to congratulate the day's jersey winners. Nothing says California like Conan himself giving a speech about the economic benefit of a bike race and then awarding a bouquet of flowers to Mario Cipollini, who proved there may still be some wins in those legs by placing 3rd today. The once-in-a-lifetime photo-op of the Lion King being congratulated by the Terminator sent many a photographer home happy.

The race has apparently settled into its rhythm, as the flow of blockbuster news from the Rock Racing has slowed and the attention, rightfully, has been focused on the road. Rather than mounting threatening breakaways, even the smaller domestic teams seem content to get the miles in and try and play the sprinters' game. One would think the poor BMC riders could use some company over their long breakaways. Today's sprint finish even took a civil tone, as the riders seemed to silently agree that a February win isn't worth the risk of a season ending crash. All this should change tomorrow as the real climbing begins and the true overall contenders show their faces.

Wednesday brings an absolutely brutal 103 mi. stage featuring over 6,000 feet of climbing. The day starts in Modesto and quickly begins the 26 mile climb to Del Puerto Canyon Rd. Unfortunately for the big guys, this climb is not followed by a descent, but false-flats into the 8 mile Mt. Hamilton climb, one of the highest points in this year's race. The riders then descend 4,000 feet in 15 miles before hitting the 6 mile, 2,000 foot Sierra Road climb for a nightcap.

As always the BikeTiresDirect crew will be at tomorrow's finish in downtown San Jose delivering great deals on cycling gear and a ground level view of the race. If you are a Tour of California race fan and want in on our ToC special, enter code TOCE on checkout to get free shipping on orders of $25 or more. (Offer ends midnight February 29.) There are some restrictions for heavy or large items. Check back tomorrow for our Tour update.

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