StageFive

Solvang

15mi Individual Time Trial

On a blustery day in Solvang, Levi Leipheimer (Astana) validated the hype and solidified his overall lead with a dominant TT ride. The 15 mile ride caused a shake-up in general classification as Slipstream riders David Millar and Christian Vandevelde overtook the second and third positions, landing :29 and :45 out on GC, respectively. For many other riders, recovery was the name of the game as yesterday's 7+ hour ride in less than ideal conditions weighed heavily on their legs.

Time Trial World Champion Fabian Cancellara (CSC), previously second overall, found his early season motor lacking that extra gear, finishing 1:05 back. Stage 3 winner Robert Gesink (Rabobank) met a predictable fate for a young climber. He simply lacked the horsepower over a rolling, windswept course.

Oregon resident Chris Horner (Astana) put in a solid ride for 14th. In his post race interview he commented on the illness sweeping through the peloton. Horner warned his interviewer that he may get sick just sitting next to him.

Portland-based fast guy Doug Ollerenshaw may have put a ding in Rock Racing's rebel image as he was introduced on the start ramp as "the nicest guy in the peloton." While not quite suited to this particular course, he put in a respectable ride to finish just 2:56 of the winning time, which puts him at 34th overall.

The sleepy Danish village of Solvang came out in force to support their local Tour of California stage. Kids were let out of school for the day as the downtown was filled with visitors and locals. A popular destination for pro team training camps, Solvang's reputation as a cycling paradise was reinforced by the enthusiastic crowd. Heads were turned in the finish expo as three-time World Champion Oscar Freire decided check in at the BikeTiresDirect booth to maker sure we were still working hard.

Saturday's beautiful 105-mile stage runs from Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita. Plenty of climbing will give Team Slipstream opportunity to put Leipheimer's Astana squad in difficulty before Sunday's finale. The racing promises to be hot as the peloton will crest four King of the Mountain sprints before a long uphill drag to the finish.

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Words and photos by Joe King.