StageThree

Modesto-San Jose

103 miles

While the Tour of California's first two stages provided plenty of star power, overall contenders had today's stage circled as the first opportunity to contest the golden leader's jersey. As predicted, today's final climb over Sierra Rd. proved decisive as Levi Leipheimer (Astana) and Robert Gesink (Rabobank) put in a tag team attack that held off a 12 rider chase group. 21-year-old Gesink took the stage win and while Leipheimer moved into the overall lead.

The leader's jersey proved too much to bear for young Tyler Farrar as he abandoned on the slopes of Mt. Hamilton. Farrar struggled mightily on the climb, reportedly the victim of an ill-timed stomach bug.

Leipheimer and Gesink managed to hold off an impressive group who seemed quite cooperative in pulling the two leaders back before the finish. The chase included TT monsters Cancellara, Millar, Zabriskie as well as Leipheimer teammates Chechu Rubiera and Chris Horner. American based Slipstream/Chipotle/H30 featured three riders in the chase group in addition to Millar.

Some northwest natives showed well in today's stage as Bend, OR resident Chris Horner rode the climbs comfortably in service of his teammate Leipheimer. North Bend, WA based climbing phenom Tom Peterson (Slipstream) had a great ride to finish sixth on the day. Portland's own Doug Ollerenshaw (Rock Racing) seemed a bit disappointed at the finish, but had a solid ride. Oregon native and Santa Cruz 'cross star Barry Wicks showed up to cheer on his roadie friends as well.

Reports of the end of the Cipollini show were greatly exaggerated. Though, Il Leone di Lucca has made no effort to hide his disdain for riding uphill throughout his career, he easily made time cut with the gruppetto. Many of the younger sprinter types were not so fortunate.

Not all the carnage was reserved for the climbs as a Kelly Benefits got the attention of the Team CSC car, though probably not in the best way. Though the unidentified rider was not hurt after crashing through their rear window.

Tomorrow brings the definitive California parcours as the race travels 135 miles from Seaside down Highway 1 to San Luis Obispo. Looks to be one big rolling postcard picture. It also means a long transfer for us bike race carnies, 4 hours from San Jose to tomorrow's finish. Ain't life in the BikeTiresDirect booth rough. Back tomorrow with some pictures of the ocean!

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