Tour of California 2008 Archived Coverage
(2008 Results, Photos and Video)
| 2008 Tour of California Stage Details | ||||||
| P | Sunday February 17 | 2.1 mi | ||||
| Palo Alto | TT | |||||
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| 1 | Monday February 18 | 97 mi | ||||
| Sausalito → Santa Rosa | ||||||
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| 2 | Tuesday February 19 | 116 mi | ||||
| Santa Rosa → Sacramento | ||||||
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| 3 | Wednesday February 20 | 103 mi | ||||
| Modesto → San Jose |  |
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| 4 | Thursday February 21 | 135 mi | ||||
| Seaside → San Luis Obispo | ||||||
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| 5 | Friday February 22 | 15 mi | ||||
| Solvang | TT |
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| 6 | Saturday February 23 | 109 mi | ||||
| Santa Barbara → Santa Clarita | |
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| 7 | Sunday February 24 | 93 mi | ||||
| Santa Clarita → Pasadena | |
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| map | profile | timetable | live | results | photos | video | ||||||
| Total Distance | 670 mi | |||||
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2007 final general classification 1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery Chan 24.57.24 2 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 0.21 3 Jason McCartney (USA) Discovery Chan 0.54 4 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 1.06 5 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 1.16 6 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Team CSC 1.24 7 Michael Rogers (Aus) T-mobile 1.32 8 Ben Day (Aus) Navigators Insurance 1.38 9 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 1.41 10 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Health Net 1.57 11 Christopher Horner (USA) Predictor-Lotto 2.09 12 Kim Kirchen (Lux) T-mobile 2.16 13 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net 14 Jakob Piil (Den) T-mobile 2.19 15 Dimitri Fofonov (Kaz) Credit Agricole 2.21 16 Danny Pate (USA) Team Slipstream 2.31 17 Christopher Baldwin (USA) Toyota United 18 Bram Tankink (Ned) Quick Step 2.37 19 Fabian Wegmann (Ger) Gerolsteiner 2.44 20 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 2.50 (young rider winner) Jersey winners Mountains: Christophe Laurent (F), Crédit Agr Young rider: Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank Team: CSC2007 Tour of California Recap, Photos and Video | ||||||
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| Route Map | Stage Details | Preview | News | Teams | TV Schedule | Live Internet |
Stage 7 results: George Hincapie wins off the front of the five-man break; Levi rolls across for the overall title
High-res victory salute
Feburary 24th update: The bad weather appeared again at the end of the final stage; a stage that also, once again, saw an exciting successful break. George Hincapie raised his hands at the line after a slow motion sprint featuring five tired break riders. Tom Zirbel was the first into the Pasadena finishing circuits with 20 miles to go; however, despite what the Versus' announcers said, there was no doubt he would be caught by the four-man chase group just 30 seconds back. There was no sense in catching him too early so Zirbel continued to time-trial around the course much to the delight his domestic sponsor, Bissell. On the final lap, the Hincapie-led break easily caught Zirbel and from there it was cat-and-mouse among the five break riders (Zirbel was able to hang on). With 150 meters to go, Hincapie revved his big machine one more time and none of the wet, tired riders were able to respond. Levi Leipheimer easily rolled across for his second straight overall win.
The field sprint for 6th place was also very important. Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) followed Juan Jose Haedo (CSC) across the line for 8th, ensuring that Haedo would not earn enough (relative) points to take the sprint/points competiton jersey from Rollin's shoulders on the final day. And hats off to Mario Cippolini for capturing another top 10 finish today. To come out of retirement after 3 years at the age of 41 and to contest every sprint stage and finish the Tour of California is a great achievement. In fact, despite the cold and wet, the crashes and the spreading virus that claimed so many riders (only 77 of 132 riders finished the event), Rock Racing's handicapped team of five riders all finished the race.
This event has really grown in stature and quality this year despite the bad weather. The depth of the field led to lots of great finishes including three successful breaks by my count. It was great to see the riders' actions on the road making the headlines and not those who run the sport. More to come... — Steve
Stage 7 Results 1 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 3.50.57 2 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net presented by Maxxis 3 Jason Mccartney (USA) Team CSC 4 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing 5 Tom Zirbel (USA) Bissell Pro Cycling 6 Mark Cavendish (GBr) High Road 0.12 7 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team CSC 8 Dominique Rollin (Can) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team 9 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step 10 Mario Cipollini (Ita) Rock Racing Live Text and Full Results — Cyclingnews Final General classification 1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 29.24.32 2 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.49 3 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.08 4 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.18 5 Gustav Larsson (Swe) Team CSC 1.19 6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.36 7 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 2.07 8 Jurgen Vandewalle (Bel) Quick Step 2.11 9 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 2.18 10 Alexandre Moos (Swi) BMC Racing Team 2.27
Full Report — Velonews
Stage 7 - The final 1k — versus Stage 7 finish and mid-race clips — amgentourofcalifornia Post Race: George Hincapie: The responsibility in the chase group was his — Velonews Post Race: Robert Gesink: The Best Young Rider Winner — Velonews Post Race: Tom Zirbel: He had no illusions about winning — Velonews Post Race: Levi Leipheimer/David Millar: Is the race too hard? — Velonews Stage 7 Photo Recap — Graham Watson Stage 7 Finish and Podium Photos — Ken Conley Stage 7 Photos — getty images/ yahoo Pre-race interviews:
Mark Cavendish |
Mario Cipollini | Tom Boonen |
Mustache madness: Zabriskie/Cozza — Velonews
Live video and same day TV coverage
STAGE 7
:Sunday, Feb. 24 - Santa Clarita to Pasadena
Estimated Start Time: 12:00 PST live video internet coverage starts at 11:30 AM PST
Estimated Finish Time: 3:30 p.m. PST
Live text coverage of today's action — Cyclingnews
Live video and same day TV coverage
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developer over the winter providing some feedback. Expect some improvements this year to keep you more entertained, but most importantly, the quality and reliability of the video feed will be first and foremost. Expect VGA quality (640x480) video with multiple camera channels. (update: The Tour Tracker has been working great). You can also view live coverage on cycling.tv. For same day coverage, also check out the Versus Tour of California TV Schedule. Similar to our other dashboards, we'll post links to results, photos and video and other links right here as they become available. Feel free to forward me any good links you come across. — Steve
Stage 6 results: Mark Cavendish wins a wild field sprint, but is penalized; Luciano Pagliarini is the ultimate victor
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| Luciano Pagliarini's belated victory salute (photo by Ken Conley) |
Stage 6 Results1 Mark Cavendish (High Road)relegated 1) Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Saunier Duval-Scott) 2) Juan Jose Haedo (Team CSC) 3) Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) Live Text and Full Results — Cyclingnews
Stage 6 Highlights — Amgen/Velonews Crash aftermath and overhead video of Cavendish's "killer sprint finish" — versus Cavendish describes crashing and then "winning" the stage — versus Bob Stapleton talks about the relagation of Mark Cavendish — Velonews The racer director explains the relegation of Mark Cavendish — Velonews Tom Boonen said he could have won today — Velonews Stage 6 finish and mid-race clips— amgentourofcalifornia.com Stage 6 Photo Recap — Graham Watson Stage 6 Photos — getty images/ yahoo Pre-race interviews:
Chris Horner |
Robert Gesink | George Hincapie |
Bobby Julich | Tom Zirbel — Velonews
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| Photo by Ken Conley |
Stage 5 results: Levi Leipheimer wins in Solvang (again) by 28 seconds over David Millar; solidifes his overall lead
 Photo by Ed Radar |
), demonstrating once again how crucial a good TT performance is. Also, putting in great TT performances were domestic (continental) riders and teammates of the Bissell Pro Cyclng Team, Tom Zirbel and Ben Jacques-Maynes, who finished 8th and 9th respectively; the only domestic riders in the top 10. Levi is looking Golden, but Saturday will be a tough day and there is no ceremonial final stage on Sunday unlike other stage races and the two previous editions of the Tour of California. Look for Slipstream to be very aggressive attempting to isolate Levi over the next two days. It's not likely to happen, but Slipstream has three riders within 1.36 of Levi so it should make for good entertainment. — Steve
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Stage 5 Results 1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 30.47 2 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.29 3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.45 4 Gustav Larsson (Swe) Team CSC 0.57 5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.05 6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.15 7 Janez Brajkovic (Slo) Astana 1.19 8 Tom Zirbel (USA) Bissell Pro Cycling 1.24 9 Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (USA) Bissell Pro Cycling 1.25 10 Kim Kirchen (Lux) High Road 1.28 Live Text and Full Results — Cyclingnews General classification after stage 5 1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 21.14.52 2 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.49 3 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/by H30 1.08 4 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.18 5 Gustav Larsson (Swe) Team CSC 1.19 6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.36 7 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 2.07 8 Jurgen Vandewalle (Bel) Quick Step 2.11 9 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 2.18 10 Alexandre Moos (Swi) BMC Racing Team 2.27
Full Report — Velonews Stage 5 Highlights — Amgen/Velonews Post-race interviews:
Levi Leiphiemer |
David Millar | Christian Vandevelde — Velonews Post race interviews with Levi Leipheimer and David Millar — Cycling Weekly Stage 5 TT clips — amgentourofcalifornia Stage 5 Photos — getty images/ yahoo Stage 5 TT Profile Shots — Graham Watson Warm-up, mid-race, podium and general shots— Rob Jones Levi Leipheimer TT photos — Ed Radar Stage 5 contenders mid-race and podium shots — Ken ConleyMcQuaid Makes Contradictory Statement on Tour Entries regarding Astana and Symmetrics — Canadian CyclistStage 4 results: Pro Continental and Canadian rider, Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United), solos into San Luis Obispo ahead of the best ProTour riders on an "epic day"
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The main break started around the 20k point. The mix of riders changed a little along the way with the eight main characters including: Ted King (Bissell), Roman Kilun (Health Net p/b Maxxis), Bryce Mead (Jelly Belly), Dominique Rollin (Toyota - United ), Danilo Wyss (BMC Racing Team), Bauke Mollema (Rabobank), George Hincapie (High Road) and Iker Camano Ortuzar (Saunier Duval-Scott) whose lead hovered at around two minutes. The announcers were speculating how the sprint finish would unfold with riders having to negotiate a downhill, 90 degree corner just 190 meters from the finish line; however, there would be no sprint finish today.
With 20k to go, the 6-time Canadian National Road Champion, Dominique Rollin (Toyota United Pro) rolled off the front of the break. Only ProTour riders George Hincapie (Team High Road) and Iker Camano Ortuzar (Saunier Duval-Scott) responded, but even though they worked together they couldn't bring back the Pro Continental rider. I've never seen a podium photo that speaks like this one (). Rollin also won the maximum number of sprint points and now leads the points competition. He was also the only guy not wearing a rainjacket! (). A great victory today for Toyota United and Canadian cycling on what Phil Liggett calls "an epic day at the Tour of California" on the longest day in Tour of California (short) history.
  Photos by Ken Conley |
McQuaid Makes Contradictory Statement on Tour Entries regarding Astana and Symmetrics — Canadian Cyclist
Stage 4 Results 1 Dominique Rollin (Can) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team 2 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 0.18 3 Iker Camano Ortuzar (Spa) Saunier Duval-Scott 4 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) High Road 2.28 5 Mark Cavendish (GBr) High Road 6 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team CSC 7 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 8 Alexander Candelario (USA) Kelly Benefit Strategies / Medifast 9 Sébastien Turgot (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 10 Mario Cipollini (Ita) Rock Racing 11 Timothy Johnson (USA) Health Net presented by Maxxis Live Text and Full Results — Cyclingnews
Full Report | Stage 4 reduces the field even further — VelonewsStage 4 Post Race Press Conference Quotes Stage 4 Highlights — Amgen/Velonews Dominique Rollin's post race emotions — Velonews Post-race press conference: George Hincapie | Dominique Rollin — VelonewsThe Dominator: Interview With Dominique Rollin — Pedal Magazine Stage 4 finish and mid-race clips — amgentourofcalifornia Stage 4 Photos — getty images/ yahoo Stage 4 Photos including great podium shots — Ken Conley Stage 4 Photo Recap — Graham Watson
Paul Sherwen's Report | Phil Liggett's Report — worldcycling.tv Pre-race: Mario Cipollini | Chechu Rubiera | Fabian Cancellara— Velonews
Stage 3 results: Robert Gesink and Levi Leipheimer time-trial into San Jose; Gesink gets the win, Levi gets the race lead.
Feburary 20th update: A terrific stage. Anyone who lives in the area knew this would be a great one. In a war of attrition, only two men remained on the final Sierra Grade steps — Robert Gesink and Levi Leipheimer then worked very well together holding off a formidable chase group over the last 20 miles to win by 19 seconds. The agreement was Gesink gets the win in return for Levi establishing the overall lead on the dangerous GC riders (Fabian Cancellara, David Millar and David Zabriskie) in the chase group. Levi said afterwards he was very surprised to here Cancellara was so close at the end of a mountaineous stage. Earlier, George Hincapie escaped on the long descent of Mt Hamilton (earning him the most aggressive rider of the day) before he was caught on the early slopes of Sierra-Grade. He would end up finishing more than seven minutes back. José Luis Rubiera was impressive driving the pace up the steep side of Mt. Hamilton, an effort greatly appreciated afterwards by his Astana team leader, Levi Leipheimer. The weather was much better than expected, but Mt. Hamilton is treacherous even when the roads are dry. Eight riders failed to cross the finish line within the qualifying time and were eliminated from the race. — Steve
Stage 3 Results 1 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 4.28.29 (36.94 km/h) 2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 3 Jurgen Vandewalle (Bel) Quick Step 0.19 4 Kevin Seeldraeyers (Bel) Quick Step 5 Mauricio Alberto Ardila Cano (Col) Rabobank 6 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle by H30 7 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 8 Mauricio Alberto Ardila Cano (Col) Rabobank 9 Alexandre Moos (Swi) BMC Racing Team 10 Victor Hugo Pena Grisales (Col) Rock Racing Live Text and Full Results — Cyclingnews General classification after stage 3 1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 13.45.30 2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 0.13 3 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 0.15 4 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.20 5 Gustav Larsson (Swe) Team CSC 0.21 6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 7 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.23 8 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 0.25 9 Alexandre Moos (Swi) BMC Racing Team 0.29 10 Victor Hugo Pena Grisales (Col) Rock Racing 0.31
Full Report — VelonewsStage 3 Post Race Press Conference Quotes Stage 3 Highlights — Amgen/Velonews Stage 3 finish and mid-race clips — amgentourofcalifornia Stage 3 Photo Recap — Graham Watson Stage 3 Photos — getty images/ yahoo Stage 3 Mt Hamilton and Podium Photos — Ken Conley Post-race press conference: Levi Leipheimer — Velonews Post-race press conference: Robert Gesink (the winner) — Velonews Post-race: Race Analysis from Slipstream's perspective w/ Jonathan Vaughters — Velonews Post-race: Chris Horner — Velonews Pre-race: George Hincapie | Chris Horner | Tom Danielson | David Millar— Velonews
High-res victory salute
Stage 3 preview: The Queen Stage of this Year's Tour
 click to enlarge |
Stage 2 results: Tom Boonen wins a soggy finish in Sacramento after a High Road mix up; Tyler Farrar is now Golden; Cipo gets third
Feburary 19th update: BMC Racing's Scott Nydam (who is he?) soloed over Trinity Grade and continued to slog on solo for 95 miles (4 hours) to earn today's most aggressive rider award. But, the real action was on the soggy finishing circuits in Sacramento, the capital city of California. Yesterday's winner JJ Haedo flatted on the last circuit. A teammate gave him a new wheel and with the help of the CSC team car, Haedo was able to rejoin the peloton just before the sprint. Although he would eventually finish a respectable 5th, he was clearly gassed from catching back on in the final kilometers. Team High Road sent Mark Cavendish to the front followed by teammate Gerald Ciolek heading into the final corner. Ciolek then (strategically?) sat up forcing other riders to bridge the growing gap with Cavendish off scampering on his high horse at the 400 meter mark. He ran out of gas before the finish line, but continued to grind it out as Tom Boonen (Quickstep), Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) and none other than Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing) blew by him at the line. Cavendish probably thought Ciolek was still on his wheel because he slowed down and looked around. If he kept going it looked like he might have won. He did a huge amount of work in the final 2k but came up empty. Slipstream's young classics rider, Tyler Farrar, is now wearing the Golden Jersey heading into the Queen Stage. The weather is suppose to be nasty tomorrow and the field will most certainly shatter on the most difficult stage of this year's Tour. — Steveupdate: Cycling.tv's color commentator Brian Smith called the finish correctly. If Mark Cavendish hadn't slowed down to look around for Gerald Ciolek he would have won.
Stage 2 Results 1 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quickstep 2 Heinrich Haussler (Ger) Gerolsteiner 3 Mario Cipollini (Ita) Rock Racing Live Text and Full Results — Cyclingnews
Full Report — VelonewsCavendish Angry After Sprint Mix-Up — Cycling WeeklyStage 2 Post Race Press Conference Quotes Stage 2 Photo Recap — Graham Watson Stage 2 Start/Trinity/Finish Photos — Ken Conley Stage 2 Highlights — Amgen/Velonews High Road mishap; the bang on call of the sprint finish — cycling.tv Post-race: Tyler Farrar's Golden Jersey presentation and interview — Velonews Post-race: Race Analysis from Slipstream's perspective w/ Jonathan Vaughters — Velonews Post-race: Tom Boonen describes the sprint from his perspective — Velonews Pre-race: George Hincapie describes yesterday's crash — Velonews Pre-race: Tom Boonen interview — Velonews Pre-race: Slipstream's David Millar interview — Velonews Pre-race: Slipstream's Danny Pate interview — Velonews
High-res finishing photo and 
High-res victory salute
Stage 1 Results: JJ Haedo wins the sprint finish in Santa Rosa by two bike-lengths
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| Photo by Ken Conley |
) during the inaugural Tour of California with Toyota-United, he once again wins the drag race in downtown Santa Rosa, this time as a member of CSC who also retain the Golden Jersey today. With 200 meters to go, Paulo Bettini jumped early and gave it a nice go (). Earlier in the day, Jackson Stewart (BMC Racing) rode off the front of the peloton, descended past a small ineffective break at mile 12, stayed away on the cat 3 climb over Colemen Valley Road before being caught with about 20 miles to go during the run into Santa Rosa. He wins most aggressive rider of the day and similar to Haedo's first win in Santa Rosa, Jackson Stewart also won the most aggressive rider two years ago () while riding for Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada. George Hincapie crashed (
) in the final kilometer but looked fine crossing the line; no wild crashes like last year ( scroll down to 15:34). By the way, Haedo now has five victories over the three years of the Tour of California, more than anyone else. — Steve
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| Photo by Ken Conley |
Full Results — Cyclingnews
Reports: Velonews | Cyclingnews Stage 1 Highlights — Amgen/Velonews Stage 1 finish and mid-race clips— amgentourofcalifornia.com Post-race interview with the winner, J.J. Haedo — Velonews Post-race interview with Chris Horner: "my job is to look after Levi" — Velonews Pre-race: Levi looking resplendent in his new Captain America kit — Velonews Pre-race: Bradley Wiggins: "I didn't expect to beat Fabian" — Velonews Stage 1 Photos — Graham Watson Stage 1 Photos — Ken Conley
Stage 1 Results 1 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team CSC 2 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) High Road 3 Heinrich Haussler (Ger) Gerolsteiner
Prologue Results: No surprise as the big man, Fabian Cancellara, comes up big on the short, flat prologue course in Palo Alto
(photo courtesy ofsuperfluity)
Fabian Cancellara cruising through the streets of Stanford University in front of a crowd estimated at 200,000.
Ed Radar's prologue photos: set #1,
set #2, and
pre-race
Prologue video highlights — Amgen/Velonews Pre-Prologue Analysis with Slipstream's Jonathan Vaughters — Velonews (He predicted Tyler Farrar would be strong... and he was right) Prologue Photos — Graham Watson Pre-Race (Warm-up) Prologue Photos — Ken Conley Prologue Action Shot Photos — Ken Conley Pre-race fun and warm-up — cyclelicio.us
Prologue Results 1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC (51.43 km/h) 3.51.21 2 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) High Road 0.04 3 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle pb by H30 0.05 4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.06 5 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) High Road 0.07 6 Gustav Larsson (Swe) Team CSC 0.08 7 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle pb by H30 8 Mark Cavendish (GBr) High Road 9 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle pb by H30 10 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle pb by H30 0.09 11 Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (USA) Bissell Pro Cycling 12 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream pb by H30 0.10 13 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 14 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) High Road 0.11 15 Karl Menzies (Aus) Health Net presented by Maxxis 16 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 0.12 Full Results and Live Report — Cyclingnews
Levi Leipheimer in his Astana colors racing around the Oval at Stanford. Last year's winner was just six seconds back in 4th place... the best of the small men on a flat course. (photo courtesy of superfluity)
| Tyler Hamilton talks about the decision to exclude him and two of his Rock Racing teammates before the start of the prologue. |
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| Photo by Ken Conley |
Tour of California kick-off press conference
Feburary 16th update: I was at the pre-race press conference in Palo Alto today. Below, I've posted about 45 minutes worth of video divided into 21 clips. The first half are rider introductions and the second are question and answers. The real excitement though was at the Rock Racing press conference: Ball: It's all or nothing. Velonews has posted uncut video of the Michael Ball press conference (). — Steve Press Conference photos and write-up — Ken ConleyTour of California press conference - riders comments — Cyclingnews
| Panel (Rider) Introductions followed by Questions and Answers | ||
| Having problems playing these video clips? Download the latest free version of QuickTime | ||
Prologue Preview: 2.1 mi (flat)
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The opening prologue has switched from a summit assault of Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco to a fast flat course in Palo Alto-Stanford University which will favor the big men of the sport such the world time-trial champion, Fabian Cancellara, and George Hincapie rather last year's prologue and overall winner, Levi Leipheimer. — Steve
Prologue rider start order
What to expect and when and where to watch live in person:
Timetable with start/finish times— AmgenToCStreet closures; parking and BART tips— Cyclelicious Levi's prologue win last year — grassyknoll Versus 2007 race recap aired last Saturday ( 6:28) — Versus
Tour of California team rosters officially announced
Feburary 14th update: The team rosters for this year's Tour of California were announced tonight and the talent is truly stacked for this year's race. Rock Racing's roster is still incomplete and neither Tyler Hamilton or Mario Cipollini are listed. Rababank has Mathew Hayman listed but he broke his collarbone last month at the Tour Down Under. Here are details from the press release:World-Class Field Announced for 2008 Amgen Tour of California Professional Cycling Road Race
Race Draws Top Cyclists, Including Defending Champion Levi Leipheimer and World Champion Paolo BettiniLOS ANGELES, February 14, 2008 – Considered the best collection of talent to compete in a U.S. professional cycling stage race, the world-class roster of teams and cyclists scheduled to participate in the 2008 Amgen Tour of California has been announced by race presenter AEG.* An internationally sanctioned professional cycling road race, the 2008 Amgen Tour of California will host 17 teams and 136 riders for the third annual race from February 17-24, 2008.
The race will bring the top cycling talent in the world to compete across more than 650 miles of California roadway from Palo Alto-Stanford University to Pasadena, Calif. Attracting an unprecedented field of riders from 27 countries, cyclists hail from countries as far away as Slovenia, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan and South Africa.
"We are delighted to be able to announce this extraordinary group of cyclists who will be competing in the third Amgen Tour of California,” said Andrew Messick, president, AEG Sports. “We’ve never had a group this accomplished in our race and can’t wait to see them out on the roads of California.”
The field will include riders from well-known teams such as Astana, High Road, Quick Step, Saunier Duval-Scott and Team CSC, which returns to defend the title as the overall classification winner of the 2006 and 2007 Amgen Tour of California races. Some of the notable riders expected to begin the race in Palo Alto-Stanford University on Feb. 17 include:
*Team rosters are subject to change
World Champions:
- Paolo Bettini (ITA), Quick Step
- Tom Boonen (BEL), Quick Step
- Bradley Wiggins (GBR), High Road
- Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team CSC
- Oscar Freire Gomez (ESP), Rabobank
- Gerald Ciolek (GER), High Road
- Dmytro Grabovskyy (UKR), Quick Step
Olympic Medalists:
- Paolo Bettini (ITA), Quick Step
- Bobby Julich (USA), Team CSC
- Bradley Wiggins (GBR), High Road
- Bradley McGee (AUS), Team CSC
National Time Trial Champions (by country):
- Vladimir Gusev (RUS), Astana
- Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR), High Road
- Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team CSC
- Gustav Larsson (SWE), Team CSC
- David Millar (GBR), Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
- David Zabriskie (USA), Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
National Road Champions (by country):
- Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana
- Fabian Wegmann (GER), Gerolsteiner
- David Millar (GBR), Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
American Race Champions:
- Levi Leipheimer (Astana), 2007 Amgen Tour of California
- Janez Brajkovic (Astana), 2007 Tour de Georgia
- George Hincapie (High Road), 2007 Tour of Missouri
- Chris Horner (Astana), 2003 Tour de Georgia
Top 2007 Amgen Tour of California Notables:
- Levi Leipheimer (Astana): Prologue; individual time trial; first overall
- Juan Jose Haedo (Team CSC): Stage 2 and 6; first overall in sprint classification
- Robert Gesink (Rabobank): First overall Best Young Rider
- Danny Pate (Slipstream Chipotle Powered By H30): First overall Most Aggressive Rider
- Jens Voigt (Team CSC): Second overall; stage 3
- Paolo Bettini (Quick Step): Stage 4
- Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team): Stage 7
- Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing): Tenth overall in sprint classification
- Bobby Julich (Team CSC): Fourth overall
- Team CSC: Defending team champions (2006 and 2007)
California Natives/Residents:
- Astana: Levi Leipheimer (Santa Rosa)
- BMC Racing Team: Scott Nydam (Santa Rosa); Antonio Cruz (Long Beach)
Jackson Stewart (Los Gatos); Taylor Tolleson (Watsonville) - BISSELL Pro Cycling: Ben Jacques-Maynes (San Jose); Aaron Olson (Santa Barbara); Scott Zwizanski (Sausalito)
- Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis: Roman Kilun (Berkeley)
- Jelly Belly Cycling Team: Bernard Van Ulden (Belmont)
- Rock Racing: Fred Rodriguez (San Francisco)
- Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30: Steven Cozza (Petaluma)
- Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team: Cuban rider Ivan Dominguez (Chatsworth)
Third Amgen Tour of California poised as best yet— Velonews
The 2008 Amgen Tour of California announces the 17 professional cycling teams
January 17th update: "Most Diverse, Accomplished Field Ever Assembled for a Race on U.S. Soil":* Astana (LUX)
* Bissell Pro Cycling Team (USA)
* BMC Racing Team (USA)
* Bouygues Telecom (FRA)
* Credit Agricole (FRA)
* Gerolsteiner (GER)
* Health Net Presented by Maxxis (USA)
* High Road Sports (GER)
* Jelly Belly Cycling Team (USA)
* Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast (USA)
* Quick Step (BEL)
* Rabobank Cycling Team (Netherlands)
* Rock Racing (USA)
* Saunier Duval-Scott (ESP)
* Team CSC (DEN)
* Team Slipstream Powered by Chipotle (USA)
* Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team (USA)
More Info
Versus TV Schedule for the 2008 Tour of California |
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Feb. 17 - Palo Alto - Stanford University 2PM PST/ 5PM EST
Feb. 18 - Sausalito to Santa Rosa 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 19 - Santa Rosa to Sacramento 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 20 - Modesto to San Jose 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 21 - Seaside to San Luis Obispo 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 22 - Solvang 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 23 - Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita 2PM PST/ 5PM EST
Feb. 24 - Santa Clarita to Pasadena 2PM PST/ 5PM EST
Find the Versus channel in your area
Versus 2007 Tour of California recap from last Saturday ( 6:28) — More Versus clips
Analyzing the route of the 2008 Tour of California
November 14th update: Today, the stage details were released by the organizers. The host towns have been known since July, but today we know the details. Stages 1 and 2 are unchanged from last year. Stage 4, 5 and 6 have minor changes. Stage 3 definitely looks the most interesting with steep climbs over Patterson Pass, Del Puerto Canyon Road, Mt Hamilton (east side) and Sierra Road before, what has become, the traditional run into San Jose. It would have been nice to see a Mt Hamilton summit finish as we have yet to see a mountaintop road race finish in the three years of this event and an east side Mt Hamilton summit finish is logistically possible. Some spice has also been added to the final, traditionallly flat, stage which will feature alot of climbing compared to other final day stage races with the climb over the 4906 foot Mill Creek Summit before the descent into Pasadena and six "tough" 8k laps around the Rose Bowl. Mill Creek Summit will be the highest point of any stage since the race's inception. But unlike other stage races, 4 of the 6 road races in this year's Tour of California end in finishing circuits. Obviously, the organizers have concluded that laps through the finishing city are good for spectators and the host city. Unfortunately, finishing circuits make the finish confusing (even for race officials) and can nullify an otherwise interesting course design. The eight days of racing starts with a very short. flat 2.1 mile prologue in Palo Alto which replaces the popular Telegraph Hill course in San Francisco. — Steve
Also see,
More teeth in 2008 Tour of California — Velonews
Priority Health and California native, Ben Jacques-Maynes previews the course — PezCycling News
Mt Hamilton Road Race and Patterson Pass Road Race for a stage 3 preview — steephill.tv
Photos from last year's Stages 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 which are unchanged — Tour of California Grassy Knoll Project
AEG ANNOUNCES ROUTE DETAILS FOR 2008
AEG ANNOUNCES ROUTE DETAILS
2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL CYCLING ROAD RACE
World-Class Cycling Field to Compete Across 650 Miles of California
Roadway in Eight-Day Stage Race
LOS ANGELES (November 13, 2007) – Specific route details for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race were revealed today by AEG, presenter of the third-annual event. A Tour de France-style cycling road race, the 2008 Amgen Tour of California will challenge the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding 650-mile course from Palo Alto-Stanford University to Pasadena, February 17-24, 2008.
The 2007 race drew more than 1.6 million spectators, surpassing the inaugural year’s turnout and setting records in attendance for a single sporting event in California, as well as for any cycling event ever held in the United States. One of the most anticipated professional cycling races in the United States, the 2008 Amgen Tour of California will be staged over an even more challenging route. Featuring elite professional teams and athletes from around the world, the 2008 Amgen Tour of California will bring the drama and excitement of a professional cycling stage race to the California coast for a third consecutive year while showcasing more than 650 miles of scenic California highways, roadways and coastline drives.
Scheduled over eight consecutive days from February 17-24, 2008, the race will visit
12 host cities for official stage starts and finishes, with communities along the route getting the chance to see, firsthand, a lineup of some of the best and most recognizable teams and cyclists in the world. Host cities for the Prologue and seven stages include: Palo Alto-Stanford University (new in 2008), Sausalito, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Modesto (new in 2008), San Jose, Seaside, San Luis Obispo, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita and Pasadena (new in 2008).
"The challenging geographical features and picturesque landscape of California provide the perfect combination of elements for a world-class cycling event," said Kristin Bachochin, senior director of AEG Sports, presenter of the race. "For the third year of the Amgen Tour of California, we remain committed to upgrading and enhancing every element of the race experience for the cyclists and spectators by creating an even more challenging and exciting race."
Highlights of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California race route include:
Prologue: Palo Alto-Stanford University (Sunday, February 17, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
At 1 p.m., riders will kick off the 2008 Amgen Tour of California with a short, but intense, individual time trial of just more than two miles. The flat and fast route will likely take each individual cyclist less than five minutes to finish. Although it is short, the Prologue, sponsored by CSC, will be packed with excitement and high speed. The Stanford Oval will give spectators the chance to see the riders complete a full 360-degree loop before they head to the finish line at the intersection of Palm Dr. and Museum Way on the Stanford University campus.
Stage 1: Sausalito to Santa Rosa (Monday, February 18, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
(Start time: 11 a.m.) Starting on the northern side of the San Francisco Bay, Stage 1 will cover nearly 100 miles from Sausalito to Santa Rosa. The stage, sponsored by Herbalife, begins with a climb from Mill Valley up to Mt. Tamalpais State Park before turning toward Muir Beach. The relatively flat route will take the riders north toward Bodega Bay and Coleman Valley Road, a landmark climb in Northern California. Spectators can watch the stage win unfold as the field heads downhill from Occidental for three finishing circuit laps in downtown Santa Rosa. In previous years, the Santa Rosa fans have set the mark for one of the largest and most enthusiastic crowds of the entire race.
Stage 2: Santa Rosa to Sacramento (Tuesday, February 19, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
(Start time: 10 a.m.) A scenic start through several Sonoma County wineries will quickly turn into one of the most significant climbs of the race as Stage 2, sponsored by Union Bank of California, takes the peloton east en route to the state's capital, Sacramento. Twelve miles from the start, Trinity Road's vertical climbs and treacherous decent into the wineries of Napa Valley will make it one of the most difficult climbs of the entire race, as proven during the 2007 Amgen Tour of California. Continuing east past Lake Berryessa, the peloton will head through the cities of Winters and Davis, which recently was named the best cycling town in the United States by Bicycle Magazine. With a quick turn to the north, the route will follow the Sacramento River to the Tower Bridge and on to Capitol Mall in Sacramento. The stage concludes with three circuit laps through downtown, finishing on the front steps of California's Capitol building, a perfect viewing location for race spectators.
Stage 3: Modesto to San Jose (Wednesday, February 20, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
(Start time: 10 a.m.) A new course for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California, Stage 3 will begin with a neutral start of parade laps through Modesto's revitalized downtown area before heading south through California's scenic farmlands. After passing through Patterson, the cyclists will encounter a defining portion of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. A 26-mile section full of twists and turns with constant climbing will take the riders past the rugged beauty of the Frank Raines Regional Park, leading to a relentless climb over the backside of Mt. Hamilton. With an elevation of 4,360 feet, Mt. Hamilton will be one of the highest elevations ever reached in the Amgen Tour of California. After the descent, the riders will head to Sierra Road, another epic climb. Once the riders crest Sierra Road, the peloton will complete the course with a quick 18-mile run into the finish line in San Jose.
Stage 4: Seaside to San Luis Obispo (Thursday, February 21, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
(Start time: 10 a.m.) The remarkable views of Stage 4 have distinguished it as a race favorite for riders and spectators alike. Beginning in Seaside with a short neutral lap and traveling along a similar route to previous years, the peloton will head south on scenic Highway 1 where sweeping vistas of Big Sur and redwood forests flank the Pacific Ocean. At more than 130 miles and with three KOMs ("King of the Mountain" competitions), Stage 4, sponsored by Olevia, is the longest stage of the race and has proven to be a test for the riders with consistently hilly and technical terrain. The long day will take the riders down the California coastline by Hearst Castle before shifting inland toward the finish line at the intersection of Osos St. and Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo.
Stage 5: Solvang Individual Time Trial (Friday, February 22, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
(Start time: noon) The quaint Danish village of Solvang annually hosts some of the ProTour teams for training camps as well as some of the largest cycling events in the United States. At only 15 miles, slightly longer than the 2007 individual time trial and with the start and finish lines located only one block apart, Stage 5, sponsored by ADT Security Services, is an ideal location for spectators to view the race. The route will highlight some of the most beautiful areas of Central California, winding through quaint towns, vineyards, farms, and one short, but steep, climb. This year's short, flat and fast time trial will create a challenging test for the riders and is expected to be a decisive day of the race.
Stage 6: Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita (Saturday, February 23, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
(Start time: 11 a.m.) Stage 6 could be the pivotal stage for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. The stage is one of the longest at 105 miles, and it is heavy on climbs with four KOMs, three sprints and a demanding finishing circuit in Santa Clarita. With the individual time trial late in the race again this year, there is the potential for several riders to be separated by just a few seconds as they begin the stage. After a start in view of the Santa Barbara shoreline, this stage, sponsored by Health Net, will take the peloton to Highway 192 and through the town of Carpinteria. The route will then take the riders on Highway 150 where they will face two KOMs before passing Lake Casitas and riding into the scenic town of Ojai. The third KOM will be just a few miles outside Ojai, and then the course will head downhill into Santa Paula. The ominous Balcom Canyon will be the final climb of the day, where in 2007 nearly 25,000 fans formed a narrow corridor for the riders. The cyclists will end the day with three circuit laps in Santa Clarita that finish at McBean Parkway at the Valencia Town Center.
Stage 7: Santa Clarita to Pasadena (Sunday, February 24, 2008) (timetable | stage map)
(Start time: TBD) By configuring the final stage of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California as a difficult point-to-point road race, there is a chance to see an overall lead change, as well as a change in the KOM jersey leader on the last day. The first 25 miles of Stage 7, sponsored by Amgen, include a gradual climb from Santa Clarita to the intersection of Angeles Forest Road. The route continues uphill to the highest elevation ever reached by the Amgen Tour of California on the towering Millcreek Summit (4,906 feet). Descending with an eight-mile run to Angeles Crest Highway, the route begins a fast plunge to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. After more than 60 miles from Santa Clarita to Pasadena, with the mountains and the Rose Bowl serving as the backdrop, the peloton will complete the stage and the race, with six five-mile laps on a very demanding circuit around the Rose Bowl. Organizers expect a hard sprint to the finish; as with all the Grand Tours of Europe, winning the final stage of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California is a prize coveted by the riders.
Additional resources such as log sheets, elevation profiles and recommended viewing locations will be added to this Web site in the coming weeks.
HOST CITIES ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
Announcement Video — Amgen
World-Class Cycling Field Will Return to California in February to Compete Across 700 Miles of California Roadway in Eight-Day Stage Race
LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2007) – The 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race will take place February 17-24, 2008, as confirmed today by AEG, presenters of the record-setting ‘Tour de France-style’ cycling road race staged across many of California’s most scenic state highways, roadways and coastline drives. Already considered cycling’s most important and successful road race held in the United States, the event’s third running will cover more than 700 miles (increased from 650 miles in 2007) over the eight days.
Through a series of local press conferences and briefings throughout the state, race organizers also announced the 12 official stage start and finish cities that have been selected for the 2008 race, including three new locales – Modesto, Palo Alto and Pasadena – that will join Sacramento, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Santa Rosa, Sausalito, Seaside and Solvang as host cities along the route.
"We are committed to making the Amgen Tour of California bigger and better every year, continuing to raise the bar for what it means to be the largest, most important cycling race in America," said Shawn Hunter, managing director, Amgen Tour of California. "From the world-class riders and aggressive and challenging competition, to the tremendous amount of support from the fans and host cities, the Amgen Tour of California has grown to become a highly anticipated event within the international cycling community in only two years. Now in our third year, fans can expect the best race yet."
In just two years, the Amgen Tour of California has become the most successful race in the United States, both in attendance and economic growth. The 2007 race drew more than 1.8 million spectators, setting records for a single sporting event in the state of California, as well as any cycling event ever held on U.S. soil. The race also has generated $100 million in economic growth for the state each year.
Returning for a third year as the title sponsor of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California, Amgen, the world's leading biotechnology company, will continue to leverage the race to raise awareness and support for people affected by cancer through the Breakaway from CancerTM initiative. Based in Thousand Oaks, Calif., Amgen's invaluable support of the Amgen Tour of California has helped to ensure its continued success and impact beyond the sporting arena.
"Amgen is excited to join AEG for a third year as the title sponsor of the Amgen Tour of California," said Jim Daly, senior vice president of North America Commercial Operations at Amgen. "We look forward to another great race week and the opportunity to again lead the Breakaway from Cancer initiative to increase awareness of the support and educational resources available to help people living with cancer."
In its first two years, the Amgen Tour of California attracted some of the world's most renowned and respected riders, creating action-packed competition with non-stop excitement. As the winner of the 2007 Amgen Tour of California, California resident Levi Leipheimer (USA) of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team already has gone on to win two stages in the Tour of Georgia and is currently racing in fourth place in this year's Tour de France.
"After only two years, the Amgen Tour of California is a great race and is one of the greatest races in the world," Levi Leipheimer, general classification winner of the 2007 Amgen Tour of California and member of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, said this week from France where he is competing. "I think it has a good place on the calendar. More and more of the world’s best want to come. I think next year we will see an even better field. I think it will just continue to grow like that.”
Sanctioned by the UCI (Union Cycliste International) and USA Cycling, the Amgen Tour of California has drawn the attention of everyone from cycling enthusiasts to first-time spectators, making it one of the most anticipated events on the international cycling calendar.
Beginning with the Prologue in Palo Alto through the grand finale in Pasadena, the 2008 race will visit 12 host cities for official stage starts and finishes, while cities along the route will also have the opportunity to witness the excitement of elite professional cycling. Stages for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California include:
- Prologue: Sunday, Feb. 17 - Palo Alto
- Stage 1: Monday, Feb. 18 - Sausalito to Santa Rosa
- Stage 2: Tuesday, Feb. 19 - Santa Rosa to Sacramento
- Stage 3: Wednesday, Feb. 20 - Modesto to San Jose
- Stage 4: Thursday, Feb. 21 - Seaside to San Luis Obispo
- Stage 5: Friday, Feb. 22 - Solvang time trial
- Stage 6: Saturday, Feb. 23 - Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita
- Stage 7: Sunday, Feb. 24 - Santa Clarita to Pasadena road race, concluding with a circuit race in Pasadena