Stage 5 Play by Play
16:47:53 The 15-mile individual time trial in Solvang, Stage 6 sponsored by Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer, is a crucial test that could reshuffle the General Classification and determine our eventual race winner. One rider at a time will start in the reverse order of the GC and race the clock around the rolling course. There will be no hiding. This is it. Be here at 11:30 AM PT for our pre-race show hosted by Frankie Andreu & JoE Silva. Our live race coverage begins at 12 PM PT. Thanks for riding with us today. I'm Rick Scott sending you peace, love & cycling bliss from Paso Robles.16:39:58 The longest route in this year's Amgen Tour of California, Stage 5, sponsored by Rabobank, was a 134.3-mile trek from Visalia to Paso Robles with neither a bump nor a hill along the way. After five miles, a six-man escape – Curtis Gunn (Fly V Australia), Glen Chadwick (Rock Racing), Pieter Weening (Rabobank), Cameron Evans (OUCH), Matthew Crane (Jelly Belly) and Jeff Louder (BMC) - formed and held out for over 100 miles of flat roads that included a pair of Herbalife Sprints. Louder and Gunn folded from the pace and the new four-man break marched towards finish under glorious blue skies, sunshine and warm temperatures. With 4 km remaining, the teams of the sprinters nabbed their prey setting the stage for a sprint finish. Team Columbia-Highroad's Mark Cavendish collected his second consecutive stage win by more than a bike length over rival Tom Boonen (Quick Step). Overall race leader, Levi Leipheimer (Astana) finished safely in the field to retain his yellow jersey.
15:38:58 Two stage wins in a row for Cavendish (Columbia-Highroad) and he won by a bike length today. Levi Leipheimer stays in yellow as the overall race leader for Astana.
15:37:22 The riders who separated are across the line as well. Not sure if any big names were in that second group.
15:36:38 It wasn't even close. Boonen was outclassed by Cav.
15:36:03 No chance...Cavendish wins again!
15:35:44 Cavendish and Boonen drag race to the line.
15:35:23 Cervelo and Columbia-Highroad lead the pack.
15:34:51 Big right turn. The field is inside 1 km.
15:34:24 132.5 miles into the stage.
15:34:08 They've been nailed back.
15:33:47 A Liquigas rider is attempting to catch Voigt and Landis.
15:33:10 Landis has opened a gap. Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) joins him.
15:32:41 Here comes an attack from Floyd Landis (OUCH).
15:32:16 3 km to the finish.
15:31:48 Two groups are riding into town 30 seconds apart.
15:31:08 4 km to the finish and the break is over.
15:30:53 Here comes the catch.
15:30:40 The four men in the escape are only up 8 seconds.
15:30:19 5 km to the finish and there remains a split in the field.
15:29:54 I can hear the boisterous crowd in Paso Robles at the finish roaring in anticipation.
15:29:05 Each day, the most courageous rider will earn Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer jersey. It's awarded to a cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer. The qualities that will earn a rider the jersey are courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance. Rock Racing's Tyler Hamilton is wearing the jersey today after his performance in yesterday's stage. His mother is battling cancer.
15:28:48 Fasten your chinstraps, boys & girls. The gap is at 25 seconds. We are going to be treated to another high-speed sprint finish!
15:27:32 The four men in the break split in half as well, but they are back together.
15:26:33 The pace at the front has caused a separation in the field and one of the riders who came off is Ivan Basso (Liquigas).
15:24:47 50 seconds is the gap.
15:24:35 Get your piece of the Amgen Tour of California. There are many new clothing and commemorative souvenir offerings available this year including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Shop 'til you drop at www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Today we have a special on t-shirts. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code tshirts09 at checkout.
15:24:17 10 km left for the field as the gap is 55 seconds.
15:23:22 The lead is down to one minute.
15:23:01 10 km left for the break.
15:22:28 It looks like the United Nations at the head of the field as each team with a strong sprinter seems to have a rider at the front.
15:21:11 1:35 is the gap.
15:20:40 126.5 miles into the stage out of the 134.5 they'll cover today.
15:19:40 1:30 is the advantage for the four-man break.
15:18:31 124 miles into the stage for the field. The two chasers - Gunn and Louder - have been reabsorbed by the peloton.
15:17:35 Quick Step and Columbia-Highroad are bunched at the front of the peloton muscling the chase.
15:15:02 The two chasers are 25 seconds behind the break.
15:14:12 The gap is 2 minutes.
15:14:01 The four-men in the break are riding with the hope of not getting caught before they cross the finish line in Paso Robles.
15:12:14 20 km to the finish for the field and the gap is 2:10.
15:09:53 Gunn (Fly V Australia) and Louder (BMC) are riding together ahead of the field after having been dropped from the break.
15:08:51 2:25 is the gap.
15:06:51 2:30 is the gap. 25 km left for the field.
15:05:23 Weening (Rabobank), Evans (OUCH), Crane (Jelly Belly) and Chadwick (Rock Racing) soldier on in the break.
15:04:21 It was Louder (BMC) and Gunn (Fly V Australia) who have been dropped. 25 km to the finish for the now four-man break.
15:03:14 The break shed two men.
15:01:30 2:40 is the gap.
15:01:01 The field is going over one of the rollers on the way into Paso Robles where the streets have been closed since 7 PM last night to get ready for their arrival. Another spectacular crowd has gathered here and might be treated to a sprint finish. I'm Rick Scott, honored to have you following the race with us.
14:58:19 3 minutes in the gap.
14:57:04 Pat McCartney (OUCH) has rejoined the pack after a wheel change as well. The break is up 3:15.
14:55:48 A Columbia-Highroad rider just got a very fast wheel change.
14:55:18 It's a stellar day in California as the field is past the 112-mile mark. The break has been gone since the 5-mile point.
14:52:59 3:35 for the escape. Think they're going to get caught?
14:51:48 Columbia-Highroad is near the front as well.
14:50:54 Louder (BMC)in the break just called for his team car.
14:50:20 Quick Step and Garmin-Slipstream are aiding the chase.
14:49:08 No finishing circuits in Paso Robles. The gap is 3:45 for the six-man break.
14:46:57 Cervelo still fueling the chase.
14:46:36 4:10 is the gap.
14:46:00 111.5 miles into the stage.
14:44:53 The gap is holding at 4:15.
14:40:38 Over 4 hours into the race with a bit less than an hour left to ride.
14:39:39 The time bonuses on offer in the two Herbalife Sprints on the road today were 3 seconds, 2 seconds and 1 second.
14:38:41 The break just crossed the second Herbalife Sprint in Shandon with no change in speed. A nice crowd watched them fly by.
14:37:35 The six-man escape continues their effort on the roads to Paso Robles where Stage 5 will finish after 134.3 miles.
14:32:04 Get your piece of the Amgen Tour of California. There are many new clothing and commemorative souvenir offerings available this year including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Shop 'til you drop at www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Today we have a special on t-shirts. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code tshirts09 at checkout.
14:31:36 It's all Cervelo at the front tapping out tempo for the field.
14:29:29 Andy Schleck is the Saxo Bank worker bee. His teammate, Juan Jose Haedo, has won a stage in each previous edition of this race and is hungry to keep the streak alive.
14:27:06 The gap is down to 4:40. The results off the first Herbalife Sprint: Weening (Rabobank) Evans (OUCH) Gunn (Fly V Australia)
14:25:09 No change in speed for the break as they have their eyes on the big prize of the day and not the few points and seconds available in the Herbalife Sprint.
14:23:28 1 KM to the first Herbalife Sprint of the day for the break. Saxo Bank sent someone to the front of the peloton for sprinter J.J. Haedo.
14:19:41 Cervelo does have a rider at the front aiding the chase as do riders from Columbia-Highroad and Quick Step.
14:17:44 Interesting to see Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) riding all the way at the back of the peloton.
14:16:11 6:40 is the gap. The break is riding over a rise that is lined by enthusiastic spectators with cowbells and costumes. There goes Batman!
14:12:36 Overall race leader Levi Leipheimer is glued to the wheel of Astana teammate Lance Armstrong. Can you even imagine Lance riding for YOU in a race?
14:11:13 Almost 94 miles into the stage for the break, which includes Evans (OUCH), Weening (Rabobank), Gunn (Fly V Australia), Crane (Jelly Belly), Louder (BMC) and Chadwick (Rock Racing).
14:09:23 Over 93 miles into Stage 5 and the break is falling fast. 6:52 at the moment. The chase is on in earnest.
14:07:10 The gap has fallen to a bit over 7 minutes.
14:03:05 The gap is steadily shrinking for the six riders in the escape. The teams of the sprinters want their day.
14:00:10 Columbia-Highroad and Quick Step have finally sent men to the front to aid Astana in the chase.
13:59:13 With that time gap, Pieter Weening of Rabobank, who happen to be the sponsor of today's stage, is the yellow jersey on the road. He began the day 6:13 behind Levi Leipheimer (Astana).
13:57:44 Over 87 miles into the day for the break, which will traverse 134.3 miles. The gap has dropped to 7:50.
13:55:49 Popular here in Paso Robles today with our crew are bracelets that look like bike chains, which are only $5.00, the proceeds of which is being donated to LIVESTRONG. They are available at www.calpolywheelmen.org
13:52:37 Maybe we should raise money for LIVESTRONG by having our commentator JoE Silva shave his beard. Hmmm...what do you think? atoc2009@yahoo.com
13:51:20 The faces of the riders in the break are showing a bit of wear and tear from the effort of this long escape.
13:50:31 The gap for the break is a bit over 8 minutes.
13:50:04 Cameron Evans (OUCH) in the break is talking to his race director on the radio.
13:48:26 The peloton is going over a slight rise, which furnished the opportunity to get out of the saddle to stretch the legs a bit during this very long stage. They've been riding well over 3 hours thus far today.
13:42:15 Cavendish nearly lost the stage yesterday to rival Tom Boonen (Quick Step) after starting his victory celebration a bit too soon. Oddly enough, the young British Team Columbia-Highroad from rider won a race over Boonen last year after the Belgian celebrated too soon.
13:38:51 Almost 81 miles into the stage for the break, which is up over 7 minutes on the field.
13:36:37 Waiting for a new time gap for the break, but word is that it is coming down.
13:36:00 Looking at images of Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad) and Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) chatting in the field. Both sprinters have won stages in this year's race and will be going for the win again today if the break is hauled back.
13:27:43 It's still the baby blue and yellow of Astana at the front driving the peloton.
13:26:32 76 miles into the race for the six-man break.
13:21:06 Over 71 miles into the race. The first of two Herbalife Sprints comes at 101.3 miles.
13:14:33 Get your piece of the Amgen Tour of California. There are many new clothing and commemorative souvenir offerings available this year including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Shop 'til you drop at www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Today we have a special on t-shirts. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code tshirts09 at checkout.
13:11:20 It's a delightful 67 degrees and the riders are basking in the glorious Golden State sunshine.
13:06:44 The break is over 65 miles into the stage, which covers 134.3 miles from Visalia to Paso Robles. It's Stage 5 of the 4th Amgen Tour of California. Rick Scott thanking you for joining us. Calling the action with the live images are Frankie Andreu & Travelin' JoE Silva.
13:03:11 6:15 is the advantage for the six-man break consisting of Weening (Rabobank), Gunn (Fly V Australia), Evans (OUCH), Crane (Jelly Belly), Louder (BMC) and Chadwick (Rock Racing).
12:58:37 Here's more info on Roll's selfless act: Like most people, Scot "Chuck Ibis" Nicol of Ibis Cycles and Elden "Fatty" Nelson of FatCyclist.com have been touched by cancer (Nelson's wife is currently in the final part of her battle against metastasized breast cancer). In a fit of strange genius, they issued Bob Roll a challenge: If they could raise $5000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation during the Amgen Tour of California, Roll would shave his head. Amazingly, Roll Bob agreed. Even more amazingly, Nicol and Fatty hit the $5000 goal in a single day. They're raised over $6000. Nicol is hard at work finding some top-grade, hard-to-find bike swag as cool giveaways for a few random, lucky people who donate to the Bobke's "Shave My Head for LIVESTRONG" fund. Go to http://austin09.livestrong.org/bobroll to donate, and someday you'll be able to tell your grandchildren that because of you, Bob Roll (finally) got rid of that unsightly fin of hair on top of his head. Plus, you may be a lucky winner. And you'll for sure be doing something good to help someone in need.
12:54:01 The gap is at 6 minutes.
12:53:59 The gap is at 6 minutes.
12:53:44 Prior to the start of today's stage, Astana team director Johan Bruyneel shaved the head of Bob Roll after over $6,000 was raised for Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG foundation. Armstrong watched as Bobke's hair was buzzed off.
12:50:27 Race radio just sent out a warning about a large number of bees in the area. Yikes!
12:46:37 The gap is back up to 6:15 while everyone lunches.
12:45:50 Each day, the most courageous rider will earn Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer jersey. It's awarded to a cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer. The qualities that will earn a rider the jersey are courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance. Rock Racing's Tyler Hamilton is wearing the jersey today after his performance in yesterday's stage. His mother is battling cancer.
12:45:34 Many of the riders have shed their vests and arm warmers as the sunshine has heated up the day.
12:44:23 The riders are loading their pockets with the contents of their feedbags and tossing them aside.
12:43:21 Lunch time for the field.
12:41:45 The gap is 5:50.
12:39:28 1 km to the feed for the field.
12:38:52 The peloton is taking a group nature break, which will allow the break to grow again.
12:37:58 The gap is 5:30 as the escapees grab their feedbags.
12:34:48 The gap is 5:40.
12:34:32 1 km to the feed for the break and 5 km to the feed for the field.
12:33:51 Rabobank's Pieter Weening is the best placed rider in the break. He's 6:13 in arrears of the yellow jersey.
12:30:36 Average speed today is 24 mph.
12:28:20 The gap is down to 5:50. 5 km to the feed zone for the break.
12:21:47 Chris Horner taps his Astana teammate on the back and moves up to the head of the field to take his turn setting tempo.
12:19:52 We're approximately 49 miles into the 134.3 miles the cyclists will pedal today.
12:17:43 The break is up 6:50.
12:12:25 Astana riding tempo driving the peloton across the straight flat roads from Visalia to Paso Robles during Stage 5 of the Amgen Tour of California. Happy you've joined us. I'm Rick Scott. My colleagues Frankie Andreu & Travelin' JoE Silva are the voices you hear.
12:06:54 Long day so how about some trivia in case you're ever on a game show: Notorious outlaw Jesse James stayed at the Sulfur Hot Springs in Paso Robles while recovering from a gunshot wound.
12:01:54 The six riders in the break are taking equal turns at the front riding in perfect formation.
11:56:56 Some Colavita/Sutter Home riders are grouped at the back and one nearly hit the deck.
11:54:39 Riders are eating and drinking to help fuel their way through today's long stage, the longest of the race.
11:49:49 Nothing but flat roads and plenty of California sunshine...ahhhh...
11:47:23 The break is Pieter Weening (Rabobank), Jeff Louder (BMC), Cameron Evans (OUCH), Matthew Crane (Jelly Belly), Curtis Gunn (Fly V Australia) and Glen Chadwick (Rock Racing).
11:45:12 The field is 50 km into the stage.
11:43:38 The six-men have 6:45 on the field.
11:42:43 Only seeing three riders at the front. Think the others dropped back to their team cars for feeds. Indeed they did.
11:39:34 Long day in the saddle...134.3 miles to cover. The gap is 6:45. The GC contenders will look for the easiest ride possible as tomorrow is the all-important individual time trial in Solvang.
11:32:43 The field is fanned out in an echelon. Rabobank rides near the front behind Astana.
11:28:00 Each day, the most courageous rider will earn Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer jersey. It's awarded to a cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer. The qualities that will earn a rider the jersey are courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance. Rock Racing's Tyler Hamilton is wearing the jersey today after his performance in yesterday's stage. His mother is battling cancer.
11:27:40 The gap is 6:20 while Astana rides tempo at the head of the peloton.
11:24:33 The gap is up to 6 minutes.
11:22:14 The break just went over a railroad crossing at mile 22.6. Rick Scott giving you the news from the finish in Paso Robles during Stage 5 of the 4th Amgen Tour of California, which began in Visalia. We have a six-man break 5:45 up the road.
11:17:56 No climbs today and the first Herbalife Sprint doesn't come until the 101.3-mile mark in Cholame.
11:16:37 Get your piece of the Amgen Tour of California. There are many new clothing and commemorative souvenir offerings available this year including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Shop 'til you drop at www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Today we have a special on t-shirts. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code tshirts09 at checkout.
11:13:08 4:45 for the break.
11:11:49 Astana still rides tempo single file at the front of the field.
11:09:24 4:30 for the breakers.
11:08:27 Leipheimer is still sporting his Astana vest atop the yellow jersey.
11:06:26 4:05 advantage for the six-man break.
11:05:30 The gap is 3:40. Plenty of fans line the roads, which are already chalked in yellow thanks to the chalk distributed by the LIVESTRONG crew.
11:02:32 The wine country benefits from the largest swing between high daytime and low nighttime temperature gaps of any region in the state.
11:00:48 On the other end of this stage, Paso Robles is the fastest growing American viticulture area in California with 26,000 acres of vineyards and more than 200 wineries.
10:59:09 The gap is up to 3:05.
10:57:43 Armstrong rides surrounded in a sea of Liquigas lime green.
10:56:08 The gap is 2:30. Four Astana riders guide Leipheimer at the front of the field single file with Lance Armstrong sitting behind the yellow jersey.
10:54:57 Back in the field, the cyclists are having a leisurely pedal enjoying plenty of conversation.
10:51:34 The break is 2 minutes and the riders are Pieter Weening (Rabobank), Jeff Louder (BMC), Cameron Evans (OUCH), Matthew Crane (Jelly Belly), Curtis Gunn (Fly V Australia) and Glen Chadwick (Rock Racing).
10:47:55 The gap has stretched to 1:35.
10:45:26 Quick Step is at the head of the field. Bet their man Tom Boonen wants to take the win today after narrowly missing yesterday to rival Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia-Highroad). The gap is 35 seconds.
10:42:16 The gap is 25 seconds.
10:41:00 We're at mile 5.5 of the 134.3 they'll pedal today in Stage 5. The gap is 12 seconds.
10:40:02 The move is now six-strong. They have a slight advantage.
10:38:54 OUCH has someone up there as well. The group is five riders strong.
10:38:05 Finally some action stirs. Rock Racing's Glen Chadwick makes the first move and is joined by a Jelly Belly rider.
10:35:00 It kind of looks like more neural zone tempo. Everyone is still chatting amiably.
10:32:53 Not much happening at the moment as race leader Levi Leipheimer's Astana teammates are amassed the front.
10:30:12 While the peloton is on flat roads surrounded by verdant pastures, in the backdrop are brilliant white snow-capped mountains. It's a stunning image to behold.
10:28:20 The riders at the front are riding in a long straight line.
10:27:42 Once again Jelly Belly is attempting to get this fiesta started.
10:27:14 Here we go...Stage 5 is on.
10:26:49 Astana is already at the front, but we're still awaiting the flag...
10:25:22 The official is finally about to wave the green flag signaling the official race start.
10:23:24 If you're watching the race in Visalia, check out the new gear at Sierra Bicycle Works on East Main Street.
10:21:01 The riders look to be quite jovial at the moment, probably enjoying the Golden State sun.
10:15:48 Each day, the most courageous rider will earn Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer jersey. It's awarded to a cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer. The qualities that will earn a rider the jersey are courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance. Rock Racing's Tyler Hamilton is wearing the jersey today after his performance in yesterday's stage. His mother is battling cancer.
10:10:39 The parade route continues in Visalia. Riders are chatting amiably at the moment.
10:09:31 Our video and audio commentators are Frankie Andreu & Travelin' Joe Silva. They'd love to hear from you if you have questions or comments. Reach out at atoc2009@yahoo.com.
10:06:58 Get your piece of the Amgen Tour of California. There are many new clothing and commemorative souvenir offerings available this year including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Shop 'til you drop at www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Today we have a special on t-shirts. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code tshirts09 at checkout.
10:06:04 It looks like the riders are all starting the stage in shorts, vests and arm warmers.
10:00:29 Stage 5 is underway...well...the neutral start is underway.
09:58:38 The neutral start will be long: 6.2 miles.
09:58:03 The riders are at the start in Visalia listening to the National Anthem.
09:57:17 Got out for a ride this morning in Paso Robles. It was bitterly cold, but I found a beautiful rolling road that went past vineyards. Wish I had more time...
09:41:02 Mancebo (Rock Racing) also leads the Herbalife Sprint competition. In the General Classification, Levi Leipheimer (Astana) wears yellow with a 24-second advantage over Michael Rogers (Team Columbia-Highroad). Leipheimer is the two-time defending champion of this race.
09:38:10 It was very cold in Paso Robles this morning, but the temperatures will be in the low 60s by the time the riders speed into town. No climbs today thus California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains leader will hang onto the jersey at least until Saturday.
09:35:26 After spending a devilish day in the mountains, the riders might welcome the thought of long flat roads in Stage 5, sponsored by Rabobank, but by no means will it be easy. In fact, at more than 134.3 miles, this new course is the longest of the race and includes two Herbalife Sprints towards the end of the day. Starting with parade laps through downtown Visalia, the peloton will then pedal across the San Joaquin Valley floor. The riders will be without shelter from the wind, which bodes to make the first 100 miles difficult. After passing expansive cattle ranches, horse farms and vineyards, the final 34 miles of the route winds back to the coast over rolling hills that lead to a dandy dash for the cash in Paso Robles.
09:29:59 Good morning and welcome back to the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. The sun is hanging high in a flawless baby blue sky at the finish in Paso Robles. Rick Scott here to call the live action of Stage 5, which starts in Visalia at 10 AM PT. Thank you for tuning in.
