2009 Stage 8 Play by Play
17:46:41 Once again, it's been an amazing and unforgettable week and we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for riding with us. Thank you to the amazing production and technical staff that make Frankie Andreu, JoE Silva and I look good, including our captain Andrew Lim, Lauren Mirson, Tracy Michaels, Tracy Beach, Dan Scott, and Eric Hall. Can't wait until next year. Book mark this site and come back often as I write The Weekly Rap, a column to keep you informed of all the happenings in the world of professional road cycling. This is Rick Scott sending you peace, love & cycling bliss from Escondido.17:39:37 We saved the best for last at the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. Stage 8 was the Queen's stage, the most difficult of the race. It was a 96.8-mile pedal from Rancho Bernardo to Escondido, which was the first time the race has traveled to San Diego County. The route included four California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains climbs, none bigger than the fearsome Palomar Mountain, an above categorization climbs that peaks at 5123 feet, the highest summit ever reached in the Tour. With two-time defending champion Levi Leipheimer (AST) in the leader's tunic, an abundance of attacks were expected in a final effort to claim the yellow jersey. An early break was established, but eventually collapsed on Palomar Mountain where an elite group formed including Leipheimer and his closest rivals – David Zabriskie (GRM) and Michael Rogers (THR). On the descent four riders formed a new move, which then slimmed down to duo consisting of Frank Schleck (SAX) and Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ). The pair made it over the final KOM climb of the race on the testing Cole Grade and motored towards the finish on the valley floor while the Astana-powered peloton kept the gap close to preserve Leipheimer's overall victory. After rounding the final corner, Schleck made his move and pulled away for the stage win ahead of Nibali. George Hincapie (THR) won the pack gallop to claim 3rd place for the day. The top three positions on the General Classification held up: Leipheimer followed by Zabriskie (36 seconds) and Rogers (45 seconds). Tonight Leipheimer celebrates his Amgen Tour of California three-peat and his Team Astana toasts the Team victory. After winning back-to-back stages earlier in the week, Mark Cavendish (THR) takes home the Herbalife Sprint jersey. Jason McCartney (SAX) climbed his way to the California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains title. For the third consecutive year, Robert Gesink (RAB) leaves the Golden State with the Rabobank Best Young Rider jersey in his suitcase.
16:05:51 Levi Leipheimer (AST) has won the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. David Zabriskie (GRM) finishes 2nd and Michael Rogers (THR) completes the podium in 3rd place.
16:04:42 George Hincapie (THR) eclipses Rory Sutherland (OUCH) on the line to take 3rd in Stage 8.
16:03:51 We await the yellow jersey group to finish.
16:03:26 Nibali leads into the final corner, but Frank Schleck takes the win!
16:02:48 Unbelievable crowd awaits the riders.
16:02:19 1 km to the finish!
16:02:06 Nibali needs time to move up the GC and into 4th place.
16:01:28 2 km to the finish for the break. It looks like Frank Schleck and Vincenzo Nibali will survive.
16:00:43 55 seconds is the advantage. 3 km to go for the field.
16:00:17 The field led by the sprinters' teams seems super motivated to try to catch the break. The gap is one minute.
15:59:08 Nice moment between Astana teammates Leipheimer and Armstrong shaking hands as a gesture of appreciation for a job well-done all week to help the yellow jersey complete his three-peat.
15:57:17 The yellow jersey group is 31 strong and they are chasing Frank Schleck (SAX) and Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ).
15:56:17 Rock Racing has sent men up front as well. The break is up 1:05.
15:54:32 The gap is 1:15.
15:54:21 Columbia-Highroad and Garmin-Slipstream is powering the chase along with some help from Astana.
15:53:10 10 km to the finish for the field.
15:52:46 The break is off the descent and is on the valley floor.
15:51:58 Nibali is 4th place GC on the road. Saxo Bank won't like that as they want to preserve the spot for Jens Voigt. 10 km to the finish for the break.
15:50:58 The break is ripping down a technical descent with an advantage of 1:10.
15:49:32 No real need for Astana to chase the break at the current gap of 1:20. Nibali (LIQ) is 2:21 behind Leipheimer in the GC.
15:47:11 86.5 miles into the 96.8 miles that comprise Stage 8. 1:20 is the gap for the dynamic duo of Frank Schleck and Vincenzo Nibali.
15:42:56 Today's Stage 8 is sponsored by Amgen. Their Breakaway from Cancer is a national initiative that strives to empower patients and their caregivers with education, resources and hope. Through Breakaway from Cancer, Amgen and their nonprofit partners aim to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer patients from prevention to diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship. Visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com to connect with a wide array of free services and programs to help people to cancer. You don't have to go through it alone. Like cycling, beating cancer requires a team effort.
15:41:28 Interesting that Quick Step is at the front of the peloton riding ahead of Astana. Their sprinter, Tom Boonen, was one of the many riders to abandon the stage earlier today. 20 km to go for the escape.
15:39:47 The results of the final California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains climb on Cole Grade: Frank Schleck Vincenzo Nibali Brian Vandborg Bauke Mollema
15:38:12 Frank Schleck and Nibali soldier on toward the finish in Escondido 1:10 ahead of the field.
15:36:40 The California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains climb #3 of Palomar Mountain results: Jen Voigt Levi Leipheimer Robert Gesink Michael Rogers David Zabriskie Tom Danielson Frank Schleck Vincenzo Nibali Andy Schleck Stef Clement
15:31:31 We're about 16 miles until the finish.
15:31:10 1:10 advantage for the duo - Frank Schleck (SAX) and Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ).
15:28:46 It has been a truly memorable Amgen Tour of California this year. Treasure the memories with race clothing, merchandise and keepsakes, which are hot-sellers along the tour route. You can get the same tour merchandise that they sell here at the lifestyle festival, including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Please visit www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Everything is on sale today. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code finishline09 at checkout.
15:28:32 Armstrong (AST) is back setting tempo.
15:28:06 Leipheimer eats on the descent to keep his energy up for the final miles before he is crowned as the three-time winner of the Amgen Tour of California. Rick Scott here on the keyboard in Escondido. Frankie Andreu & JoE Mama Silva are your commentators. Thanks for joining us. The gap is 1:05.
15:24:44 Chechu Rubiera (AST) sets tempo in the peloton.
15:24:17 Chadwick is finally caught by the pack.
15:23:25 This is the largest crowd ever to watch a stage race in the U.S. Way to welcome the world's best cyclists, California!
15:22:14 Chadwick is about to be reabsorbed by the Astana-led peloton.
15:20:19 Their gap is 55 seconds on the field and 10 seconds on the two chasers.
15:19:44 Schleck and Nibali are attacking each other.
15:19:10 Chadwick (RRC) and Mollema (RAB) are climbing together behind the two leaders.
15:18:37 Lance Armstrong (AST) is a super domestique for Leipheimer. The seven-time Tour de France winner sets tempo in the peloton.
15:17:32 Frank Schleck (SAX) and Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ) pull away on their own on the Cole Grade climb. The fans are pure insanity!
15:13:52 Fred Rodriguez (RRC) has abandoned.
15:13:00 It's a four-man break now consisting of Chadwick (RRC), Nibali (LIQ), Frank Schleck (SAX) and Mollema (RAB).
15:11:39 We're nearing the start of the climb of Cole Grade Road, the final California Travel & Tourism KOM of the race. Expect an explosion of attacks from Garmin-Slipstream and Columbia-Highroad in last minute attempts to unseat Levi Leipheimer (AST) from his yellow throne. 5 km to the KOM.
15:06:21 Chadwick is 15 seconds ahead of the three chasers.
15:05:36 Today's Stage 8 is sponsored by Amgen. Their Breakaway from Cancer is a national initiative that strives to empower patients and their caregivers with education, resources and hope. Through Breakaway from Cancer, Amgen and their nonprofit partners aim to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer patients from prevention to diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship. Visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com to connect with a wide array of free services and programs to help people to cancer. You don't have to go through it alone. Like cycling, beating cancer requires a team effort.
15:03:37 Chadwick is riding 1:10 ahead of the field.
15:03:17 A Quick Step rider has moved to the front of the field to set tempo ahead of Astana. The chasers are 12 seconds behind Chadwick (RRC).
15:01:53 We're almost 67 miles into the 96.8 miles we'll cover today in Stage 8 of the 4th Amgen Tour of California. Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC) has abandoned.
15:00:17 Chadwick is descending solo in an effort to build on his advantage before reaching the valley floor.
14:57:46 Chadwick is up 50 seconds on the peloton.
14:57:06 Chadwick quickly opens up a 10-second gap on the break.
14:56:15 Glen Chadwick (RRC) has attacked the break in an act of desperation.
14:54:43 And just like that the gap is 35 seconds.
14:54:17 45 seconds for the break as Lance Armstrong (AST) is closing the gap by setting a fierce tempo at the front of the field.
14:45:58 Nibali (LIQ) takes over Jens Voigts' 4th place in the GC so Saxo Bank won't like that.
14:44:59 1:15 advantage for the break.
14:44:44 Nibali is 2:21 behind Leipheimer so no real threat to the GC...not yet anyway.
14:43:58 The gap is holding at 55 seconds.
14:41:52 Glen Chadwick (RRC), Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ), Frank Schleck (SAX) and Bauke Mollema (RAB) are the break.
14:40:46 Astana continues to pilot the peloton.
14:40:24 The break is up 55 seconds. The riders are bunny-hopping over the cattle guards.
14:38:40 The field is at mile 55.
14:37:57 Schleck and Nibali have sat up to wait for the two men to join. They are a group of four.
14:36:55 The chasers have the break in their sights.
14:36:15 The riders chasing are from Rabobank and Rock Racing.
14:35:31 Schleck (SAX) has been joined by Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ) and they are being chased by two riders.
14:33:48 We're 52 miles into the stage. Frankie Andreu & JoE Mama Silva are your commentators. I'm Rick Scott, your eyes and ears in Escondido. Thank you for joining us for the final day of our race. A break is up 45 seconds.
14:32:07 The final California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains climb comes at mile 75.7 of the 96.8 the riders will pedal in Stage 8. It's a category 4 climb on Cole Grade (1695 feet). It's 4.3 miles long. It's the climb on which race leader Leipheimer (AST) expects riders to attack in a final effort to take the yellow jersey.
14:27:08 Schleck descends on his own.
14:26:21 Frank Schleck (SAX) has opened up a gap on the descent. He's wearing one of his race numbers, 13, upside down. It's an old rider's superstition to reverse the luck.
14:23:06 The break is descending carefully as the roads are wet in sections from melting snow.
14:21:11 Two men are chasing the break: one from Rock Racing and one from OUCH.
14:19:47 Astana is at the front of the field.
14:19:24 The break goes over the summit of the KOM. It looks like the Tour de France here on Palomar Mountain. Fans are everywhere and the streets are chalked with the names of riders.
14:17:39 The gap is one minute.
14:17:27 Nine riders are off the front with a 50-second advantage. Andy Schleck peels off and his Saxo Bank teammate Jens Voigt takes over. Leipheimer (AST) sits behind the big German.
14:15:09 The gap is 50 seconds. More plump hairy men in Speedos and tiaras run alongside the riders.
14:14:13 Leipheimer is riding behind Andy Schleck and Voigt. Snow blankets the hills surrounding the riders.
14:11:41 Leipheimer is isolated from his Astana teammates and is vulnerable.
14:11:12 Saxo Bank's Andy Schleck and Jens Voigt are fueling the chase.
14:10:09 Race leader Levi Leipheimer (AST) and Michael Rogers (THR) are riding together in the chase. David Zabriskie (GRM) is with them. That's the top 3 riders in the overall with Dave Z in second.
14:08:22 Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC) has been absorbed by the chase.
14:06:20 Five riders have attacked off the front of the field.
14:05:43 Frank Schleck (SAX) is setting pace for the break while Carlos Barredo (QST) has been reabsorbed by the field.
14:03:37 The gap is back up a bit: 1:10.
14:02:28 5 km to the summit of the KOM for the leaders.
14:02:11 Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC) is losing contact with the break as has Carlos Barredo (QST). The break is five-strong.
14:00:52 It has been a truly memorable Amgen Tour of California this year. Treasure the memories with race clothing, merchandise and keepsakes, which are hot-sellers along the tour route. You can get the same tour merchandise that they sell here at the lifestyle festival, including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Please visit www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Everything is on sale today. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code finishline09 at checkout.
14:00:34 The chasers have been absorbed by the field. The break is up only 42 seconds.
13:58:53 Sevilla has company in Frank Schleck (SAX) and Floyd Landis (OUCH).
13:57:49 Race radio has reported about four abandons today including Pat McCartney (OUCH). Today's stage is certainly a spirit killer.
13:55:29 Pauwels (CTT) and Barredo (QST) are losing contact with the break as Oscar Sevilla (RRC) attacks from the field, which is 2:25 behind.
13:53:04 Oh no! A very "unfit" man was running up the climb buck naked except for a Borat-type fluorescent green G-string. We did NOT need to see all that!
13:51:08 1:45 is the gap for the break.
13:50:32 I've had the "pleasure" of climbing Palomar Mountain many times. It's a very difficult ascent of 21 switchbacks. The views are spectacular and expect to see snow near the summit.
13:47:47 Two riders are chasing the break: Tim Johnson (OUCH)and a Rock Racing rider.
13:46:09 The Herbalife Sprint leader Mark Cavendish (THR) got dropped off the back of the peloton.
13:44:52 The riders are on the Palomar Mountain climb, which is above categorization and peaks at 5123 feet. It's the third of four California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains climbs today.
13:42:52 The seven-man break is up 2:35 on the peloton.
13:39:11 We're 35 miles into the final stage of this year's race. The riders will cover 96.8 miles today during Stage 8 from Rancho Bernardo to Escondido.
13:34:18 The break is up to two minutes.
13:34:01 More crazy fans in masks and costumes run alongside the riders on the uphill sections. Love the creativity and enthusiasm. This is the first time the Amgen Tour of California has traveled this far south in the state. Not sure how much the riders are loving San Diego County at the moment, but race fans are loving it!
13:30:12 The gap is 1:50.
13:30:12 The gap is 1:50.
13:29:24 Riders in the break are Jason McCartney and Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank), Serge Pauwels (Cervélo TestTeam), Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell), Stef Clement (Rabobank), Carlos Barredo (Quick Step) and Mathias Frank (BMC). Their advantage is 1:25.
13:24:34 A full complement of Astana riders pilot the peloton.
13:23:58 The results of the Herbalife Sprint at Harrah's Rincon: Carlos Barredo (QST) Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC) Mathias Frank (BMC) 3-, 2- and 1-second time bonuses and points were earned.
13:20:25 The chasers caught the trio to form a larger group.
13:16:40 The field is 25 seconds behind the break.
13:15:29 Andy Schleck (SAX) is sitting at the back of the chase group. Race radio is broadcasting warning about the 8 cattle grates the riders will cross today.
13:14:12 Three man are in the break being chased by four riders. 5 km to the Herbalife Sprint at Harrah's Rincon.
13:12:08 The break is down to three: McCartney (SAX), Pauwels (CTT) and Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC).
13:09:14 A group of three are chasing out of the bunch while four men are 20 seconds up the road.
13:08:27 It has been a truly memorable Amgen Tour of California this year. Treasure the memories with race clothing, merchandise and keepsakes, which are hot-sellers along the tour route. You can get the same tour merchandise that they sell here at the lifestyle festival, including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Please visit www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Everything is on sale today. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code finishline09 at checkout. You could tell them Rick Scott sent you, but I'm not sure that will help much.
13:07:30 The gap is 20 seconds.
13:05:10 The gap is 30 seconds for the four riders off the front. The remainder of the break has been reabsorbed.
13:04:15 Lots of shuffling and reshuffling going on in the break.
13:02:36 Astana might be hurting today as only one rider, Yaroslav Popovych, is the only man left setting tempo for Leipheimer at the head of the peloton.
13:01:15 The leader four have cross the second KOM. results shortly.
13:00:48 The other half of the original break has been joined by a couple riders, including Victor Hugo Pena (RRC).
12:59:22 Jason McCartney and Andy Schleck (SAX) along with Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC) and Serge Pauwels (CTT) are the break.
12:58:05 The break has split and is down to four riders as Landis attacks further back. 1 km to the KOM.
12:56:57 OUCH is stirring things up on the climb with Landis and Sutherland moving away from the field with Mathias Frank (BMC). The break is only up 10 seconds.
12:55:04 Race radio is giving shout-outs to the California Highway Patrol, local police agencies, the 75 marshals traveling with the Tour, and more than 4,000 volunteer course marshals, who have kept the roads safe and clear for the riders all week.
12:53:03 Team OUCH has all amassed at the front of the field next to Liquigas. Two OUCH riders - Floyd Landis and Rory Sutherland - live nearby and know these roads very well.
12:51:35 5 km to the summit of the second KOM.
12:50:35 Race leader Levi Leipheimer continues to ride glued to Astana teammate Lance Armstrong's wheel.
12:49:52 The riders are taking every opportunity to eat and drink during today's extremely testing course.
12:49:08 The break is holding at 45 seconds.
12:47:59 The riders are dressed comfortably in shorts and jerseys today with no need for arm warmers, vests or knee warmers...although they may need them on the way down Palomar Mountain later in the stage.
12:46:11 Liquigas is still dragging the field in pursuit.
12:45:41 That cost them 5 seconds. The move is up 45 seconds on the peloton.
12:44:29 The 9 riders are 50 seconds up the road. They are sitting up after riding over a rolling road and are descending.
12:41:36 The next KOM comes on Lake Wohlford Road at the 20.6-mile mark. It's a category 3 that peaks at 1461 feet. I've climbed it many times and it is steep, but only 1.1 miles long.
12:38:44 The race is averaging 27 mph already. Fast. The break is 25 seconds up the road.
12:37:50 Jason McCartney (SAX) holds the lead in the California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains competition heading into the stage after inheriting it after Francisco Mancebo (RRC) crashed out of the race yesterday.
12:35:12 Best placed man in the break is Bauke Mollema (RAB), who is 5:44 behind the yellow jersey.
12:33:13 The entire Astana squad is lined up single-file behind Liquigas.
12:32:39 Liquigas is setting tempo at the front of the peloton, which is 35 seconds behind the break.
12:32:03 The break of 9 consists Thomas Peterson and Steven Cozza (Garmin), McCartney and Andy Schleck (SAX), Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC), Christophe Riblon (RAB), Alexandre Moos (BMC), Mark Cavendish (THR), and Serge Pauwels (CTT).
12:26:32 A dozen men have opened a gap of 25 seconds.
12:26:01 The results of the first California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountain climb of Higland Valley Road are: Jason McCartney (SAX) Andy Schleck (SAX) Ben Jacques-Maynes (BPC) Bauke Mollema (RAB)
12:22:26 Overexhuberant fans line the road and a couple interfered with Schleck and Cozza, who had to slow and were caught by the peloton.
12:21:14 The duo are already climbing. The roads around here all seem to be going up or down. There are very few flat sections.
12:19:44 Schleck and Cozza have a bit of a gap.
12:18:07 First attack comes from GRM's Steven Cozza. Frank Schleck (SAX) joins him. Tyler Hamilton (RRC) is trying the hitch on.
12:16:51 Gruppo compacto with the peloton fanned out across both lanes on the road.
12:15:37 The stage is officially underway. 96.8 miles to ride.
12:15:09 Mark Cavendish (THR) is in the Herbalife Sprint jersey, which he earned with back-to-back stage wins.
12:12:32 The race referee popped his head out of the roof of the lead car and is preparing to wave the green flag to start the stage.
12:09:20 Christian Vande Velde (GRM) is riding in the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider jersey he earned after his performance in yesterday's stage.
12:06:46 On Leipheimer's (AST) heels are David Zabriskie (GRM) at 36 seconds and Michael Rogers (THR) 45 seconds in arrears.
12:02:48 The neutral start is underway. The first California Travel & Tourism KOM, a category 4 ascent on Highland Valley Road, comes only 3.5 miles into the official start.
11:57:17 Overcast skies in San Diego County this morning with temperatures in the mid-60s. The riders will roll of with a 3.6-mile neutral start.
11:44:23 Often major tours end with a largely ceremonial stage, but not the Amgen Tour of California. For the second consecutive year, the final stage will be a challenging point-to-point excursion that could produce a change in the overall leadership, although race leader Levi Leipheimer's Team Astana will be vigilant. In addition to an Herbalife Sprint, the peloton will face four KOM climbs that could force the KOM jersey to change hands as well. Amgen sponsors Stage 8, which includes the mammoth climb of Palomar Mountain, the highest point ever reached at the Amgen Tour of California at 5,123 feet. The ascent unfolds over 11.7 miles and 21 switchbacks at an average gradient of 7%. There is one last climb after Palomar Mountain on which two-time defending champion Leipheimer expects a bevy of frantic last gasp attacks to ensue in an effort to swipe the yellow jersey of his back. It will be a thrilling fight to the finish as winning the final stage of a major race is a highly coveted honor.
11:34:36 It has been a truly memorable Amgen Tour of California this year. Treasure the memories with race clothing, merchandise and keepsakes, which are hot-sellers along the tour route. You can get the same tour merchandise that they sell here at the lifestyle festival, including jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, socks, cowbells and more. Please visit www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com. Everything is on sale today. Enjoy a 25% discount by entering the code finishline09 at checkout.
11:25:59 It's the Queen Stage, baby! Bring it! Good morning and welcome back to the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. Rick Scott coming to you from the finish line in Escondido before the start of Stage 8, which rolls off from Rancho Bernardo. If the riders think the race has been hard thus far, they haven't see anything yet. The 96.8-mile route includes four California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains climbs, including the above categorization ascent of Palomar Mountain. Live race coverage begins at 12 PM PT with commentators Frankie Andreu & JoE Mama Silva.
