Second Consecutive Stage Win for Cavendish; Leipheimer Remains Safely in Yellow at end of Stage 5

Stage 5 Results | Video | Press Release 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.