San Luis Obispo, CA (February 21, 2008) - For even the most passionate of cyclists, the conditions of today's Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California could be considered disheartening.
Welcome to Sun, er Rain-Drenched California!
With the difficult mountains behind and the definitive individual time trial (ITT) ahead, the ride from Seaside to San Luis Obispo along scenic Highway 1 was shaping up to be your classic "transition stage," where the peloton usually agrees to remain neutral up until the finale.
Transition stages are also a good time for the opportunist in the peloton to take their chances on a break getting away, as the contenders for the overall and their teams will not often expend the energy to chase down any breaks.
With temperatures that never got above 55 degrees, a headwind that was clocked at times at 30 mph, and with rains steady to heavy all day, a breakaway succeeded.
In a group that ranged from 11 to 7 riders, it was Toyota-United's Dominique Rollin who ultimately soloed to the victory in downtown San Luis Obispo.
The former Canandian time trialing and road champion's win was the only bright spot in an otherwise dreary and miserable day, as multiple riders abandoned before the race, the effects of a virus that has been sweeping through the group, or dropped out during the race.
One such rider was the virtual King of the Mountains jersey wearer, Jackson Stewart (BMC). Having accumulated enough KOM points, taking all on the day, Stewart was certain to take the jersey from teammate, Scott Nydam. A case of hypothermia, however, ended his day.
Levi Leipheimer remains in the leader's jersey a mere 13 seconds above one of the most accomplished time trialist in recent memory, Fabian Cancellara (CSC). It should be an exciting, and let's hope dry, day in Solvang.
Photos: Leonard Basobas
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