I'm NOT Drinking Any F@#%ing Merlot!

Solvang, CA (February 22, 2008) – Here we are in Solvang, the town made famous by the movie Sideways. It’s about an hour before the official start to the 24.1 km Stage 5 Individual Time Trial (ITT).


The overall contenders most likely won’t kick-off their attempt to dethrone the reigning Amgen Tour of California champion and current yellow jersey wearer, Levi Leipheimer, till 1:30 pst.

Fabian Cancellara (CSC) is only 13 seconds arrear, with David Millar and Dave Zabriskie (Team Slipstream/Chipotle) at around 21 seconds back.

The final 10 riders, staggered by 2 minutes are as follows in descending order:

Jurgen Van de Walle (Quick Step)
Victor Hugo Pena (Rock Racing)
Alexandre Moos (BMC)
Christian Van de Velde (Team Slipstream/Chipotle)
Chris Horner (Astana)
Dave Zabriskie (Team Slipstream/Chipotle)
Gusev Larsson (CSC)
David Millar (Team Slipstream/Chipotle)
Robert Gesink (Rabobank)
Fabian Cancellara (CSC)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)

As cycling PA announcer, Dave Towle, would say, “It’s ON, like Donkey Kong!”

Photo: Leonard Basobas