Tour of California - Prologue

"The Pro Tour Has Arrived in the U.S."

Palo Alto, CA (February 17, 2008) – It was hard to argue the words uttered by the PA announcer before the official start to the 2008 edition of the Amgen Tour of California as the start list rivaled any of the top European races. Present, among the host of American riders who have become synonymous with the domestic cycling scene, were names like Boonen, Bettini, Wiggins, Cavendish, Voigt, and Cancellara, to name a few.

Early on, it looked as if that type of star power would be overshadowed by the weather, as a fog that often typifies the Bay area hung inauspiciously over the area. The Sunshine State, however, lived up to its moniker with the sun burning off any remnants of a cold and dreary day just as the amateur/celebrity field took its turn over the 3.3 km Prologue course.

With the throngs of people now primed and ready, John Murphy (Health Net-Maxxis) of the host country set a fast opening mark from the number 5 position. Moments later, David Zabriskie, resplendent in his US National Time Trial Championship Team Slipstream kit, became the first rider to come under the 4:00 minute barrier.

Zabriskie’s early staring position [27th of 132 riders] was a bit surprising as his US National Championship and his past exploits at the Tour de France in this discipline certainly merited a later slot, but the tactic served his teammates well.

One Team Slipstream/Chipotle rider after another benefited from Zabriskie’s course feedback, as each came close to capturing the dangling carrot before them. It was the 23-year-old Tyler Farrar [pronounced Far-rah] who finally obliged. For his effort, Farrar finished on the day's podium.

The man for the Classics was certainly the most noteworthy revelation of the day, but Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team High Road) and Rock Racing’s Mario Cipollini could perhaps lay equal claim for that billing.

The Norwegian Time Trial Champion, who would eventually claim the Best Young rider’s jersey on the day, blazed over the course coming in at around 3:58, while Le Reone, Mario Cipollini, put forth an a Bunyan-esque performance coming in at a more than respectable 44th place just 17 seconds back.

The previously retired 41-year-old veteran of the professional peloton added another chapter to his legendary status [and quite possibly to the Nature v. Nurture debate] and represented his new team well despite the previous day’s antics of his team boss, Michael Ball.


The outcome of the truncated race of truth, however, would come down to the heavyweights listed last on the program. Local favorite and defending Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer provided a heroic effort, but was unable to come in under the obscene time posted just seconds earlier by Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC).


The final podium: Cancellara - first, Bradley Wiggins (Team High Road) - second, and Farrar - third.

Up Next: Choosing to bypass the Stage 1 start in Sausalito, we'll bring you coverage of the Inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium and the finish of the men's race in Santa Rosa.

Photos: Leonard Basobas