05.18-Tour of California: Stage 3

The peloton rolls out under sunny skies from San Francisco...

AToCstage 3scenerystart

They've not started the race, the commisar is holding them almost as neatly as the rows of houses in San Francisco they're leaving behind.

AToCStage 3scenerypeloton

Seems there have been enough mechanicals, that they've halted the race witout an official start yet, 3 miles past KM 0.

AToCStage 3

True to their opportunistic form - the peloton have a mass "natural" break.

AToCStage 3peloton

As Mick Rogers comes up to ask what's going on, the peloton asks if he's going to take a flyer...

AToCStage 3RogersHTC Columbia

Soon the race is on, as are the attacks!

AToCStage 3Peloton

Eisel shows his super descending form, topping 55 mph on the descent...

AToCStage 3EiselHTC Columbia

... but the peloton soon swallows this attempted escape as well.

AToCStage 3EiselPeloton

The pace along the seashore is claiming its first victim, Anthony will soon retire.

AToCStage 3AnthonyKelly Benefits

Jens is still looking strong as he comes back to the peloton from a natural break.

AToCStage 3VoigtCervelo

The weather has gone cold and wet on the Tunitus Creek climb through the redwoods...

AToCStage 3scenery

Even fog at the top has complicated our ability to move forward...

AToCStage 3scenery

After the second KOM - there is a group of five away...

AToCStage 3

With Andy Jacques-Maynes leading the charge with his local knowledge, the lead builds to almost five minutes.

AToCStage 3scenerybreak

But RadioShack has marshalled the troops to rein them in...

AToCStage 3pelotonscenery

Muravyev takes a long turn at the front w/ some Cervelo riders working hard as well.

AToCStage 3muravyevRadioShack

Cervelo and RadioShack are now driving the pace on the front...

AToCStage 3

while Rabobank seem to be fueling in preparation for Bonny Doon.

AToCStage 3Rabobank

Horner's removing his hat, but Levi's nowhere to be seen...

AToCStage 3hornerRadioShack

...till Brajkovic escorts him to the front of the chase.

AToCStage 3LeipheimerBrajkovicRadioShack

The last gasp of the breakaway is soon reeled in... but don't feel too bad - his efforts will earn Canadian Will Routley the Most Courageous Rider Jersey at the end of the day.

AToCStage 3RoutleyJelly Belly

Robbie Hunter and others from Garmin move to the front, whipping the pace for Zabriskie.

AToCStage 3GarminHunter

As Popovich's work is complete, it is now Horner's turn to whip up the pace and fracture the peloton for Levi...

AToCStage 3HornerRadioShack

Soon the selection is made, and Levi, Rogers and Zabriskie leave the others behind.

AToCStage 3LeipheimerRogersZabriskieRadoShackHTC ColumbiaGarmin Transitions

At the front of the first chase group, Jens Voigt is giving it his all; does he know any other way?

AToCStage 3VoigtSaxo Bank

Lance seems content to stick with the pace of the chase group, not wanting to assist in pulling others forward to the battle ahead.

AToCStage 3ArmstrongRadioShack

Mick Rogers looks to be on form, will he take the stage?

AToCStage 3RogersHTC Columbia

Levi too looks strong...

AToCStage 3LeipheimerRadioShack

But it is Dave Zabriskie who holds off a lunge by Rogers at the line to win the day...

AToCStage 3ZabriskieGarmin Transitions

...and the Gold Jersey of the race lead; putting the responsibility for defense in Garmin-Transitions' camp.

AToCStage 3podiumZabriskieGold Jersey

Meanwhile, Cav seens happy to reclaim the green jersey.

AToCStage 3cavendishgreen jerseypodium