Tour of California Stage 7: Ontario > Mt. Baldy, 126 km
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Just after the riders were called to the line for the start, it was learned there was a car crash out on the route. So, with the start delayed; Horner, Van Garderen, Zabriskie and Busche find shade for the wait.
The attacks start early; Voigt, Matthews and Bontrager LIVESTRONG's Nathan Brown are the genisis of the escape...
By the time they get to the base of the first climb, they are twelve strong...
...but five others, including Horner and Bennett, have bridged up. Rast, Voigt and Horner are lifting the pace; the escape will thin quickly.
Garmin are on the front for their team and race leader, but the gap is already at a minute.
The break is down to ten; Voigt powering along for Horner.
The peloton is thinning a bit too... this will be a long day for some.
Hincapie has dropped back to the team car to discuss strategy; no rider radios in use at this race.
Levi seems comfortable in the main pack...
Zabriskie too seems un-phased by the attack up the road... there is a lot of climbing on the day.
The break is now down to ten...
Paul Martens is leaving it all out on the couse; they must pull back Horner and the others if there is any chance for Gesink.
Horner has lifted the pace again, he and Colombia-Coldeportes' Jhon Atapuma will soon be off the front by themselves.
Now BMC has come to the front, Tejay Van Garderen is their hope for the top step overall...
The escape has been as far ahead as 3:50; but the gap is coming down, it is just over two minutes with 25 k to go... can they gain more back on Mt. Baldy?
Atapuma is now leaving Horner behind; a valiant effort by the defending champion - he sure gave it his all today.
The selection in the chase has been made; Gesink, Van Garderen, Zabriskie, Leipheimer, and Danielson are are, amongst others.
it is Gesink that seems to have the legs today, he has shattered the chase, Danielson is the last of that elite group; and he's unable to keep up.
Soon Horner has also been caught. at about 3k from the line... but can Gesink catch Atapuma?
Yes! Gesink has taken the win on Mt. Baldy...
...and with enough to take over the lead of the race. Something to celebrate with his daughter on the podium!