2013 Tour of California: Stage 3: Palmdale - Santa Clarita (177.7km)

[Sasquatch]

The 30km descent down *****y Canyon and Bouquet Road is gradual and will allow the peloton to regroup. A field sprint looks a likely finale and expect Peter Sagan to lead the charge.

Good day for a break to survive IMO. After the last 2 days, particularly yesterday, a break could go clear. Depending on how the riders feel that is. If Cannondale think they can't bring it to a sprint, then they will probably put someone in the early break.

Although, looking at the results, 5 of them finished together, 20 minutes behind today, so they will probably be able to do a fast tempo tomorrow to get the win for Sagan.

What is the temperature meant to be tomorrow?

I think Sagan will get the win.

 

[greenedge]

I think Sagan will win, Cannondale should be very motivated.

 

[Bavarianrider]

Hopefully it ain't going to be that hot again

 

[cineteq]

Hopefully it ain't going to be that hot again

So I hear, temps in the low 30s today.

 

[manafana]

sagan again in my view, as mentioend team will be up for this.

 

[thirteen]

Hopefully it ain't going to be that hot again

much much cooler today, thank god! though they are racing in traditionally hotter areas than i am now, but still... comparative relief.

 

[Lance Armstrong]

Race is underway. Group of 23 leads the peloton by 45 seconds. Sagan, Farrar, Chavanel, Voigt in a break.

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

This could be interesting. Hopefully somebody quite close on GC is in the break as well.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Race is underway. Group of 23 leads the peloton by 45 seconds. Sagan, Farrar, Chavanel, Voigt in a break.

so sprinters not taking any chances today.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

This could be interesting. Hopefully somebody quite close on GC is in the break as well.

Baldwin +3:19

Hard day for Acevedo's team coming up.

BMC and others will probably have to help.

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

Half of BMC is in the break?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Half of BMC is in the break?

yep, looks that way including TJVG.

edit: Also half of Shack.

 

[UpTheRoad]

TJVG is in the break? How is it possible to let him go away?

EDIT: Only 20 seconds at this point. Might not be so dangerous, unless the break is really hammering.

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

Gruppo compatto.

 

[UpTheRoad]

TourTracker says Andy Schleck is in a group of four (including Wiestra) 10 seconds ahead of the peloton.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

wow! seems they are going nuts already

 

[Boeing]

Gavin Mannion in a break with Andy Schleck is all kinds of awesome. How stoked is this kid right now? go Gavin

 

[Afrank]

Mannion in the break, Schleck in the break! This is just awesome! Fingers crossed that this break goes all the way.

Mannion was another guy I pointed out that I thought would do well here.

 

[webvan]

Think I'll give this one a miss...

 

[brilleaben]

Nah, a 4-man break won't last, when we have got a sprinter like Mancebo in the peloton.

 

[manafana]

bmc will do bit work no doubt as always, opqs and cannondale to chase it down too.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

... Schleck in the break! This is just awesome!

yea Andy finally!

 

[ferryman]

Now that's what I call drafting Meyer I think.

 

[ElChingon]

Andy in the break on a descent, doomed to get caught

 

[manafana]

so its sagans time to shine