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New attractions & events
Sacramento State
Two
briefing by
Barbara
Steinberg
By all accounts last year's Tour of California was great! But this year
is greater!! With a better field of racers, representing 30 countries,
and a much larger spectator participation, this may become cycling's
biggest event.
The Second Annual Tour of California roared into Sacramento under blue
skies and the clang of cow bells. A bit cloudy, but overall chamber of
commerce weather, the day's events were well-received by locals and
visitors from out-of-town. Spectators staked out finish-line positions
hours before conclusion of the race. LIz & Steve, who live in Folsom,
sat near the L Street finish-line by 11 a.m. just in front of one of the
big screen TVs. They were in Santa Rosa last year. And Alda, Marisa,
Massimo & Rich stood along L Street waiting to cheer their Italian
favorites, Ivan Basso and Paolo Bettini.
Before the peloton arrived, the Amgen Breakaway Mile sped slowly past.
The Breakaway takes place at the finish line of the Amgen, prior to the
stage conclusion. The one-mile race is sponsored by Amgen to raise
awareness of the Breakaway from Cancer initiative which supports those
who help people fighting cancer. The Breakaway Mile features a cancer
survivor riding tandem with an Amgen scientist who plays a crucial role
in developing innovative medicines. Following the tandem, is the
survivor peloton of caregivers, family members, and health care
professionals who supported their win against cancer.
Christophe Laurent of Credit Agricola won the Adobe Most Aggressive
Rider jersey for his first-place assault of Trinity Grade, a steep climb
in the early part of the 115-mile race between Santa Rosa and
Sacramento.
Argentine sprinter J.J. Haedo now rides for Team CSC and won Tuesday's
Stage 2 finish in Sacramento, making this his third stage win -- more
than any other Tour of California racer.
And Santa Rosa's hometown favorite, Levi Leipheimer, retained the Yellow
Jersey at the end of Stage 2. His mom, Yvonne, was there at the winner's
podium to hug her son and hold onto his bouquet of flowers.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with other local dignitaries, was
on hand to greet the stage winners.
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