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Ben Jacques-Maynes captured the Most Courageous Jersey today for his fearless efforts on his hometown roads. The Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Jersey is a new addition to the tour this year and is given to the rider each day who best demonstrates courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination, and perseverance. It was a long and tough day where Ben strongly exhibited these traits.

After passing over the Golden Gate Bridge, a successful 10 rider break was formed which included Ben. The break was a strong group of riders, with a wide team representation, and good working tactics who endured another day of insufferable weather conditions which included rain, fog, and hail. The break built up over a 4 minute gap as the imminent Bonny Doon climb loomed.

As the break fought the tough ascent, there was a large crash in the peloton involving 15 riders. Unfortunately one of the riders was Andy Jacques-Maynes. Andy was taken to the hospital due to concerns of a concussion and soreness to his wrist and ankle. He has since been released and is expected to make a full recovery.

At 20 miles remaining in the race, attacks began coming from both the lead group and the peloton. Carlos Barredo (Quickstep) was the first to launch an attack out of the break and he was quickly followed by Jason McCartney (Saxo Bank) and Tom Peterson (Garmin-Slipstream). Back in the peloton, Levi Leipheimer (Astana) launched an attack. Levi was able to soar past his group and eventually pass the remnants of the break including Ben. The leaders were shuffled over the final several miles, but it was Levi and Tom Peterson who came to the line. Peterson took the win on the day’s stage.

Ben finished 28th and was 1:52 behind the winner. Tom Zirbel came in with the same time. BISSELL riders, Jeremy Vennell and Frank Pipp, came in with the next group at 4:51 back. BISSELL riders Omer Kem and Peter Latham also made it safely to the finish. BISSELL sprinter, Kirk O’Bee, had difficulty with the day’s climbing and did not finish the stage. The day’s results place Ben 25th in the general classification, and Tom is in 26th.

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