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Stage 3
Tuesday, February 17
San Jose to Modesto
104.2 miles
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Stage 3 from San Jose to Modesto did not give the BISSELL Team the uneventful day they were hoping for. The 104 mile stage again took place under pouring skies and drenched roads. The weather has put added stress on the peloton, and the nervousness is reflected in the number of crashes.
The day began with the Sierra Road Cat 1 KOM only 13 miles into the race. As the peloton ascended the climb, there was a breakaway of 4 riders. Mollema (Rabobank), Louder (BMC), White (OUCH), and Vanborg (Liguigas) were able to stay away and built up a maximum of 5 minutes on the main group. At 30 miles left in the race, Astana got down to business to close the gap. In the final circuit, the leaders were brought back, and a full group of 110 charged for the finish. Thor Hushovd (Cervelo) took the win. The BISSELL riders all came in with the same time.
As noteworthy as the racing, were the crashes that happened in today’s stage. BISSELL rider, Omer Kem, was one of several riders who took the Sierra Road descent aggressively. Omer crashed on a turn and was taken to the hospital via ambulance. Omer fractured his pelvis. The break does not require surgery, and Omer has been released from the hospital. Other crashes eliminating riders from the field included: Ted King (Cervelo), Darren Lill (Team Type 1), Ian Macgregor (Team Type 1), and Phil Zajicek (Fly V). There was also a crash between Astana teammates when Levi Leipheimer touched wheels with Lance Armstrong. Leipheimer went down; however, he did not suffer any injuries and returned to the peloton unscathed.
Tomorrow’s forecast looks to be the first one to show sun in this year’s Tour of California. Stage 4 is 116 miles and includes 5 KOMs and 2 Sprints. Top placed BISSELL riders, Tom Zirbel and Ben Jacques-Maynes, are in the 26th and 27th places, respectively, of the general classification.
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| Ben wearing his Most Courageous jersey |
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The Start in San Jose |
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The start in San Jose |
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| The Modesto Circuit |
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Tom ascending Patterson pass |
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Frank's Finish in Modesto |
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