Stage 5 from Visalia to Paso Robles was the longest stage of this year’s tour, and took place under sunny skies with temperatures holding in the 60’s. The goal for the BISSELL Team was to have a quiet day of spinning the legs so that they can feel as fresh as possible for tomorrow’s time trial.

There was a breakaway of 6 riders including Weening (Rabobank), Louder (BMC), Evans (OUCH), Crane (Jelly Belly), Gunn (Fly V Australia), and Chadwick (Rock Racing) which comprised most of the day. Astana controlled the peloton throughout the day. At about 20 miles to go, the breakaway began to fall apart and a group of 60 were together to contest the finish. There were competing set-ups occurring between the teams of Columbia and Cervelo. In the end, Mark Renshaw (Columbia) led teammate Mark Cavendish (Columbia) out for the win. This is Cavendish’s second win in this year’s tour. Tom Boonen (Quick Step) came in second with Pedro Horillo (Rabobank) taking third.

Ben Jacques-Maynes was with the finishing group and took 13th place which secures his position of 25th in the GC as he heads into tomorrow’s time trial. Tom, Frank, Peter, and Jeremy came through in the next groups and are also focused on Solvang.

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