Stage 2: Haedo wins, Leipheimer holds lead


Sacramento: Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail
This popular paved path—from the capital city to historic Folsom—rolls along the broad American River. For an all-day outing, start at Old Sacramento State Historic Park and head upstream, under leafy oak trees and past willows. There’s a climb at the end (and Folsom cafes for lunch).

Trailhead: Old Sacramento State Historic Park, Sacramento
Length: 32 miles, one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Website: More info

California Tourism
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ROUTE DETAILS

Day: Tuesday, Feb 20
Start: Santa Rosa
Finish: Sacramento
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Miles: 115.8
KM: 186.4
Finish ETA: 2:13 PM

Levi Leipheimer
Stage 2 Results | Video | Press Release

CSC's Argentinean ace J.J. Haedo blasted to the front of another all-ProTour sprint finish Tuesday to win the second stage of the Amgen Tour of California. After yesterday's chaotic finish, Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) was happy to have remained intact and safely inside an upright peloton after three circuits of downtown Sacramento concluded the 116-mile stage from his hometown of Santa Rosa.

Leipheimer's Discovery team let a three-man break go within the first kilometer, where it would dangle in the wind for 100 miles. The long effort earned Crédit Agricole's Christophe Laurent the most-aggressive jersey, and his companions David McCann (Colavita-Sutter Home) and Omar Kem (Priority Health) some serious TV time, but ultimately the move was squashed.

Leipheimer, again in yellow at day's end, wasn't the only one grateful for the safe stage finish. "Yesterday was frustrating for me," said Haedo, who was bumped out of position on Monday and finished eighth. "I am very happy to be able to win here, today. The team did very much work for me. This win is for them."
Excerpted from VeloNews

Top 3

1. J.J. Haedo (Arg), Team CSC
2. Luca Paolini (I), Liquigas
3. Thor Hushovd (Nor), Crédit Agricole

Overall

1. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Discovery Channel
2. Jason Donald (USA), Slipstream-Chipotle
3. Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA), Priority Health-Bissell

Jerseys

Leader: Levi Leipheimer (USA), Discovery Channel
Points: Allan Davis (Aus), Discovery Channel
Climber: Thomas Peterson (USA), Slipstream-Chipotle
Young rider: Taylor Tolleson (USA), Slipstream-Chipotle

Stage 2 Action

While You're There

 

Stage 2 Profile


Stage 2 Profile

Top Viewing Spots

Departing from Santa Rosa

  1. Historic Railroad Square - Just off the Downtown Exit on Highway 101, spectators can meet the riders up close and personal and see the start of the race.
  2. Matanzas Creek Winery - On Bennett Valley Road, this open stretch offers a great view of the entire pack. Once they've passed, spectators can kick back and enjoy an excellent glass of Merlot.
  3. Trinity Grade - The steep climb just off Highway 12 in the Valley of the Moon. Watch on the climb leaving the county for the very same reason as Coleman Valley. Similar to a stage race like the Tour de France, the masses always gather on the climbs because it lets the fans get the best chance at a close encounter with the racers.

Entering Sacramento

  1. Tower Bridge - Watch as the riders cross the Sacramento River across the Tower Bridge. Have lunch and stroll the shops of Historic Old Sacramento.
  2. Capitol Mall - One of the most picturesque areas of the stage. View the riders as they head towards the beautiful State Capitol. Plenty of space on the open grassy areas to view the riders as the approach the ending circuit.
  3. 10th St / N St - Check out the Lifestyle festival before and after the race on 10th St between L St and N St. Vendors, food, displays, and exhibitions will be featured before and after the race. Along the West Steps of the State Capitol.
  4. 15th St –16th St / P St - This area is where the riders make a hard left turn on a tricky portion of the course. Relax in Fremont Park, have a hot cup of coffee at one of several unique coffee shops, or have lunch at several wonderful restaurants that surround this residential area. Light rail stops are just 1 block away!
  5. 18th St between Capitol and L St - One of Sacramento’s hottest restaurant sites. Choose from a multitude of various restaurants, including Zocalo's, Dragonfly's, Paesano's Pizza, Crepeville, and Java City. There is exceptional sidewalk dinning in this area.
  6. 16th St / L St - The East end of Capitol Park has some great restaurants and is a shaded viewing area. This site is also near several of the State of California ‘s War Memorials. Riders will most probably be starting to sprint to the finish from this area!
  7. The Finish Line (11th St / L ST) - Viewing stands, covered areas, restaurants, and the State Capitol in the background. You may not find a more beautiful site to watch a fast, furious finish during the entire race! Visit the K Street pedestrian mall and Downtown Plaza or catch a movie at the IMAX Theatre. Regional Transit has several light rail stops two blocks from the finish and Lifestyle Festival!

Current Weather

Santa Rosa

Sacramento


Current Conditions:
Fair, 58 F

Forecast:
Thu - Sunny. High: 99 Low: 60
Fri - Partly Cloudy. High: 93 Low: 57

Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
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Current Conditions:
Fair, 68 F

Forecast:
Thu - Sunny. High: 106 Low: 66
Fri - Mostly Sunny. High: 102 Low: 63

Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)

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