Stage 3: San Jose to Modesto

During last year’s Amgen Tour of California, the peloton rode from Modesto to San Jose, but in 2009 they’ll reverse direction and pedal from San Jose to Modesto. That means the riders will be hit hard early when just five miles into Stage 3, they’ll face menacing Sierra Road (1930 feet of elevation), which has been a defining climb in previous years and is certain to inflict damage on the field once again. The racers will then speed through flat sections that twist and turn, including more than 40 switchbacks on Calaveras Road. After tackling the second major climb of the day, Patterson Pass, the stage will conclude with two laps around a downtown circuit in Modesto.