Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results

One of the hottest stages ever

That is what Tejay van Garderen said at the finish of a very hot steep climb to the tram station in Palm Springs, California. I was at the start this morning in Murietta, where I met three cycling fans who were very knowledgeable about the local area, I predicted, "What until the finish, we are going to see exhausted riders on the ground after they cross the line." We could imagine it clearly from where we stood 124 miles away, the morning was already too hot. I am wishing I could have predicted a different outcome for those young men. I wouldn't want to wish upon anyone what the riders during Stage 1 of the Tour of California experienced today.

124.3 miles in 111℉ (44℃) heat, over 9,790 ft elevation gain, to finish up a dusty mountain climb barely able to unclip from their bikes.

Yesterday in Escondido in the searing hot 105℉ temperatures, my friend and photographer for Pedal Dancer®, Willie Reichenstein, commented as we reviewed his photos from the KOM point on Coal Grade Road, "By this point, most of these guys looked like they couldn't get home fast enough." Well today these pros, who will ride through anything as their profession demands, probably wished they had never left home.

Pieter Serry (Omega Pharma-Quickstep), from Belgium, dramatically collapsed in the final few hundred meters of the finish line from the heat, abandoning the race. Mauro Da Dalto (Cannondale) from Italy, also had to withdraw suffering from heat stroke he was taken to the hospital.

Five riders did not start Stage 2 today. Only two riders did not finish today's stage - very admirable. 121 of 128 ride on ...

Tomorrow we will see the same riders, pick themselves up, get back on the saddle and again line up on the start line of Stage 3 ready to race. I wish each and every one of them a cool peaceful nights rest.

Also read: Tour of California shakes and bakes in searing Palm Springs heat By: Laura Weislo in CyclingNews

How steep is steep? The tram road in Palm Springs:
Length: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1910 ft
Average Grade: 9.5%
Last 1.2 miles: 12%
Last 1/2 mile: 14.3%
2nd steepest climb in southern California

Stage 2 results - full results on ATOC website

Stage 2 winner
Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman

The Jamis bike that powered today's Stage 1 winner - Janier Acevedo ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 2 Podium (no podium shots today, we were at the start, first sprint, and first KOM)

Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Tea
Philip Deignan (IRL), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team

General Classification (yellow)
Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL), Team Jamis – Hagens Berman

Sprint Classification (green)
Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Tea

Lieuwe changed colors today from yellow to green. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

KOM Classification (polka dot)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling

Carter Jones earned another day in read and white polka dots. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Best Young Rider (white)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team