2013 Tour of California
The 8th Tour of California was held until May 19, 2013 12. As in previous years, the stage race was divided into 8 sections. The distance was about 728.5 miles ( 1166 km ). The tour was part of the UCI America Tour in 2013 and classified there in the highest UCI category 2.HC.
If the Tour of California 2011 or shortened due to heavy snowfall (the first stage was even canceled completely ), the drivers had to suffer this year under extremely high temperatures sometimes exceeding 40 ° C in the shade.
Participating teams
At the start, had 16 professional teams. Like last year, these were 8 UCI ProTeam, however, were in contrast to 2012, only three Professional Continental teams, but invited five American Continental team.
Stages
First stage: Escondido - Escondido
The first stage was won by Dutchman Lieuwe Westra from Team Vacansoleil - DCM. He attacked five kilometers from the finish line after a four -man lead group that had formed on the ascent to Mount Palomar has been obtained. With this attack, he surprised the whole field, only Francisco Mancebo (5 Hour Energy ) could follow Westra. The two rescued a lead of six seconds on the peloton rolled at the tip of Peter Sagan of Team Cannondale Pro Cycling across the finish line.
Second stage: Murrieta - Greater Palm Springs
The stage was marked by the high temperatures of over 40 ° C. Despite some attacks, including by Philip Deignan ( United Health Care), the field remained long together. On the last climb just could Janier Acevedo of the decisive attack by Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing Team) and follow him on sprint at the end. Both the yellow jersey, Lieuwe Westra, as well as co-favorite Andy Schleck lost over 9 minutes in the fight for the overall victory. New overall leader was Janier Acevedo. As the top 5 were dropped back of the stage from the previous day, occupied the top 5 of the second stage, the new top 5 overall.
Third stage: Palmdale - Santa Clarita
The breakaway of the third stage consisted among other things of the winners of the first stage, Lieuwe Westra, and Andy Schleck. Both had fallen significantly in the standings the previous day. Since the terrain of the stage was mostly flat, it was highly suitable for the sprinters. After the outliers were captured, the stage could decide for himself in which he shortly before the finish line, Michael Matthews ( Orica GreenEdge ) overtook that looked just like the sure winner Peter Sagan of Team Cannondale Pro Cycling. In the overall standings, there were no changes.
Fourth stage: Santa Clarita - Santa Barbara
The profile of the fourth stage was suitable for the sprinters. After two climbs of the fourth and third category, the target was in the coastal area of Santa Barbara. The stage was won by American Tyler Farrar of the Garmin Sharp. After his third place from the day before he was able to celebrate his first stage victory in the Tour. This was his first professional victory since August 2012. In the overall standings, there were no changes, since all the favorites finished the race with Farrar at the same time.
Stage 5: Santa Barbara - Avila Beach
The first peak had 25 kilometers after the start of a mountain stage of the second category be climbed. After the first breakaway group was asked veteran Jens Voigt initiated 50 kilometers from the finish in strong crosswinds an attack to take away the sprinters' teams to victory. 15 riders were able to up the pace, among which were, among others, Tejay van Garderen (BMC ) and Michael Rogers ( Saxo - Tinkoff ), but also the two sprinter Tyler Farrar ( Orica GreenEdge ) and Peter Sagan ( Cannondale Pro Cycling ), both of which have a could gain stage. 5 km before the finish started Voigt in a known manner outlier another attack, which only the two sprinters tried to follow. Finally was able to save six seconds ahead of the other outliers to the target and thus celebrate his first victory of the season Voigt. The main field with the yellow jersey, Janier Acevedo, came with just over a minute down on the winner, so Tejay van Garderen, the new overall leader was.
Stage 6: San José ( ECF )
The only time trial of the tour was for the climbers. After several short climbs and descents followed on the last 3 kilometers, an increase that had to be overcome in the 300 meters. The stage was won Tejay van Garderen (BMC ) before the winner of the first stage, Lieuwe Westra ( Vacansoleil -DCM ). Surprisingly third place went to Australian Rohan Dennis from Team (Garmin Sharp).