French Sylvain Georget (Ag2R) got a big win in today’s stage, soloing on the finishing line in Big Bear Lake after 196 km of tough racing, but that could not make big a big difference among GC contenders. Peter Sagan (Liquigas) had to stand with second, winning the main group’s sprint, while Peter Velits (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) was third. American Dave Zabriskie (Garmin) held on his leader’s jersey with two stages to go.

A 7-man breakaway dominated today’s scene: Sebastian Salas and Andrew Bajadali (Optum Pro Cycling), David Boily (Spidertech) Yukihiro Doi (Argos-Shimano), Sylvain Georges (Ag2R), Gregory Rast (RadioShack-Nissan) e Jeremy Vennell (Bissell Cycling) attacked right after  the start, and reached a maximum advantage of 8 minutes on the peloton led by Garmin. An eighth rider was about to bridge on the escapees, but couldn’t do it for a mere 30-metre space: it was Colombia Coldeportes’ Carlos Julian Quintero, whose action confirmed the hardcore attacking approach of the team in their adventure in the US.

“Today we decided to try the break with Quintero, and we were really close. We were unlucky, but getting in the right breakaway is never easy, and our riders managed to do that several times in the last few days. And they are going to try again,” Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi explained after the race.

While the 7 frontrunners started splintering, Darwin Atapuma broke away from the bunch on the last categorized climb of the day, but had to sit up due to the lack of fellow escapees.

In the finale, weary Georget held on to resist the chase by Liquigas and Garmin, winning by 30” on the main bunch including Colombia Coldeportes’ Fabio Duarte, Darwin Atapuma and Michael Rodriguez, ahead of what is widely retained to be the decisive stage: 126 km starting in Ontario and finishing atop the Mt. Baldy.

“We had a quiet day after all, except for Suarez’s withdrawal after 70 km, due to stomach issues. It was a very tough stage, but it didn’t give any chance to make a big difference: tomorrow, we will find just that,” Tebaldi stated.

“Our guys are ok: Darwin tried from a long way, Fabio went with 900 metres to go, but the gradient was not tough enough. They will be in the mix tomorrow, I am sure of that.”

Photo: Carlos Quintero was just metres away from making today’s break

The time trial in Bakersfield was raced in a stunning, desert-like background, while also presenting some short but severe bumps that made it a very tough race in terms of interpretation. The very hot weather and the wind also had their shares in making today’s time trial a real test for everyone involved.

After Zabriskie set his amazing time, finishing in 35.59, Fabio Duarte was smart in managing his energies throughout the route, and came out with a time that kept him really close to most of the GC contenders ahead of the two stages that suit the Escarabajos most. Duarte was 22nd, 2.01 behind today’s winner.

“Apart from the heat, the headwind made things difficult in the first part, – Fabio Duarte told us – but I was able to recover in the finale, with the road pointing up. I am not a time trial specialist, but I expected I could come out with such a performance: I wanted to tackle it at my very best, and I did it.”

Behind Fabio, Victor Hugo Peña clocked the 47th time, with a 3.03 gap, while Darwin Atapuma closed in 79th position, with 5.09 to today’s winner.

Tomorrow, Colombia Coldeportes’ guys will get back into their element: the mountains. The 6th stage of the Amgen Tour of California, Palmdale-Big Bear Lake of 186 km, will call the GC contenders to the fore, with 4 categorized climbs that could easily reshape the overall ahead of Mount Baldy’s uphill finish on Saturday.

“I am hopeful. I think I am in a good position, and with a good team work I could get to the finale in good conditions, and play my cards,” explained Duarte. “I don’t know what tomorrow’s tactic will be yet, but however it is, I am ready. And I’ll be there.”

Photo: Fabio Duarte performed very well in Bakersfield

The longest stage of the Californian race took the riders through wide prairies burned by a very hot sun: the heat was a big factor of today’s stage, making the 6 categorized climbs into the first 140 km even more demanding to the athletes.

Carlos Julian Quintero was the first protagonist of the day, leading a 9-man escape atop the first categorized climb of the day. Soon after that, Darwin Atapuma broke away along with another rider to brint the escapees’ number to eleven. “There were 3 or 4 dangerous riders in the break – Atapuma explained afterwards – so I bridged to the frontrunners. The action didn’t work out, but if it did, I would have had the chance to move up in the GC.”

Despite the strong work by Carlos Quintero, the advantage never got over 3.30 on the pack led by RadioShack, and was eventually neutralized at 70 km to go – at the foot of the last categorized climb of the day – notably due to lack of cooperation. “I gave it all – Carlos Quintero said – but no one was helping upfront, and I couldn’t do much more, particularly in such a hot day.” Nevertheless, both Quintero and Atapuma managed to win a KOM sprint each.

Not even a breather, and Michael Rodriguez got clear of the bunch, leading away another group of attackers. The Colombian youngster really incentived the action, while also passing first atop the last KOM of the day, but Liquigas didn’t leave any chance, closing down on the escapees and controlling the race in the final 60 km on flat terrain – just to finish it with the usual show by Sagan.

“We held our own today too – Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi stated – we wanted to be in every action, as we knew today’s could be a stage for a non-contenders’ escape to succeed. Since there were some dangerous opponents away, we chose to set El Puma on the attack, and clearly the teams with no riders in the break took up the chase and closed down. But I am happy to comment another positive display, including another attack by restless Rodriguez. His time will come, sooner or later.”

Tomorrow is time trial’s time: 29,7 km, starting and finishing in Bakersfield, set to significantly change the top of the GC. Both Fabio Duarte and Darwin Atapuma will go for a good performance, with an eye on the overall classification, while Victor Hugo Peña will try to follow up the good feelings he has had over the last few days in a specialty that earned him major satisfactions in his career.

Photo: the peloton rode through some very characteristic inland Californian settings

The Escarabajos were arguably among main protagonists of the race, along with Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale), who took his third in a row in Livermore after 185,6 km under the Californian sun, once again beating Heinrich Haussler (Garmin-Barracuda) and Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) in a top level sprint. But, among those who stood on the podium at the end of the day, Wilson Marentes took a huge and well deserved satisfaction, wearing the “Amgen Breakaway from Cancer” Most Courageous Rider Jersey.

Wilson broke away just clear of the start along with 3 more riders Sébastian Salas (Team Optum), Jonathan Patrick McCarty (Spidertech-C10), Jeremy Vennell (Bissell) in a stage featuring the tough Mount Diablo climb, where a huge number of fans cheered for all the athletes on both sides of the road.

The escapees topped the Diablo holding a 8-minute advantage on the pack led by Liquigas, but it started losing pieces on the way down, when Salas got dropped. A little later, Vennell and Marentes got clear of McCarty, making it a two-man attempt.

The duo was caught just ahead of the final climb of the day, the Patteson Pass, but another show by Colombia Coldeportes was about to start. Michael Rodriguez was the first to kick away from the bunch on the early slopes, and then it was the time for the first attack by Fabio Duarte in this Tour of California.

The 2008 Under 23 world champion was followed by Irishman Nicolas Roche (Ag2R), and managed to be first atop the King of the Mountain post while taking 20 seconds off the bunch. The two escapees gave their all on the way down, but they couldn’t resist the return of the bunch led by Liquigas, willing to launch Sagan toward his third gem in a row, while also saving his overall lead.

“I am honored to wear this jersey – Wilson Marentes said after the race – as it came in a very important race like the Tour of California. Today we showed our authentic approach to the race, and I am glad we did in the day of the 25th anniversary of Lucho’s Vuelta. We wanted to show off and honor him today, and I think we managed to do that.”

Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi was understandably very happy with his team display: “I think we rode a great stage today. We were protagonists throughout the day, attacking with no less than three riders, and showing our huge determination and willingness to perform well in this great race. Wilson was amazing today, and he deserves his honor. In the finale, Fabio gave a good show of what he’s able to do when feeling well. And he is feeling well.”

Great mood in the team ahead of the fourth stage, taking the race from Sonora to Clovis for 209 km. Six categorized climbs will make it a tough one, even though the last one comes at more than 60 kilometres from home. This time, a breakaway could do it for good.

Photo: Wilson Marentes was the most courageous rider of the day

Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) was first to the line once again in Santa Cruz, obviously holding on his leader’s jersey. Behind the Slovak, Heinrich Haussler took another runner-up seat (Garmin-Barracuda), while Leigh Howard (Orica-GreenEDGE) rounded out the day’s podium.

It was Juan Pablo Suarez’s black jersey to show off since the early kilometres, taking part to the day’s break along with 5 more riders: Alexandre Geniez (Argos-Shimano), Bradley White (UnitedHealthcare), Jeremy Vennell (Bissell), Michael Creed (Team Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies) and Lloyd Mondory (Ag2R-La Mondiale). The advantage of the six escapees got close to 10 minutes before the peloton started chasing in earnest, cutting the gap down ahead of the first tough ascent of the day, the Empire Grade.

While the gradients were splintering the pack, it was Michael Rodriguez’s time to test his legs with over 70 km to go. The young Colombian only managed to stay away for a few kilometres, but Michael explained afterwards: “I was feeling great at that very moment, so I tried and tested myself. I got my answers now.”

The morning escape was turned off by Liquigas, while Geniez managed to power into a solo action until 20 km to go. Behind him, the pack was fractured several times on the two climbs and very technical descents, coming to the final showdown with little more than 60 riders.

Fabio Duarte (25th), Darwin Atapuma (32nd) and Victor Hugo Peña (58th) closed the stage in the main group, with a pretty confident display. Notably, Fabio Duarte was forced to chase brilliantly back into the group after hitting the ground on the Empire Grade, and later overcoming a flat tyre.

Little luck, but the right feelings: “I have been hampered by those inconventents, but I could get back to the pack with no major effort. Legs are spinning very well…”

Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi also provided a positive wrap-up of the day: “Juan Pablo was smart in getting into the days breakaway. Fabio and Darwin managed to finish in the top group, as did Victor, who showed good improvements in condition. We are now even more confident for what’s coming up.”

Tuesday’s stage, San Jose-Livermore (185 km) will lead the riders atop the Mount Diablo for the very first time at the halfway stage. In the finale, Peterson Pass’ ascent, culminating at less than 15 km to go, bodes for another very intense and entertaining finish.

Photo: Juan Pablo Suarez was a protagonist of the day’s breakaway

Colombia Coldeportes’ Fabio Duarte (15th) and Darwin Atapuma (30th) closed in the first bunch a stage that proved more demanding than expected: only 20 riders managed to hold on atop Coleman Valley’s climb, while chasing the 8 early escapees, whose advantage had reached 11.30 into the first 50 km.

Both Fabio and Darwin always stayed at the sharp end, even though Atapuma himself was victim of a crash in the early stages – luckily, with no major consequences. On the other hand, the rest of the team was far less brilliant, partially due to the heavy jet lag after the travel from Italy.

Hence, Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi can’t be completely satisfied, and he’s willing to see a more active and determined team in the upcoming stages: “We expected Atapuma and Duarte to stay at the front, and our two leaders did pretty good both on slopes and flat sections in the finale, always pedalling at the sharp end.”

“Those other guys are probably still suffering from the jet lag, but a different race is starting tomorrow for them. Since they can’t address GC anymore, they will get the chance to be more aggressive in breakaway attempts, while also taking care of Fabio and Darwin ahead of the decisive mountain stages.”

Tomorrow’s stage, 188 km from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, will give them a first chance to do so: Empire Grade and Bear Creek climbs are too far from home to be decisive, but will provide further important indications about the conditions of the riders in the spotlight.

Photo: Even a crash couldn’t let Darwin Atapuma down

In the evening, the riders and Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi took part to the official teams’ presentation in the enchanting setting of Sonoma-Cutrer winery. The Escarabajos were warmly welcomed by the American audience, who sounded their expectations for an attacking display by the Colombian riders.

A lighter training session was performed on Satuday morning, while the afternoon was when the latest details were fixed ahead of Sunday’s debut in Santa Rosa.

“The whole Team is very happy to be here, and we are proud to take part to such an important and exciting race – said Sports Director Tebaldi. “We are amazed with the great organization and professionalism of this race, and it’s easy to see why it has risen to be one of the most important stage races in the calendar.”

“We are looking forward to start, the team is motivated and raring to go. The race is likely to be decided in the toughest mountain stages, on Friday and Saturday, but you never find flat terrain here in California. It’s going to be an interesting race, that’s for sure!”

Photo: Juan Pablo Suarez and Carlos Julian Quintero are ready to go on Sunday

The American stage race has consistently grown in stature in the last few year, and it’s arguably the most important USA race in the UCI Calendar. The race will start in Santa Rosa and finish in Los Angeles at the end of eight tough stages, including a severe uphill finish to the Mt. Baldy on the penultimate day.

Colombia Coldeportes is taking off from Milan on Thursday, May 10^th with a very strong and motivated team, led by Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi: Darwin Atapuma, Fabio Duarte, Javier Gonzalez, Wilson Marentes, Carlos Quintero, Victor Hugo Peña,  Michael Rodriguez and Juan Pablo Suarez.

While Tebaldi’s line-up looks set for an aggressive display on the mountains, with Darwin Atapuma, Fabio Duarte and Michael Rodriguez looking to show off when the road points up, the team will also rely on Victor Hugo Peña’s experience as well as on Carlos Quintero’s enthusiasm after topping the KOM classification at the 4 days of Dunkerque.

“The Tour of California is a very important race, and we are proud to take part to such a rising event, – Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi stated. “I am extremely confident in the line-up we selected, and I am really looking forward to this race. We planned carefully ahead of this event, and I believe we have good chances to perform very well.”

The Team’s hotels:

May 10-13

Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
3555 Round Barn Boulevard
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

May 14
Mount Hermon
37 Conference Drive
Mount Hermon, CA 95041

May 15
Residence Inn Livermore Pleasanton
1000 Airway Blvd
Livermore, CA 94551

May 16-17
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
3100 Camino Del Rio Court
Bakersfield, CA 93308

May 18
Best Western Plus Big Bear Chateau
42200 Moonridge Road
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

May 19
Doubletree Guest Suites
1707 – 4^th Street
Santa Monica, CA

May 20
JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Photo: The riders are about to face a very charming route throughout California

The last stage went to Italian Matteo Pelucchi (Europcar), who outsprinted John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) and Danilo Napolitano (Acqua&Sapone). Juan Pablo Forero lead Colombia Coldeportes to the line, finishing in sixteenth position. French Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun) didn’t take any risk in the closing effort to clinch the overall title.

We reached an enthusiastic Carlos Quintero on his way to the airport: “It’s a really nice result, particularly as it came after a very tough time for me as an athlete. The crash at Milan-Sanremo forced me away from racing for a month, and I have been working so hard… I was getting nervous at the beginning, as I wanted to get back to the best condition right away.”

“I must thank the whole staff, and particularly Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli, for keeping me calm and focused, and for encouraging me to get into the break that led me to the top of this classification,” Quintero continued. “And thanks also to my team mates, that worked hard to make this happen.”

“I came to Dunkerque with some good feelings from Giro di Toscana, with a strong motivation to show off. It’s 52 days from the crash now, and I can celebrate this very good moment. I am so happy!”

Oscar Pellicioli gave Quintero credit for earning his opportunity to take the polka-dot jersey: “He was very smart in getting into the breakaway on stage 2, and I really appreciated his attitude throughout the race. He’s a good guy, he deserved this.”

“Today’s breakaway didn’t include any KOM contender, so we could sit up and just control the race, waiting for the final dash.”

Colombia Coldeportes will have little time for resting now, as on Thursday morning the team will fly to the USA for the upcoming Amgen Tour of California (May 13-20).

Photo: Carlos Quintero smiling on the stage in Dunkerque

The race didn’t start the best of ways for Colombia, as Javier Gonzalez didn’t start due to a problem that had been affecting him over the last three days. The stage was characterized by a morning breakaway that was later bridged by a group of GC contenders on the route of the toughest stage of the race, with six categorized climbs. In the finale, Stybar was perfect in timing his attack, clinching his first road success after being cyclo-cross world champion back in 2010 and 2011.

Victor Hugo Peña was the first to the line in a very hard day for the team, that never really found its rhythm on the roads of Northern France. Still, Carlos Julian Quintero managed to hold on his polka-dot jersey, and has a very good shot to taking the final crown in tomorrow’s final stage, Bethune-Dunkerque (176 km), featuring only one categorized climb.

Photo: Carlos Quintero is still wearing the polka-dot jersey with 1 stage to go