Examiner.com Top 10 list for Tour of California

James Raia - Cycling Examiner did a nice job listing his Worst/Top 10 list for the 2009 Tour of California and look what was the best thing at the Tour...

1. The final stage mountain in stage 8 last Sunday. The race still doesn't have a mountaintop finish, but including a final-day stage with four climbs, including the Mt. Palomar ascent, was a keen move by race organizers. The only way it could have been better: If Levi Leipheimer's race lead were only a few seconds or his team wasn't as dominant as Astana was throughout the race.

For the rest of his Worst/Top 10 click here

Amgen Tour of CA Stage 8 Rap Up

We saved the best for last at the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. Stage 8 was the Queen's stage, the most difficult of the race. It was a 96.8-mile pedal from Rancho Bernardo to Escondido, which was the first time the race has traveled to San Diego County. The route included four California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains climbs, none bigger than the fearsome Palomar Mountain, an above categorization climbs that peaks at 5123 feet, the highest summit ever reached in the Tour. With two-time defending champion Levi Leipheimer (AST) in the leader's tunic, an abundance of attacks were expected in a final effort to claim the yellow jersey.

An early break was established, but eventually collapsed on Palomar Mountain where an elite group formed including Leipheimer and his closest rivals – David Zabriskie (GRM) and Michael Rogers (THR). On the descent four riders formed a new move, which then slimmed down to duo consisting of Frank Schleck (SAX) and Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ). The pair made it over the final KOM climb of the race on the testing Cole Grade and motored towards the finish on the valley floor while the Astana-powered peloton kept the gap close to preserve Leipheimer's overall victory. After rounding the final corner, Schleck made his move and pulled away for the stage win ahead of Nibali. George Hincapie (THR) won the pack gallop to claim 3rd place for the day. The top three positions on the General Classification held up: Leipheimer followed by Zabriskie (36 seconds) and Rogers (45 seconds). Tonight Leipheimer celebrates his Amgen Tour of California three-peat and his Team Astana toasts the Team victory. After winning back-to-back stages earlier in the week, Mark Cavendish (THR) takes home the Herbalife Sprint jersey. Jason McCartney (SAX) climbed his way to the California Travel & Tourism King of the Mountains title. For the third consecutive year, Robert Gesink (RAB) leaves the Golden State with the Rabobank Best Young Rider jersey in his suitcase

Party Swamis & one KOM

If you are looking to do a little riding during Sunday Stage 8, see the start & Finish, and see a KOM on the tour here is a route to do it.

Here is the plan:

• Arrive at Party Swamis (Escondido Arts Ctr) around 9:30am. Since you are there early you should be able to find a good parking place
• Ride to the Start in Rancho Bernardo.
• Hang out in Rancho Bernardo until 11am. Check out the start area.
• Ride to the Highland Valley KOM
• Cheer the Peloton on as they come by around 12:20
• Ride back to Party Swamis
• Party @ Party Swamis and check out the Finish area
• Cheer Fly V Australia at the finish around 4pm
• Hang out with the Pros from 4:30 to 6pm.

See you there... Below is a potential route



View Larger Map

It is about 30 miles for a round trip. The big issue is that you will need to ride for one exit on the I-15. If you are not comfortable you will need to have someone drop off you and your bike in Rancho Bernado

Official ToC info for Pro Team

Fly V Australia Presented by Successful Living Foundation
Country: AUS
Team Website: www.teamflyaustralia.com
2009 Roster: 15 riders
Bikes Used: Parlee Bicycles

Australia’s newest professional cycling team, Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation, is set to take off in 2009. Also like its major sponsor, the Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation cycling team will have a trans-Pacific focus in 2009, running a comprehensive program that will compete in the biggest and best races in the United States, Australia and Asia.

The squad includes eight-time Australian National Time Trial Champion Nathan O’Neil and current Australian Criterium National Champion Bernie Sulzberger. The team also includes top U.S. climbers Phil Zajicek and Micheal Grabinger, both coming off a stellar 2008 season. The team will be aiming for both time trial and stage wins at their Amgen Tour of California debut.

Australia's newest international airline, V Australia, is set to make its first flight to Los Angeles International airport on February 27, 2009.