Amgen tour of California 2012

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Teams bring out the Classic gear for Stage 3 cobbles

  • In addition to the different bike, Ivan Basso (Liquigas) also stuck with his lighter and faster Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate wheels instead of the shallower wheels of most of his teammates.

    In addition to the different bike, Ivan Basso (Liquigas) also stuck with his lighter and faster Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate wheels instead of the shallower wheels of most of his teammates.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Eddy Merckx called in its painter late on Monday to paint this EMX-5, arriving with just enough time for the mechanics to build it up before the start of Stage 3.

    Eddy Merckx called in its painter late on Monday to paint this EMX-5, arriving with just enough time for the mechanics to build it up before the start of Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • When was the last time we saw a custom painted bike that celebrated its rider wearing both the yellow and green jerseys?

    When was the last time we saw a custom painted bike that celebrated its rider wearing both the yellow and green jerseys?

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) poses with his custom painted Eddy Merckx.

    Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) poses with his custom painted Eddy Merckx.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • These giant Fast Forward decals on Sylvain Chavanel's Eddy Merckx are covering up Ambrosio logos.

    These giant Fast Forward decals on Sylvain Chavanel's Eddy Merckx are covering up Ambrosio logos.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Eddy Merckx himself signed this frame before it was delivered to Stage 3 GC leader Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step).

    Eddy Merckx himself signed this frame before it was delivered to Stage 3 GC leader Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step).

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) naturally had a yellow helmet from BBB and yellow gloves from Vermarc to go along with his maillot jaune.

    Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) naturally had a yellow helmet from BBB and yellow gloves from Vermarc to go along with his maillot jaune.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Quick Step led in three categories at the start of Stage 3 with Jerome Pineau in the polka dot jersey.

    Quick Step led in three categories at the start of Stage 3 with Jerome Pineau in the polka dot jersey.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) wasn't the only one to soldier through the stage with a broken bone. Rabobank's Robert Gesink managed to finish with his own broken wrist aboard Giant's TCR Advanced SL.

    Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) wasn't the only one to soldier through the stage with a broken bone. Rabobank's Robert Gesink managed to finish with his own broken wrist aboard Giant's TCR Advanced SL.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rabobank spare bikes were equipped with classics-type wheels.

    Rabobank spare bikes were equipped with classics-type wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Sealed Gore Ride-On cables (with yellow grub seals) were installed on Lance Armstrong's Team Radioshack Trek Madone.

    Sealed Gore Ride-On cables (with yellow grub seals) were installed on Lance Armstrong's Team Radioshack Trek Madone.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Sylvain Chavanel's (Quick Step) Campagnolo Record crankset was fitted with standard 53/39T chainrings.

    Sylvain Chavanel's (Quick Step) Campagnolo Record crankset was fitted with standard 53/39T chainrings.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) spent a day in yellow with double-wrapped bars to carry him across the cobbles.

    Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) spent a day in yellow with double-wrapped bars to carry him across the cobbles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Alloy cages were swapped in on the Liquigas bikes to provide a more secure hold on the bottles.

    Alloy cages were swapped in on the Liquigas bikes to provide a more secure hold on the bottles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Mavic's Reflex rims make their usual appearance on the cobbles, this time on the bikes of Liquigas.

    Mavic's Reflex rims make their usual appearance on the cobbles, this time on the bikes of Liquigas.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Most of the Liquigas squad chose softer-riding Cannondale Synapse bikes for Stage 3.

    Most of the Liquigas squad chose softer-riding Cannondale Synapse bikes for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale says the Synapse's stay shaping helps give it a softer ride than the SuperSix Hi-Mod.

    Cannondale says the Synapse's stay shaping helps give it a softer ride than the SuperSix Hi-Mod.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Milram riders set off on Stage 3 on their standard Focus Izalco bikes fitted with box-section alloy rims and 25mm-wide Continental tires.

    Milram riders set off on Stage 3 on their standard Focus Izalco bikes fitted with box-section alloy rims and 25mm-wide Continental tires.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Double-wrapped bars adorn this Omega Pharma-Lotto Canyon.

    Double-wrapped bars adorn this Omega Pharma-Lotto Canyon.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Omega Pharma-Lotto chose to stick with their familiar Canyon Ultimate CF SLX bikes for Stage 3.

    Omega Pharma-Lotto chose to stick with their familiar Canyon Ultimate CF SLX bikes for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Omega Pharma-Lotto's Canyon bikes are usually fitted with chain watchers but curiously went without for Stage 3.

    Omega Pharma-Lotto's Canyon bikes are usually fitted with chain watchers but curiously went without for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Omega Pharma-Lotto team cars were equipped with a number of classics-type wheels.

    Omega Pharma-Lotto team cars were equipped with a number of classics-type wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Continental's 25mm-wide Competition Pro Limited ProTection tubulars include extra reinforcement on the sidewalls.

    Continental's 25mm-wide Competition Pro Limited ProTection tubulars include extra reinforcement on the sidewalls.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lance Armstrong 'Rode For' Nicholas DeSocio today, who succumbed to leukemia when he was just 20 years old.

    Lance Armstrong 'Rode For' Nicholas DeSocio today, who succumbed to leukemia when he was just 20 years old.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lance Armstrong wasn't the only one to take a beating today; his Team Radioshack Trek Madone Unity got hammered across the cobbles, too.

    Lance Armstrong wasn't the only one to take a beating today; his Team Radioshack Trek Madone Unity got hammered across the cobbles, too.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Internal routing on Saxo Bank's Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 helps protect the cables in inclement conditions.

    Internal routing on Saxo Bank's Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 helps protect the cables in inclement conditions.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank riders on older Specialized S-Works Roubaix machines still had special full-length rear brake housing to keep the lines clean.

    Saxo Bank riders on older Specialized S-Works Roubaix machines still had special full-length rear brake housing to keep the lines clean.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) pulled out the big guns today with his Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3.

    Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) pulled out the big guns today with his Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank took few chances today with key riders having multiple spare bikes at their disposal.

    Saxo Bank took few chances today with key riders having multiple spare bikes at their disposal.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank's spare wheels were all Zipp 303 carbon tubulars.

    Saxo Bank's spare wheels were all Zipp 303 carbon tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • As with Paris-Roubaix, Saxo Bank went with bulbous FMB tubulars for Stage 3 of the Tour de France.

    As with Paris-Roubaix, Saxo Bank went with bulbous FMB tubulars for Stage 3 of the Tour de France.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Zertz elastomeric inserts in both the seat stays and the fork blades help kill vibration, according to Specialized.

    Zertz elastomeric inserts in both the seat stays and the fork blades help kill vibration, according to Specialized.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Sky went the conservative route with their alloy Elite Ciussi Gel bottle cages.

    Team Sky went the conservative route with their alloy Elite Ciussi Gel bottle cages.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Sky brought out their Pinarello KOBH 60.1 rigs, which were last in heavy rotation at Paris-Roubaix.

    Team Sky brought out their Pinarello KOBH 60.1 rigs, which were last in heavy rotation at Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Sky spare wheels were mostly of the box-section aluminum tubular variety.

    Team Sky spare wheels were mostly of the box-section aluminum tubular variety.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank mechanics installed Speedplay's special Zero Paris-Roubaix pedals for Stage 3.

    Saxo Bank mechanics installed Speedplay's special Zero Paris-Roubaix pedals for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank riders went with bigger 53/44T chainrings for their run at Stage 3.

    Saxo Bank riders went with bigger 53/44T chainrings for their run at Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Radioshack went with their usual Trek Madones today.

    Team Radioshack went with their usual Trek Madones today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Standard brake pad positions on the Team Radioshack Trek Madones confirmed that they were standard machines, not subtly modified ones like at Paris-Roubaix.

    Standard brake pad positions on the Team Radioshack Trek Madones confirmed that they were standard machines, not subtly modified ones like at Paris-Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Trek Bat Cages are light but hold on to bottle deceptively tight.

    Trek Bat Cages are light but hold on to bottle deceptively tight.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team Radioshack went with 11-23T SRAM PG-1070 cassettes today.

    Team Radioshack went with 11-23T SRAM PG-1070 cassettes today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Trek's standard Madone forks have enough clearance for 25mm-wide tubulars.

    Trek's standard Madone forks have enough clearance for 25mm-wide tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Spare Radioshack bikes were already fitted with classics-type aluminum box-section wheels.

    Spare Radioshack bikes were already fitted with classics-type aluminum box-section wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team mechanics fitted all of the Radioshack machines with 25mm-wide Hutchinson tubulars.

    Team mechanics fitted all of the Radioshack machines with 25mm-wide Hutchinson tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Brake pads slid nearly all the way down in the caliper slots provide a good clue as to how much room is beneath the fork crown.

    Brake pads slid nearly all the way down in the caliper slots provide a good clue as to how much room is beneath the fork crown.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saxo Bank uses sealed Gore Ride-On derailleur cables to help maintain shifting performance in bad weather.

    Saxo Bank uses sealed Gore Ride-On derailleur cables to help maintain shifting performance in bad weather.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • SRAM PG-1070 cassettes were standard equipment for the Saxo Bank guys today.

    SRAM PG-1070 cassettes were standard equipment for the Saxo Bank guys today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) could conveniently change gears from the tops during Stage 3 thanks to Shimano's remote Dura-Ace Di2 shifter.

    Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) could conveniently change gears from the tops during Stage 3 thanks to Shimano's remote Dura-Ace Di2 shifter.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Fat FMB tubulars were wrapped around 35mm-deep Shimano Dura-Ace carbon rims for Team Sky.

    Fat FMB tubulars were wrapped around 35mm-deep Shimano Dura-Ace carbon rims for Team Sky.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cofidis rode their standard Look machines but swapped in box-section alloy wheels.

    Cofidis rode their standard Look machines but swapped in box-section alloy wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • 24mm-wide Vittoria Pave EVO-CG tires were a popular choice today.

    24mm-wide Vittoria Pave EVO-CG tires were a popular choice today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cervélo TestTeam riders (aside from Carlos Sastre but including stage winner Thor Hushovd) all opted for their standard S3 aero bikes and carbon wheels.

    Cervélo TestTeam riders (aside from Carlos Sastre but including stage winner Thor Hushovd) all opted for their standard S3 aero bikes and carbon wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • All of Cervélo TestTeam started on Zipp's 303 carbon tubular rims - including this early prototype that race engineer Damon Rinard was deemed still good for racing.

    All of Cervélo TestTeam started on Zipp's 303 carbon tubular rims - including this early prototype that race engineer Damon Rinard was deemed still good for racing.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Footon-Servetto riders used their usual SST 1.0 rigs with box-section aluminum tubulars mounted.

    Footon-Servetto riders used their usual SST 1.0 rigs with box-section aluminum tubulars mounted.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Footon-Servetto used Red cassettes while most other SRAM-sponsored teams opted for the PG-1070.

    Footon-Servetto used Red cassettes while most other SRAM-sponsored teams opted for the PG-1070.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Challenge makes an appearance in Stage 3 of the Tour de France with its Paris-Roubaix tubulars.

    Challenge makes an appearance in Stage 3 of the Tour de France with its Paris-Roubaix tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Double-wrapped bars helped Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) make it to the finish line today.

    Double-wrapped bars helped Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) make it to the finish line today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • While many other teams swapped to aluminum bottle cages, Garmin-Transitions' Arundel Mandible carbon holders grasp tightly enough to use on the cobbles.

    While many other teams swapped to aluminum bottle cages, Garmin-Transitions' Arundel Mandible carbon holders grasp tightly enough to use on the cobbles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) gutted it out today aboard his usual Felt F1.

    Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) gutted it out today aboard his usual Felt F1.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • BMC ran a mix of Easton SL and SLX carbon wheels plus alloy box-section hoops from Ambrosio, all wrapped in 25mm-wide Continental tubulars.

    BMC ran a mix of Easton SL and SLX carbon wheels plus alloy box-section hoops from Ambrosio, all wrapped in 25mm-wide Continental tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cadel Evans (BMC) switched to a softer-riding BMC SLR01 for Stage 3.

    Cadel Evans (BMC) switched to a softer-riding BMC SLR01 for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • ag2r-La Mondiale went with their usual Kuota KOM machines for Stage 3.

    ag2r-La Mondiale went with their usual Kuota KOM machines for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • ag2r-La Mondiale stuck with composite Elite bottle cages.

    ag2r-La Mondiale stuck with composite Elite bottle cages.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • SRAM's PG-1070 cassettes as seen here on the bikes of ag2r-La Mondiale offer more mud clearance than the lighter PG-1090.

    SRAM's PG-1070 cassettes as seen here on the bikes of ag2r-La Mondiale offer more mud clearance than the lighter PG-1090.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Curiously, ag2r-La Mondiale rider Nicholas Roche's spare machine was fitted with deeper-section carbon clinchers, not tubulars.

    Curiously, ag2r-La Mondiale rider Nicholas Roche's spare machine was fitted with deeper-section carbon clinchers, not tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • ag2r-La Mondiale went with a curious selection of spare bikes and wheels, most of which were clinchers.

    ag2r-La Mondiale went with a curious selection of spare bikes and wheels, most of which were clinchers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Michelin only offers clincher tires to consumers but ag2r-La Mondiale started out with tubulars today.

    Michelin only offers clincher tires to consumers but ag2r-La Mondiale started out with tubulars today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Astana riders opted for their usual Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3s today.

    Astana riders opted for their usual Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3s today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Astana team cars were stocked with an army of Zipp 303 carbon tubulars, spare bikes, plus some alloy box-section wheels.

    Astana team cars were stocked with an army of Zipp 303 carbon tubulars, spare bikes, plus some alloy box-section wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Zipp's 303 has already proven itself in the spring classics so it was no surprise to see many teams sticking with them today.

    Zipp's 303 has already proven itself in the spring classics so it was no surprise to see many teams sticking with them today.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • BBox-Bouygues Telecom team leader Thomas Voeckler set off on a Colnago EPS.

    BBox-Bouygues Telecom team leader Thomas Voeckler set off on a Colnago EPS.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 was fitted with Mavic Open Pro box-section rims.

    Tyler Farrar's (Garmin-Transitions) Felt F1 was fitted with Mavic Open Pro box-section rims.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • As far as we're aware, Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is the only rider in the peloton to use fi'zi:k's Pave CX saddle.

    As far as we're aware, Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) is the only rider in the peloton to use fi'zi:k's Pave CX saddle.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Two guesses where Robbie McEwen (Katusha) is from!

    Two guesses where Robbie McEwen (Katusha) is from!

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Most of the Katusha team set off with shallow-section Campagnolo Hyperon carbon tubular wheels.

    Most of the Katusha team set off with shallow-section Campagnolo Hyperon carbon tubular wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Spare Katusha bikes were fitted with alloy box-section wheels.

    Spare Katusha bikes were fitted with alloy box-section wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • This Katusha rider used a relatively small 23mm-wide Vredestein tire but one with an ultra supple-riding silk casing.

    This Katusha rider used a relatively small 23mm-wide Vredestein tire but one with an ultra supple-riding silk casing.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Some Lampre riders went with double-wrapped bars.

    Some Lampre riders went with double-wrapped bars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lampre's carbon fiber Tacx Tao cages were augmented with strips of grip tape.

    Lampre's carbon fiber Tacx Tao cages were augmented with strips of grip tape.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lampre stuck with their standard Wilier Cento 1 SL machines.

    Lampre stuck with their standard Wilier Cento 1 SL machines.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lampre mechanics placed short sections of inner tube around the Campagnolo Record Ergopower levers presumably to keep them from rattling.

    Lampre mechanics placed short sections of inner tube around the Campagnolo Record Ergopower levers presumably to keep them from rattling.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lampre's Ambrosio aluminum box-section tubular rims were wrapped with giant 27mm-wide Vittoria rubber.

    Lampre's Ambrosio aluminum box-section tubular rims were wrapped with giant 27mm-wide Vittoria rubber.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lampre mechanics do a last-minute check before the start of Stage 3.

    Lampre mechanics do a last-minute check before the start of Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Robbie McEwen (Katusha) stuck with his usual Ridley Noah for Stage 3.

    Robbie McEwen (Katusha) stuck with his usual Ridley Noah for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Ridley Noah's split-blade fork design cuts down on aerodynamic drag but also provides a handy pass-through for the mechanic's zip-ties.

    The Ridley Noah's split-blade fork design cuts down on aerodynamic drag but also provides a handy pass-through for the mechanic's zip-ties.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • 25mm-wide Vittoria Pave EVO-CX tires provided a little extra cushioning for Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) as he pounded his way across the cobbles.

    25mm-wide Vittoria Pave EVO-CX tires provided a little extra cushioning for Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) as he pounded his way across the cobbles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Alloy Elite Ciussi cages were swapped in for the usual carbon units on the HTC-Columbia bikes.

    Alloy Elite Ciussi cages were swapped in for the usual carbon units on the HTC-Columbia bikes.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The entire HTC-Columbia team swapped to Scott's new Project F01 aero road bike for Stage 3.

    The entire HTC-Columbia team swapped to Scott's new Project F01 aero road bike for Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • HTC-Columbia riders stuck with their usual carbon rims but added some further cushioning with 25mm-wide Continental tubulars.

    HTC-Columbia riders stuck with their usual carbon rims but added some further cushioning with 25mm-wide Continental tubulars.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • HTC-Columbia team cars were armed with Scott Addict spare bikes plus a multitude of spare classics-type wheels.

    HTC-Columbia team cars were armed with Scott Addict spare bikes plus a multitude of spare classics-type wheels.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Katusha mechanics made their own pseudo-sealed cables instead of using Gore's ready-made system.

    Katusha mechanics made their own pseudo-sealed cables instead of using Gore's ready-made system.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Many riders opted for classics-style 53/44T chainrings today but Robbie McEwen (Katusha) stuck with his usual ratios.

    Many riders opted for classics-style 53/44T chainrings today but Robbie McEwen (Katusha) stuck with his usual ratios.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Katusha is using Lazer's latest Helium helmet with dual-density foam, fiber composite reinforcements and lighter and softer straps.

    Katusha is using Lazer's latest Helium helmet with dual-density foam, fiber composite reinforcements and lighter and softer straps.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Robbie McEwen's (Katusha) went with heavily padded bars for his run at Stage 3.

    Robbie McEwen's (Katusha) went with heavily padded bars for his run at Stage 3.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Elite's new Sior carbon cages apparently hold bottles tightly enough for cobbles.

    Elite's new Sior carbon cages apparently hold bottles tightly enough for cobbles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Liquigas team leader Ivan Basso rode Stage 3 on his usual Cannondale SuperSix Hi-Mod while most of the rest of the team opted for the softer-riding Synapse.

    Liquigas team leader Ivan Basso rode Stage 3 on his usual Cannondale SuperSix Hi-Mod while most of the rest of the team opted for the softer-riding Synapse.

    Photo credit © James Huang