Tour of Murrieta on the weekend

The Tour of Murrieta (ToM) is the first 3-day stage race of the Southern California 2005 season, taking place this week-end from Friday, February 18-Sunday, February 20. Riders may register for the whole race or any individual stage, but every single event will have omnium points awarded for overall general classification.

The stages

Stage 1 - Friday, February 18 - Max Cash Agro Individual Time Trial, 3.5 miles
Stage 2 - Saturday, February 19 - California Pools & Spas Road Race
Stage 3 - Sunday, February 20 - Bosch Criterium

The TT is an out and back for 3.5 miles and relatively flat. Stage two is a closed circuit of 13.4 miles per lap. It includes moderate rollers and flats, making no more than a 21 gear necessary. On Sunday, the Criterium will be held in French Valley, approximatively five miles per lap, four corners, with a slight incline to the finish line. Last year, the Tour de Murrieta was won by Chris Horner.