Stage 1: Escondido, 165.1km
May 12, 2013
The first half of today’s stage is mostly uphill heading from Escondido through Ramona before passing Dudley’s Famous Bakery in Santa Ysabel. The route then heads west on the loop of Mesa Grande road, arriving at the shores of Lake Henshaw and the looming Palomar Mountain – the highest point of the entire race.
East Grade road ascends 817m (2,680ft) in 19 kilometres at an average of 4.5 per cent. The climb eases off in the final 6.4 kilometres so a concerted chase group could bring back any solo efforts.
A hair-raising descent down South grade road will hopefully see the peloton reach the bottom in one piece. passing through orange groves the last difficulty is Cole Grade, a short, steep ramp that could eject a few stragglers.
The last 32 kilometres have a few short rollers, but the terrain should see the peloton regroup and set up a sprint finish. can we say Peter Sagan?
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Tour of the Gila: Lauren Stephens wins Mogollon climb opener for women
Redlands winner Nadia Gontova second while Marcela Prieto third -
Trek USCX confirmed for fourth season with $15,000 purse and finale in Waterloo
New schedule with four consecutive race weekends hopes to attract European racers in 2024 -
'Like a deaf frog' - Nairo Quintana ignores criticism and targets Giro d'Italia stage wins
Colombian admits condition will not allow him to target general classification in first Grand Tour since Tramadol positive -
Tour de Romandie: Godon and Vendrame go 1-2 for Decathlon AG2R on stage 1
Gianni Vermeersch takes final podium spot in hectic sprint finish