The major difficulties are in the first half of the stage, but there is still a potential headwind and enough terrain to make for another hard day. The 11.3km, 610m (2,000ft) San Marcos Pass ascent will provide an excellent springboard for a well-motivated breakaway group. Descending the south side, the race enters the Santa Ynez Valley wine region, setting for the film Sideways.
The riders will next pass through Los Olivos, the site of Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Heading north up Foxen Canyon Road the race will cross through Santa Maria and then head to Guadalupe through this agricultural area’s fields of broccoli, carrots, melons and other produce. Expect another field sprint at the finish in Avila Beach. The contenders for the overall might want to avail themselves of the town’s hot springs as the next two days will be crucial in the race for the leader’s jersey.
-
Laurens ten Dam uses Gravel Locos as 'test for the body, mind, material' for first attempt at Unbound Gravel XL
Texas stop is a traditional 'dress rehearsal' for European riders one week in advance of Emporia, Kansas endurance races -
Crunch time for Giro d'Italia sprinters – Who hasn't won yet, and what are their chances?
Only two sprints left in Italy, with the fast finishes so far won by four different riders -
'We're focused on what's going to help us win Grand Tours again' - Ineos Grenadiers' long-term plans go beyond signing Remco Evenepoel
Performance Director Scott Drawer speaks exclusively to Cyclingnews on how Ineos hopes to 'get ahead of the curve' and their rivals -
'I would have given this victory to Vacek' – Mads Pedersen maintains generosity at Giro d'Italia as he breaks personal Grand Tour record
A fourth stage win but no greed from Dane, who is keen for teammates to succeed as well
