Time trials allow you to savor the race, I overheard a fan say at the first time trial I saw in person. He was so right. The chance to see each man start and finish individually is a treat, much different than the pack speeding by in other stages. You can see how big they are, get a look at their game faces, feel their energy in the air when they cross the line. You keep the start time list close at hand and keep checking who is coming next, who has the best time so far. You listen to the announcers updates on who is leading at the first split. And as the afternoon progresses, the tension builds. The general classification contenders start rolling out. The hometown favorites get the crowd riled up, and then the last rider to leave the gate is the current race leader. Will he defend his position, or will a few seconds cost him the golden jersey?
Here are a few more photos from the Tour of California Stage 6.
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| Crowds surround the start |
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| Danny Pate in ice vest heads to the start |
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| Peter Sagan 50 meters to the line |
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| Tejay Van Gardaren powers to the finish |
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| Levi Leipheimer on his way to 2nd place |
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