The TV camera keeps a close eye on Stage 5 leader Taylor Phinney as he races along Shoreline Drive in Santa Barbara.
(John Dvorak/Presidio Sports Photos)
Taylor Phinney had Santa Barbara all to himself on Thursday, winning Stage 5 of the Amgen Tour of California by a 12-second spread. The American completed the 107.4-mile stage in 3 hours, 59 minutes, 33 seconds.
Stage 5 began in Pismo Beach and ended on the Santa Barbara waterfront. The competitors endured another day of soaring temperatures as the thermometer surpassed 100 degrees while the cyclists traveled through the Santa Ynez Valley.
Phinney, riding for BMC Racing, is in 58th overall. Bradley Wiggins of Sky Racing maintained his overall lead of 28 seconds.
Friday’s 94-mile sixth stage goes from Santa Clarita to Big Bear. The final stage of the Tour of California is on Sunday in Thousand Oaks.
Cabrillo Blvd. was closed on Thursday afternoon as the cyclists raced along the waterfront.
