Share

Sagan out in front in California

Santa Clarita - Slovakia's Peter Sagan took the Tour of California lead Friday in the sixth stage, racing to a dominating victory in the rescheduled and shortened individual time trial.

Sagan, the Tinkoff-Saxo rider who also won the fourth stage, completed the 6.6-mile course that began and ended at the Six Flags Magic Mountain in 12 minutes, 31.85 seconds. He averaged 31.57 mph.

Dutchman Jos Van Eden of LottoNL-Jumbo was second, 15 seconds back. France's Julian Alaphilippe of Etixx-Quick Step finished third, 19 seconds behind Sagan.

Sagan took a 28-second lead over former Latvia's Tom Skujins of Hancapie Racing and became the third race leader with two stages left. Alaphilippe was third overall, 45 seconds back.

Boels Dolmans' Evelyn Stevens of San Francisco, a two-time national time trial champion, won the women's invitational time trial by more than 2 seconds over Lauren Stephens of Dallas. Stevens finished in 14:12.24.

The stage was moved from Big Bear Lake's 15.1-mile course because of snow.

"The course was only about 10 kilometers, so it was better for me," said Sagan, who has 13 career stage victories in the event. "My goal wasn't the win but the yellow jersey (overall lead). I took both."

Skujins finished 34th in the time trial, 46 seconds behind Sagan.

"We'll see how it goes," Skujins said. "It doesn't really matter if Sagan has the (yellow) jersey. He'll probably get dropped. But in the end it will come down to those last four miles and then you will see who's there and who's not."

Sagan is not expected to retain his race lead in the mountainous seventh stage, but he didn't concede the race, either.

"I have won some prologues (short time trials), but the (15 miles) is a little long for me," said Sagan. "Maybe they will change the course tomorrow, too."

The event continues Saturday with the 80-mile road race from Ontario to Mount Baldy. The second and final mountain stage of the race's 10th edition, will feature three climbs, including the final 3.4-mile effort to the ski resort with an elevation of 10,064 feet.

"It's only one day, so I will try," Sagan said.

RESULTS:

Sixth stage

1. Peter Sagan (SVK/Tinkoff-Saxo) 12min 31 sec

2. Jos van Emden (NED/Lotto) at 0:15

3. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/Etixx) 0:19

4. Joseph Rosskopf (USA/BMC) 0:20

5. Daniele Bennati (ITA/Tinkoff-Saxo) 0:22

6. Tom Zirbel (USA/Optum) 0:26

7. Sergio Henao (COL/Sky) same time

8. Jay McCarthy (AUS/Tinkoff-Saxo) 0:27

9. Robert Gesink (NED/Lotto) s.t.

10. Daniel Oss (ITA/BMC) 0:28

Overall standings

1. Peter Sagan (SVK/Tinkoff-Saxo) 22 hr 15 min 23 sec

2. Tom Skujins (LAT/Hincapie Racing) at 0:28

3. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/Etixx) 0:45

4. Joseph Rosskopf (USA/BMC) 0:49

5. Sergio Henao (COL/Sky) 0:55

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE