TOC Stage 1 Update with Slipstream's Cozza, Millar

Riders head out of Sausalito during stage one

Checking in with Slipstream’s Steven Cozza just minutes before the start of stage one today from Sausalito to Santa Rosa, Euro Peloton was told by the 10th place overall rider that he had a bit of a tough night. “I got some food poisoning from a sandwich I ate, threw up all night, but I’ll be OK. I got some fluids back into me, so hopefully I’ll be OK.”

Cozza, far left, rolls with the bunch through Sausalito in stage one

He discussed the race tactics for the day as well. “I’m only a few seconds out of the lead, so if I can get into a break and get the time bonuses maybe I can take the overall leader’s jersey or the young rider jersey. I just have to get in a breakaway. I don’t know if I’ll have enough energy after last night, but we’ll see.” Just minutes before the stage, Cozza’s girlfriend could be seen comforting the young ailing star.

Cozza and his girlfriend Kali confer ahead of stage one

Cozza’s teammate David Millar, British national champion, was only a few feet away and offered his perspective on his responsibilites for stage one. “My responsibilities are only to lead Tyler (Farrar) out for the sprint. He’s not an overall rider but maybe he can get the stage today and hold the jersey for a day or two. Other than that, I don’t have to be concerned with anything else.” According to Miller, the team is “over the moon placing five riders in the top twelve of the overall. It’s great, we’re enjoying ourselves.”

Millar explained that Slipstream is "over the moon" after their prologue success

Stay tuned to Euro Peloton and Bicycle.net for continued Tour of California coverage.