TOC Stage One: CSC Outfoxes All

The stage one podium: Ciolek, Haedo, Haussler

Stage one of the Tour of California took the peloton from sea-side Sausalito to inland Santa Rosa, the adopted home town of Levi Leipheimer. In both previous editions of the race, Leipheimer rode into town bearing the race leader's yellow jersey. This year it would be different, as the prologue winner from yesterday, Fabian Cancellera, had the honor of donning the golden fleece for the first stage of the 2008 edition.

Cancellera keeps the yellow jersey for another day

The pace was slow for much of the route, as riders soft-pedaled the course, perhaps sensing the intense racing that was about to commence. When it did, Slipstream, Quick Step and CSC took charge and reeled in the lone break away rider, Jackson Stewart. In an unfortunate turn, Slipstream's Steven Cozza crashed at the base of the Cole Valley climb, but was unhurt and able to bridge to the main group.

Stewart didn't stay away in stage one, but still netted the climber and most aggressive rider jerseys

As the pack hit the town of Santa Rosa for the final three laps around the city center, CSC and Quick Step battled for control of the pack at the front. Fabian Cancellera, ever the loyal teammate, made sure that he had team sprinter JJ Haedo glued to his wheel throughout the stretch run.

The jerseys: Stewart (climber and aggressive), Cancellera (leader), Ciolek (young rider), Haedo (sprinter)

As the riders approached 500 meters to go, George Hincapie of team High Road clipped another rider's wheel and went down hard. Gerald Ciolek, the German sprinter, was left largely unprotected as the teams began their lead out for the final sprint to the line.

Bettini hangs tough in the group as the pack streaks through Santa Rosa

There was never any doubt as to the winner of stage one. Behind a collossal lead out from Cancellera, Haedo kicked into high gear and blasted away from the field, winning by a full bike length. Ciolek, without much support, managed second, and unsung Heinrich Haussler of Gerolsteiner netted third. CSC made it two wins in two days, and must be considered the team to beat, at least in the sprints, for the remainder of the Tour.

Cancellera celebrates behind Haedo as CSC wins their second stage in as many days

Photos courtesy of Jessica Monaloy and Tracey Heaney