In a stage that many expected to come down to a bunch sprint due to a tailwind, a breakaway of six riders managed to surprise the peloton and decide the 166.1km AMGEN Tour of California Stage 4 on Wednesday.
The breakaway was more than 2 minutes ahead within the final 10 kilometers, and the peloton simply didn't take up the chase in time to reel in the group. OPQS even put four riders on the front in the final kilometers, giving their all for Mark Cavendish in hopes of a sprint.
Will Routley (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) won the stage. Gregory Daniel (Bissell Development Team) was 2nd, and Kevin De Mesmaeker (Team Norvo Nordisk) was 3rd.
Green jersey Cavendish took the field sprint behind for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team, placing 7th. Routley is now the points leader due to his victory.
OPQS looks next to 173.6km Stage 5, from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara, on Thursday. The stage features three intermediate sprints early in the stage, but a Cat. 1 climb — San Marcos Pass — will be covered late in the stage.