Tour Of California Stage 1 Recap

Is Peter Sagan back? Apparently a return to California was just what he needed to jump-start a disappointing start to his 2019 season. The three-time road cycling world champion took stage one of the Tour of California with a definitive spring, holding off Travis McCabe. The win brings his record for stage wins at the Tour of California to 17.

Sagan showed none of the signs of struggling form he’s shown so far this year in Sacramento, where a 143-kilometer stage took riders on a circuit through the streets around the capitol.

The day’s breakaway was reeled in with 16km to go, which led to a frantic finish. Sagan worked his way to the front and McCabe, celebrating his 30th birthday, nearly caught him for a very special birthday present.  Sunweb rider Max Walscheid was third.

“Losing to a world champion is not a bad thing,” McCabe said. I like that attitude.