Luciano Pagliarini (BRA), First Place, Stage 6
Saunier Duval-Scott
On his win:
“I am very happy for my win, but it is not as good, considering the circumstances. It is good for my overall standings. I am so sorry for (Mark) Cavendish. I know High Road must be very disappointed.”

On today’s race:
“There was a lot of confusion during last kilometer, but during the breakaway, it was easy because I had a teammate in the front. I was ready for the sprint. This win was good for us.”

On representing Brazil:
“I’m so happy for Brazil. We need to show the world that we play more than just soccer; I hope to show them at the Olympics. I carry the Brazilian flag with me because I am proud. Brazil has so many riders and teams, and we are starting to be noticed. This win was very important, not only for me, but my country.”

Levi Leipheimer (USA), General Classification Leader
Astana
On today’s race:
“It’s sweet to be near the prize, but it’s never over until we cross the finish line. I think today’s race went exactly how I imagined it. I was confident that (David) Millar would try to do something in the end. I tried to look for him; I had Chris (Horner) go up to the front to close the gap. It just shows how strong the team really is.”
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Luciano Pagliarini Claims Victory After Penalty Shakes Up Standings in Stage 6

Photo by Ken Conley

SANTA CLARITA, CALIF., February 23, 2008 – Fans in Santa Clarita lined the streets to witness the finish to Stage 6 of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California, which included an exciting bunch sprint to the finish line. After a review by race officials, Luciano Pagliarini (BRA) of Saunier Duval-Scott was determined to be the stage winner, followed closely by Juan Jose “J.J.” Haedo (ARG) of Team CSC and World Champion Paolo Bettini (ITA) of Quick Step. Levi Leipheimer (USA) of Astana retained the overall lead heading into the final stage of the race, which will take riders from Santa Clarita to Pasadena tomorrow.

Mark Cavendish (GBR) of High Road, who was originally declared the stage winner, recovered from a late crash during the first circuit lap and seemed to deliver a powerful sprint victory for High Road. However, officials would later relegate the sprinter for sheltering behind or falling into the slipstream of a vehicle. This decision gave the win to Pagliarini.

“I am so sorry about Cavendish,” said Pagliarini. “I won a stage. I’m very happy, but it’s not like a win with the hands up. I came in second, but I am the first.”
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Photo by Ken Conley

Cavendish penalized for using the slipstream of a team car to get back to the front.

Full General Classification results after the click
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Photo c. Stephanie Gutowski

Photo by Ken Conley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Six-time Canadian National Road Champion Dominique Rollin (CAN) of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team made history today as he powered away to an impressive solo victory in Stage 4 of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Weather hammered the peloton for nearly seven hours as the stage took riders down the California coast from Seaside to San Luis Obispo on an impressive and challenging course. Defending champion Levi Leipheimer (USA) of Astana was able to retain the overall lead and will wear the Amgen Leader Jersey going into the individual time trial in Solvang tomorrow.

“Last time I raced in such tough weather, I won the stage,” said Rollin, referring to a stormy day in Quebec’s 2005 Tour de Beauce. “The worse it is, the better I am. When the wind came, I said keep it coming.”

Thursday morning brought cold rain to the longest stage of the eight-day Amgen Tour of California. At 135 miles, the picturesque stage along Highway 1 would prove to be a long, difficult trek masked by clouds, drizzle and a steady 30-mph headwind. But in cycling, such problems provide opportunities.

At the start of the race, strong man Henk Vogels (AUS) of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team launched an attack, which preempted several counterattacks. However, it would be Rollin who blasted up the road with Jackson Stewart (USA) of Team BMC to take the lead. Others soon joined the breakaway, including George Hincapie (USA) of High Road, Iker Camano (ESP) of Saunier Duval-Scott, Bryce Meade (USA) of the Jelly Belly Cycling Team and Edward King (USA) of BISSELL Pro Cycling. Eventually, the break would grow to include 11 riders, and their gap on the field grew to 4:35.
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Overall Leaders (General Classification)
First Place - Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana
Second Place - Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team CSC
Third Overall - Robert Gesink (NED), Rabobank

Stage 4 Winners
First Place -Dominique Rollin (CAN), Toyota-United
Second Place - George Hincapie (USA), High Road
Third Place - Iker Camano Ortuzar (ESP), Saunier Duval-Scott

Sun Valley, ID, — SCOTT USA announced today the roster for the Tour of California, beginning February 17th, 2008 in Palo Alto. The riders are:

Raivis BELOHVOSCIKS (LAT)
Rubens BERTOGLIATI (SUI)
Iker CAMAÑO (ESP)
David CAÑADA (ESP)
Eros CAPECCHI (ITA)
Ermanno CAPELLI (ITA)
Ángel ‘Litu’ GÓMEZ (ESP)
Luciano PAGLIARINI (BRA)

“We are very excited to field a team once again at the Tour of California,” commented Adrian Montgomery. “This is becoming an important component of the Pro Tour and also serves the needs of the US market.”

The Saunier Duval – Scott Team rides the 790gram Addict:

Scott Bicycles stepped up to become a title sponsor for 2008, providing additional support for the team by way of footwear, helmets and eyewear.