Team Cannondale-Garmin faced a day of strong crosswinds heading from Pismo Beach to Avila Beach, with the potential to wreak havoc on the peloton. But a team effort ensured the GC hopes remained safe and intact as the riders kept Joe Dombrowski safe near the front all day.

“I think stage four went swimmingly well,” said Ted King. “The team’s goals were to look after our GC hope Joe, as well as try to put a rider into a large, threatening breakaway. The young guys did great getting into the early moves that didn’t end up materializing but that’s bike racing.” 
 
The break that did get away was only four riders and was caught well before the final run into Avila Beach.

A strong crosswind always has the potential to fracture the peloton, putting riders into danger of losing time. The team worked hard all day to make sure they were in position to be in the front group if the peloton ever split.

 
“It was windy start to finish which hangs a lot of stress over the peloton,” said King.
 
“Thankfully the team rode with a collective goal of keeping Joe safe and we delivered him to the line as planned.”