The final stage of the Tour of California was blazing fast, averaging 46.78 km/h and finishing well ahead of the estimated time. Team Cannondale-Garmin worked hard to ensure Joe Dombrowski retained his fourth place on the overall.

The action began early with only 400 meters of neutral before the opening circuits in downtown Los Angeles. Then it was a long drag out to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for nine finishing circuits.

“It was really fast out there today,” said Ted King. “This stage is always fast, but wow.”

“I couldn’t believe how fast it was,” said Joe Dombrowski. “The field nearly split in two just going over a bridge, it was that fast.”

Ruben Zepuntke got in the early breakaway which was only able to build a 30 second lead due to the high speeds. On the circuits in Pasadena the Green Argyle rode near the front of the strung-out field to keep Dombrowski safe.

“I’m very proud of all our riders this week,” said Director Sportif Johnny Weltz. “We had Alex [Howes], Ruben and Lasse [Norman] in breakaways. Kristofer [Skjerping] and Ted looked after Joe all week, and Ben [King] rode great for Joe who put in a great result [on Mt. Baldy.] We are very happy with our results here.”