2005tourdegeorgiastage5

STAGE 5

2:35 p.m. Saturday 23 April 2005

Stage 5 began in Gainesvile amidst a mix of clouds, sun and mild temperatures. It was t-shirt weather. Here on top of the Bald it is presently snowing and very cold. The lead group is approaching the first sprint line of the day and they have a two plus minute gap on the next group. The rumor at the start line was that Lance was sick and may not take the line. It sounds like a ploy to me because looked really good at the riders sign in. Discovery made a public statement that they are going to crush the peloton today and break the other riders. We'll see how it plays out. I'll keep ya'll updated as best I can.

3:15 p.m. Saturday 23 April 2005

There is now a 2:25 gap with riders Timothy Johnson of Jittery Joes and Jason McCartney of Discovery in the lead.

4:05 p.m. Saturday 23 April 2005

At 90 miles the riders are approaching Hogpen, Lipheimer, Armstrong, Danielson and Landis are in the lead. There are 6 riders currently trying to bridge the gap. Boy is this exciting.

4:20 p.m. Saturday 23 April 2005

There are now currently 10 leaders that have just crossed the summit of Hogpen Gap and are starting the decent to the base of Brasstown. I have to go get some photos but I'll be back as soon as it is over to let ya'll know what is the results are. Places for the sprint are Armstrong, Lipheimer, Danielson, Landis, Pinotti, Raisen.

5:20 p.m. Saturday 23 April 2005

Tom Danielson of Discovery has won, Levi Leipheimer second, Lance Armstrong third and Floyd Landis was fourth. Floyd did not finish quick enough to stay in yellow. We are now waiting for the press conference to start then the podium ceremony. Little Nate of Jittery Joe's turned in another fine ride which has launched him into world class road racer status. Saul Raisen also turned in a good ride today. Tom Danielson is unofficially in yellow now.

Remember that if you get any real cool shots of this stage or have a comment to pass on to the peanut gallery please send it to bicycling@coolbicyling.com.

LANCE ARRIVES FOR SIGN IN AND TAKES THE START LINE