MORE STAGE 5
The 206 kilometer stage that left from Athens culminated with a 15 kilometer climb to over 5,000 feet in altitude up Brasstown Bald which is Georgia's tallest mountain. While Lance and U.S. Postal kept the race in check until the final moments there was no challenge offered when Cesar Grajales of the local Jittery Joe's team broke from the lead group. While I personally believe Lance could have answered this attack Cesar was allowed to stand on it and take the stage win. This was a big deal for the little team that supports itself by selling coffee to caffeine junkies. If you would like to help support the Jittery Joe's team and get some good coffee in the process check out their website at www.thebeanteam.com.
Cesar, originally from Columbia, now rides out of Athens Georgia and is basically an adopted local now. His stage wing was a big hit for local cyclists. It was nice to see a local make such a fine showing. Cesar was able to preview this stage several times and knew every nuance of the climbs. This guy can really climb. After Cesar's attack Lance picked up his pace with Jens Voight staying with him and eventually getting the second place finish with Lance keeping his overall lead with a third place stage finish. Chris Horner stayed strong and finished just 10 seconds behind Lance and Jens.
THE FINAL BIG GROUP SUFFERS TOGETHER
A COUPLE OF THE SPECTATORS WEARING ORANGE THINK THEY ARE OF BASQUE DECENT
(THEY WERE MUCH TOO SOBER TO BE BASQUE)
THE FINAL STRAGGLERS TRYING TO SURVIVE
NOTICE THE SPECTATOR ASSISTANCE IN THE PHOTO ON THE RIGHT
SOME POST STAGE STUFF
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