Stage 5: Thursday, May 20, 2010 - Visalia to Bakersfield, 195.5km

The fifth stage will see the central valley town of Visalia play host to the start for the second year in a row, but the riders will travel to Bakersfield this year, covering 195.5km with a mid-stage trip into the Sierra Nevada mountain foothills. It's no mountain stage, but there are a few tough ascents which will play into the hands of those battling for the KOM prize.

The first mountain sprint features a punishing 14% grade before the riders get some relief on the long, gradual descent to the Kern River oil field.

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