Stage 2: Murrieta - Greater Palm Springs, 200km
May 13, 2013
With nearly 3,000m of accumulated climbing and a tough summit finish, stage 2 will provide the first chance for the fans to see the GC favorites reveal their intentions and show their form. Before reaching the race’s first difficulties, the course winds through Temecula’s wine region.
After 80 kilometres the route reaches Hemet and onto the 20km, 884m climb towards Idyllwild. A 24km, 1,220m drop brings the peloton into the Coachella Valley. The stretch to the summit finish could be ridden into a very stiff headwind, while the final ascent features a 6.4km, 580m climb averaging 9.7 per cent, the last half-mile at over 14 per cent.
With potential temperatures of around 38°C, a real epic is possible. Road signs warn drivers to turn off their air conditioning to avoid overheating as they climb. The contenders for the overall race title won’t have that same decision to make.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Watch live action at Sunny King Criterium with global broadcast on Cyclingnews
Livestream includes nine hours of races including first pro rounds of season in USA CRITS series -
Itzulia Basque Country 2025 start list
João Almeida leads UAE Team Emirates' defense in absence of Juan Ayuso -
'I just want to win the race on Sunday' - Mathieu van der Poel calm, collected but ambitious for Tour of Flanders clash with Pogačar
Alpecin-Deceuninck targets record breaking fourth victory at the Ronde -
'I am here with more confidence than last week' – Wout van Aert not cowed by setbacks in run-up to Tour of Flanders
Belgian backs strong Visma-Lease a Bike team as he hopes to challenge Van der Poel and Pogačar