Frenchman Remi Cavagna of the Deceuninck — Quick-Step cycling team won stage 3 of the California Tour of California May 14, crossing the finish line in Morgan Hill more than seven minutes before the rest of the pack.
Coming in second place was American Benjamin King of Team Dimension Data. Simon Geschke of Germany and CCC Team took third place in the third of seven stages in the men’s professional cycling race. Tejay van Garderen, a Washington resident and EF Education First Pro Cycling team member, finished as the overall race leader and thus claimed the TOC’s “yellow jersey” when he crossed the finish line in Morgan Hill.
The 129.2-mile stage 3 route started the morning of May 14 in Stockton, and ended in the afternoon in front of the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center on Condit Road. This was the second consecutive year the Tour of California has come through Morgan Hill. Last year, the event made an entire day of it here, as the TOC’s individual time trial stage started and ended in downtown Morgan Hill.
Specialized Bicycle Components, one of the world’s top bicycle manufacturers, makes its home in Morgan Hill and has participated as a sponsor for many TOC riders over the years. The company opened its headquarters to the public on Concord Circle after the stage 3 race May 14, adding to the local festivities surrounding the TOC.
At the stage 3 finish line May 14, organizers set up grandstands, a winners’ stage and other temporary facilities to conduct the TOC, one of the professional cycling world’s most prestigious annual events. City officials, local businesses and cycling fans have become enthusiastic promoters of the TOC, which showcases Morgan Hill and its surroundings on international television and brings thousands of visitors to town.
Photographer Robert Eliason captured some close-up shots of the cyclists as they crossed the stage 3 finish line. Some of his photos are attached to this article.
