Greig Leach

This title reflects just what Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep) was able to accomplish today. While the discipline of racing against the clock is not his strong suit, nor did he have an untalented field trying to take the yellow jersey from his back, the Frenchman was able to ride fast enough to keep possession of the overall lead in the Amgen Tour of California. He got home with about 5 seconds to spare, The stage had the effect of bunching the top five places on GC closer together ensuring that the race will be competitive all the say through Sunday.