Stockton didn’t host a Tour of California stage start since 2007, while arrival place Elk Grove sees a first time men’s race finish.
The race sets off at Stockton Arena near the waterfront. Built during the California Gold Rush, Stockton lies on the San Joaquin River and so the inland port served as a gateway to the gold mines. San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay are located some 100 kilometres to the east.
The race heads northeast on State Route 88. A right turn onto State Route 12 points the riders in the direction of the only climb up Pardee Dam Road near Buena Vista. The KOM contenders will be eyeing up the points at the top of the 0.7 kilometre slope at 7.9%. The route continues through Buena Vista and Ione, which was founded as a Gold Rush town in 1849.
The route meanders into Sacramento County for a fast finish into Elk Grove.
The first three riders on the line take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while two intermediate sprints (at kilometre 30.5 and at kilometre 125.5) come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Read also: results/race report 5th stage 2018 Tour of California.
Tour of California 2018 stage 5: Route maps, height profiles, and more
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