PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Javier Acevedo of Colombia bolted to the front with about 700 yards left in final steep climb, winning Monday’s second stage in scorching heat to take the overall lead at the Tour of California.
The 27-year-old rider completed the 124.1-mile Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs road race in 5 hours, 7 minutes and 40 seconds as temperatures approached 110 degrees.
Acevedo, who rides for American team Jamis-Hagens Berman, leads American Tejay van Garderen (BMC) by 12 seconds with six stages remaining.
Van Garderen, who with Acevedo began the day 16 seconds behind overnight leader Liuewe Westra, finished 12 seconds behind.
Phil Deignan (United Healthcare) of Ireland was 27 seconds behind to take third in the stage and is also third overall, trailing by 27 seconds.
