The 2012 Tour of California begins on Sunday with Stage 1 where riders will embark on a 115.9 mile trip in and around Santa Rosa, California. The route begins with two neutral laps through the city and then heads out and back to Santa Rosa.
Stage 1 includes immediate sprint opportunities so expected a quick start to the race before it shifts to the mountain climbs. While the mountain climbs aren't severe the descents off the mountains will be fast and tricky which combined with the wind from the coast could keep things interesting. The stage levels out at the end which will give sprinters one final chance to set up their teams for a fast ending to the stage back at Santa Rosa.
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