Brutal heat makes for a tough Tour of California leg

Amgen’s 8th annual Tour of California made it’s way through the Coachella Valley for the first time in the race’s history today.

The scenery hopefully made a lasting impression, because the weather was something most would not desire.

Norman Henderson is a local cyclist and even he knows Monday’s ride through the valley was unbearably hot. He says, “A day like today with a hundred degrees plus, it’s brutal.”

Hundreds of amateur cyclists like Henderson attempted this leg’s finale in the hours leading up to the finish for the second stage, a 3.7 mile trek up the tramway. Many didn’t make it.

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz knows how tough the warm conditions can be on anyone outside saying, “The doctor side of me is always concerned about heat exhaustion, heat stroke.”

Fans lined the streets all the way through the valley, right up to the finish line. Doing all they could to stay cool.

Kasey O’Neill and her husband Chris made the trip from Orange County to watch the race, but they say they’re getting by with a little help. Kasey told us, “We’re hot but our neighbors have shared their umbrella, people are sharing water, it’s a good community out here right now.”

The professionals riding in the race started the day in Murrieta, reaching the streets of El Paseo and Highway 111 early in the afternoon.

The heat finally taking it’s toll during the last brutal stretch, with temperatures reaching 108 degrees in Palm Springs.

Kasey continues, “I think it’s a good ending. I think it’s unusually warm, I don’t know if they factor that in. So if I was riding this race I’d be a little concerned about the heat.”

Many cyclists almost collapsing while recovering after the race, getting treatment from their teams trainers.

This stage’s second place finisher Tejay van Garderen describes the conditions. “I mean the heat was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Tejay told us shortly after finishing. “I mean I’ve raced in some hot conditions but this is by far the worst. But yeah it was just a hard stage all around and the climb, steep.”

Two riders, Marco Pinotti, an American, and Pieter Serry from Belgium were transported to area hospitals.

Pinotti finished the race but complained of dizziness, while Serry fell out with 500 meters to go.

Those working on the tour seemed to be of the impression that both would be okay, and would likely compete in the third stage on Tuesday.

Even with the brutal conditions Garderen hopes the tour returns to the valley next year.

He says, “Hopefully this climb is in the race next year because I’d love to race it again.”