Stage 4: San José to Modesto

Stage 4: San Jose - Modesto 195.5km

Total Time: 4:55

Distance 121 miles

Stage placing: 49th 
Average heart rate: 125
Max heart rate: 157
Average cadence: 88
Average watts: 218w (278w normalized)
Max watts: 1008w

TSS: 287

KJ: 4132

Vertical Feet Climbed: 5997

Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California was not as challenging as the two previous days even though the course traversed up the Category 1 Sierra Road early in the stage. That climb plus the next few certainly stung the legs and many of the riders described how the stage was overall very tiring due to the rough and twisty roads. The stage ended in a sprint won by Francesco Chicchi of Liquigas and did little to disrupt the overall classification.

Once the riders were over Sierra Road and through the challenging hills just east of San Jose the riders' next challenge became the wind and crashes. The last 40kms were made dangerous by cross winds and the riders themselves battling for position before the final two finish circuits in Modesto.

Jakob made it through without any real drama, yet this was by far not an easy day. Anytime you ride and gain nearly 300TSS points you know the body will come out even more tired tomorrow. The power numbers show that this was essentially the 3rd hardest day of the tour, but many of the riders are starting to feel the effects of built up fatigue. After several days of highly stressful racing the form is starting to suffer a bit and can also affect the quality of sleep at night. Jakob's form (TSB) is most likely in a negative state if we could see his Performance Management Chart.

Sierra Grade Road

Jakob didn't set any personal records today but it was still a tough day for sure. Sierra Grade Road is classified as a cat 1 climb and he averaged 347w for 24 minutes, which was a fairly comfy pace given that he averaged 401w for 20 minutes on stage three up Bonny Doon.