This is what Garmin-Transitions Directeur Sportif, Jonathan Vaughters had to say about stage 5 and the finishing circuits up the Panorama Bluffs.

“Stage 5 is an interesting addition to the race, in that it has a short, sharp hill up to the finish that is climbed 3 times as the race heads around the finishing circuits.

This won’t be a finish for a pure sprinter, but someone like Oscar Friere or Thor Hushovd could be in the mix. It also will suit Fabian Cancellara, if he is at race weight and on form.

Can the GC change on this day? Maybe not much, but an uphill finish like this have a habit of catching one or two contenders out.

Typically there will be a 6-15 second gap between the first 10 or so riders and the rest of the peloton on this type of circuit, and positioning into the bottom of the climb will be crucial.

We’ll need to be extra vigilant in keeping Dave Zabriskie out of trouble on this type of circuit, as it won’t be his favorite part of the race.”

Those who have ridden up the Panorama Bluffs before will most all agree that even though it’s a short pitch, the bluffs are far from a sprinters paradise. One thing we can be sure of, stage 5 will be a hard fought win for whoever comes out on top. Who do you think will get it? Thor? Cancellara? If Paolo Bettini was still in the peloton, I think he would have a good chance at a win.