Colombian cyclist Janier Acevedo battled dehydration, steep climbs and oppressive heat to win stage two of the Tour of California, finishing 12 seconds ahead of America’s Tejay van Garderen on Monday.
In temperatures that climbed to 46 Celsius, Acevedo made his move on the Tramway Road climb finishing the 200-kilometre (124-mile) stage, that began in Murrieta and ended in the desert town of Palm Springs, in five hours, seven minutes and 40 seconds.
“Insane,” van Garderen said of the brutal conditions. “It was unlike anything I’ve ever done.”
Phil Deignan was third in stage two, 27 seconds adrift.
With his victory, Acevedo took command of the general classification.
Overnight leader Lieuwe Westra dropped back early on the finish climb and was more than eight minutes behind Acevedo.