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Craig Zimmerman and Doria Vaccaroni take KOM awards at the Etape du California

Nearly 1,000 riders from all over the world took on Stage 3 of the Amgen Tour of California, 3 weeks before the Pros at the 6th edition of L'Etape California with California Ambassador Jens Voigt and new ambassador and four-time National Champion Freddie Rodriguez.

April 25th, Santa Barbara, CA - Riders set off from Thousand Oaks and descended the famous Mulholland Highway to Pacific Coast Highway for a scenic tour of the Santa Monica Mountain range before cruising to the strawberry fields of Oxnard. The route passed through the classic California surf town of Ventura along the coast before beginning the challenging part of the ride which featured many rolling hills including Casitas Pass in the approach to the final climb.

With approximately 6 miles to go, the profile turned upward onto Gibraltar Road, a beautiful twisting mountain road with an 8% average grade.  At the top riders were awarded the spectacular 180-degree view of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean having completed 106 miles and 8,700 feet of climbing.

Both Jens Voigt and Freddie Rodriguez completed the ride and returned to the BBQ on the beach in Santa Barbara.

Local rider Craig Zimmerman took the KOM in a time of 38m 28s just ahead of Simi Valley rider Phil Kelly.

For the ladies Doria Vaccaroni took the QOM in a time of 48m 22s just ahead of Vista rider Ursula Cunneen.

Fans and teams have long requested a finish up Gibraltar Road, and road conditions have finally made it possible this year. With each turn toward what is sure to be an epic finish! Stage 3 has been 11 years in the making and is the day every general classification Pro rider will have circled on their calendar on May 17th!

Ride results - http://my3.raceresult.com/53393

For full information on this year's Tour of California, including the latest news, full course previews and videos, please visit our dedicated Tour Of California News Feed

The route took riders on a journey from Thousand Oaks to the new Gibraltar Road summit in Santa Barbara after 100 milesAmgen Tour of California Ambassador Jens Voigt. Shut up Legs!Etape du California Stage Profile, Stage 3 of the Amgen Tour of California, May 17th (May 15-22)Freddie Rodriguez pins Jens Voigts number on. Shut Up Safety Pin!Riders set off from Thousand Oaks and descended the famous Mulholland Highway to Pacific Coast Highway for a scenic tour of the Santa Monica Mountain rangeBBQ celebration on Santa Barbara Beach