Haedo Wins His Second Stage

Juan Jose Haedo of Argentina became the first double stage winner when he sprinted to a close win Thursday in the longest stage of the Tour of California.

Haedo, 25, who rides for the new American team Toyota United, completed the 130.4-mile fourth stage from Monterey to San Luis Obispo in 4 hours, 41 minutes, 2 seconds.

Floyd Landis (Phonak) of Murrieta, who finished 20th in the main field in the same time as the winner, retained his 29-second race lead over David Zabriskie (CSC) of Salt Lake City.

Bobby Julich (CSC) of Reno, Nev., remained third overall, trailing by 34 seconds.

The stage’s winning average speed was 27.85 mph. The main group finished an estimated 15 minutes earlier than expected.

“I came out around the final corner in fourth, but I caught a couple of people by surprise,” said Haedo, who also sprinted to the Stage 1 win Monday. “But when I saw the 200-meter sign I said, ‘I’ve got to go now.’ ”

Haedo, who won 12 races last season, passed Fred Rodriguez (Davitamon-Lotto) of Emeryville in the waning meters, although Rodriguez closed the gap to about two feet at the end.

“It’s a little bit more difficult with a new team,” said Haedo, who began the day in 109th place but improved to 100th, trailing Landis by 20:17. “But it seems to be working out well.”

Andre Korff (T-Mobile) of Germany finished third in the stage in the same time.