AMGEN Tour of California Stage 8: Meersman 4th in Santa Rosa, Chavanel 9th

AMGEN Tour of California Stage 8: Meersman 4th in Santa Rosa, Chavanel 9th

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team wrapped up their AMGEN Tour of California with two riders in the top 10 on the 130.6km sprinter friendly Stage 8 on Sunday.

Gianni Meersman was 4th in the bunch sprint finish. He was in good position on the right side in the final kilometer despite OPQS being down to five riders due to dehydration or injury, and the team also used up a lot of energy chasing down the breakaway that was caught with 10km to go. 

Peter Sagan (Cannondale) took advantage of a very well established leadout train, winning easily. Daniel Schorn (Team NetApp-Endura) was 2nd, and Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Sharp) was 3rd. Sylvain Chavanel finished 9th after helping Meersman get into the best position possible for his sprint. 

Meersman finished in the top five multiple times, and also finished 3rd in the 4th stage. Chavanel also finished in the top 10 multiple times.