Welcome to the Daily Peloton Coverage of the 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia

There is a new title sponsor and some new teams in the 4th edition of the Tour de Georgia, but one thing will definitely not change: a week of fine racing is upon us as we prepare to travel the back roads of Georgia and enjoy the hospitality of the South. The Ford Tour de Georgia is North America's only Hors Classe (2.HC) professional stage race. The six-day, six-stage race begins in Augusta, GA on Tuesday, April 18.

The race will begin with two relatively flat stages, followed by a brutal time trail stage into Chattanooga, TN, marking the first time the race has ventured out of the state. Stages four and five will take the racers to the mountains of northern Georgia, with the Queen Stage mountain top finish at the inspiring Brasstown Bald. The final stage will roll into Alpharetta, GA on Sunday, April 23, and will include the infamous finishing circuits which make for a thrilling conclusion to six days of racing. All in all, the cyclists will cover more than six hundred miles over the state of Georgia as the contenders vie to wear the Yellow Jersey of the South.

Stage by Stage

Stage One, 128.9 miles/207.4 km

Tuesday, April 18: Augusta, GA to Macon, GA

Start 11:30 am--Finish 4:14-5:00 pm

Both stages one and two are familiar territory for the cyclists as they pedal through the Historic South and into the rolling terrain of South Metro Atlanta. There are three sprint lines in stage one and two in stage two, along with a Cat 4 climb up Clocktower Hill near the finish in Rome, GA as the first King of the Mountain competition climb.

Photos of Stage One, 2005, courtesy of Celia Cole

Winner of Stage One, 2005, Robert Hunter (Phonak)

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Nestled along the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is the second largest and oldest city in Georgia. While Augusta is known worldwide for The Masters® and the coveted green jacket, it is also known as the "Garden City" of the South. Discover the historic charm of Augusta's tree-lined streets and antebellum mansions. Enjoy shops, restaurants and cultural and historical attractions. Canoe the Savannah River or the adjacent Augusta Canal. Stroll Riverwalk Augusta along the banks of the Savannah River. Whatever you decide, you will have plenty of opportunities to Play Augusta!

Macon, located just over an hour south of Atlanta, enjoys diverse cultures, beautiful architecture, world-renowned music heritage and thriving arts and educational opportunities. Known as the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World," Macon hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival each spring under a canopy of blossoms from 285,000 Yoshino cherry trees, more than any other city in the world. Antebellum mansions, Indian mounds, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Tubman African American Museum, good Southern food and friendly people are waiting to host you in Macon.

To view a printable copy of the race log for Stage One, visit Race log

Stage Two, 116.1 miles/186.9 km

Wednesday, April 19: Fayetteville, GA to Rome, GA

Start 1:30 pm--Finish 5:40-6:30 pm

Last year's action saw the affable Andrea Tafi off the front of the peloton with 80 km to go. Although swallowed up by the group just prior to entering the finishing circuits in Rome, Tafi's courageous move ended up contributing to his winning of the Most Aggressive Rider jersey in the General Classification.

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Established in 1823, the city of Fayetteville is rich with historic culture. With its close proximity to Metropolitan Atlanta and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, an abundance of historic landmarks, and a thriving Main Street and business community, Fayetteville is an inviting city. Enjoy a concert at the Villages Amphitheater, take a tour of the historic Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House or stroll around the grounds of the city's signature landmark…its beautiful, historic courthouse, the oldest in the state. Whether you come for business or pleasure - there's much to see and do in Fayetteville!

Rome, located in the Northwest Region of Georgia, stands at the foothills of the Appalachian mountain chain and is surrounded by seven hills and three rivers. Centrally located near Atlanta, Chattanooga and Birmingham, Rome gives visitors the feel of a small European village, yet treats them to the gentle welcoming nature of the American South. Culture flourishes here, from the South's Oldest Symphony to a thriving local community theatre. History lives here, not only in the downtown buildings and homes, but in four very unique museums. Whether it's a leisurely day spent on Rome's rivers, a golf outing at Stonebridge, a weekend festival or just a walk in the park with a friend, there is plenty to see and lots to do.

To view a printable copy of the race log for Stage Two, visit Race log

Visit the official website here: 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia

Take a look back at the stages and the results from 2005 Tour de Georgia

Additional articles on the 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia:

Team Rosters and profiles

A New Look for the Winner's Jerseys