The Avila Beach finish for Stage 5 of the AMGEN Tour of California was somewhat underwhelming. The fans who did show up were excited die-hards, most of whom rode their bikes from San Luis Obispo or South county. But for those who were looking for the huge crowds reminiscent of the San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles finishes of years past, the expected swarm was more like a flock.

The cool thing about it was that there still were a large-enough number of people there to make it seem like the big event it was, but not so many that it was uncomfortable. The racers were still the best in the world and the man with the most recognizable name in the Tour, Jens Voigt, pushed ahead in the last few miles in a daring move to take the stage.

On a small little uphill that I’ll now call “Voigt Hill,” the German made his move. Voigt even called the hill “sticky,” which made me feel so happy that it isn’t just me who might have a hard time on the little bump at the beginning of San Luis Bay Drive.

What did you think of the tour? Did you expect more people? Why do you think more people didn’t come?

By Owen Main:

By David Livingston:

Cal Poly’s Chris Gaschen puts pressure on the Army keeper on Sunday afternoon. Photo by David Livingston

In a physical match that featured five yellow cards, an ejection, and a stopped penalty, Cal Poly used an 80th minute Mackenzie Pridham goal to defeat Army 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.

In a game reminiscent of Cal Poly’s win over Valparaiso a week ago, Pridham struck in the 80th minute, heading in a cross from Mike Hocker.

In the 88th minute, Cal Poly’s Benny Estes picked up his second yellow card — this one on a hand-ball in the penalty box — and was ejected.

Army midfielder Michael Kim took the penalty, but was denied by Freshman goalkeeper Wade Hamilton’s diving save. The save was one of three on the day for Hamilton, who preserved the shutout in Cal Poly’s fourth straight victory.

The Mustangs record is now 4-2. Next weekend is a big one for Cal Poly men’s soccer and football. The men’s soccer team plays host to Harvard on Friday night to kick off the Nike Challenge. After the football team hosts Davis on Saturday, UCLA comes to town for another men’s soccer match on Sunday.

Photos by David Livingston

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