Michael Rogers survived challenges from both Dave Zabriskie and Levi Leipheimer to win the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. Rogers wins $200,000 for his team and also claim his second Tour race in 2010. The Australian native took a nine second lead over Zabriskie into the final day and when they crossed the finish line that gap remained unchanged, but not without a fight. None of the three main challengers did much in the way of pushing until they hit the final lap, but once the action started it proved to be dramatic. Just before his first charge, Leipheimer suffered a flat tire, which not only cost him time, but also cost him energy which he had to expend in order to catch up to the lead pack. But once he did rejoin the pack, Leipheimer made his first charge, forcing Rogers and then Zabriske to chase him. For a few brief moments it appeared Rogers might not have a counter in him, but he mustered the strength and as they reached the descent, it became clear that Rogers would be able to hold on and win the title. Ryder Hesjedal, who is a teammate of Zabriskies on the Garmin-Transitions Team, won the final stage with a huge push at the end, tracking down and passing George Hincapie of the BMC Racing Team.
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