Time trial specialist Dave Zabriskie won a three-man sprint to the finish of Stage 3 in Santa Cruz on Tuesday, but a fist pump nearly cost him the win and the overall lead at the Amgen Tour of California.

The Garmin Transitions cyclist narrowly beat Michael Rogers (HTC-Columbia) and Levi Leipheimer (Team RadioShack) after the three formed a breakaway at the base of the Bonny Doon climb, about 20 miles from the finish of the 110-mile race that started in San Francisco.

While Leipheimer set the pace on the steep climb, all three worked together on the final 15-mile run after the summit to hold off a fast-charging chase group. The three topped Bonny Doon with a 90 second lead, which dwindled to 17 seconds as they neared the finish line.

The three leaders took turns as they passed through Santa Cruz ...   more »