Cyclists on the Amgen Tour of California whizzed into downtown Modesto on Tuesday after battling wind and rain during a 104-mile trek.
The next stage of the race will take riders from Merced to Clovis on a 115-mile trek Wednesday.
Thor Hushovd was the first person to cross the finish line during Stage 3 of the race Tuesday. His time was four hours, 28 minutes and 12 seconds.
Levi Leipheimer remains the overall leader of the race.
Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Modesto to see the cyclists. One couple was seen carrying yellow "Lance fan" signs.
The event was a boost for nearby businesses and restaurants such as Harvest Moon, which served chicken soup to Armstrong's team.
“When they get off their bikes they want chicken soup because of the weather,” Charlyne Smallwood said.
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"It's not only my hotel, but every hotel in town. We're completely full," Mario Lopez of the Doubletree Hotel said.
