Pagliarini wins stage, Leipheimer retains overall lead.

Mark Cavendish came across first, but did not win due to a penalty.

In a day when gloomy weather couldn’t keep race fans away, the Amgen Tour of California delivered another day of surprises, as the stage 6 winner had to relegate his position after a penalty.

Team High Road's Mark Cavendish was slapped with a 20 second penalty for holding on to a chase vehicle for too long after a crash in the final miles of stage 6. That decision halted the award ceremony briefly, and led to Brazilian Luciano Pagliarini taking the prize.

Last year’s champion Levi Leipheimer managed to extend his overall race lead, and will take that momentum into the final stage tomorrow, which leaves Santa Clarita at 11:00am.

For the second consecutive year, a massive crowd turned out for the race. The rain managed to stay out of the picture for the duration of the race, which allowed spectators to take part in a lifestyle fair and children’s games.

[view:node_ad=5]After the race, Rock The Bike brought vendors and music to a large section of the Westfeild Valencia TownCenter parking lot. The Gin Blossoms were booked to play at the event.

Mayor Bob Kellar

Thousands lined SCV streets to see the action.

Bob Kellar presents Luciano Pagliarini with the winner’s trophy

Levi Leipheimer kept his overall race lead.