The day starts at sea level, close to San Diego Bay, and works its way east step by step. At first, the route runs through dense urban ground: wide roads, traffic lights, residential blocks and short direction changes set the rhythm. Beyond the centre, San Diego starts to loosen, but the riding is still far from quiet. Through the eastern neighbourhoods, La Mesa and El Cajon, the road gradually climbs out of the coastal zone. Buildings stay part of the day, but the hills move closer. Toward Lakeside and Flinn Springs, the stage becomes drier and more open: chaparral, pale slopes, wide valleys and the first inland views replace the city blocks. The final kilometres to Alpine rise more clearly and bring the stage to just over 500 metres.
