As in 2014, the race followed a North to South pattern through the State of California and its course did not include other states. It visited thirteen host cities. The overall classification should be decided late in the race, notably in the time trial at Santa Clarita on Stage 6 and on the subsequent stage to Mount Baldy. In 2014, the individual time trial was situated on the second stage won by Bradley Wiggins and there were two mountain stages with stage three ending at Mount Diablo and stage six ending at Mountain High. The fact that the more important stages came later in the race did preserve the suspense for longer and gave the fast men a chance to garner stage wins early on, although the race has been known to let numerous breakaways take stage honors. The crosswinds often had an effect on the flatter stages and formed echelons of riders on the road. The general classification hopefuls wanted to avoid getting caught off-guard by staying near the front of the peloton when the wind came from the sides.