Amgen Tour of California 2013 Host Cities Announced

For the First Time Ever, Race will Travel from South to North, Starting in Escondido

Here’s the press release — Karen Kefauver

 LOS ANGELES (November 27, 2012) – Twelve cities have been named official Host City partners for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California by AEG, presenter of the race, helping to make up the route which will take riders on a South to North course for the first time in the eight-year race history. Considered America’s largest and most prestigious professional road cycling stage race, the eighth consecutive edition of the Amgen Tour of California will travel approximately 750 miles from May 12-19, 2013.

 

“Taking the Amgen Tour of California from South to North is something we always knew we wanted to do, and we are thrilled with the way things have come together for 2013,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “We think this will bring a whole new element to the competition for the elite cyclists who participate, not to mention some striking California scenery for our worldwide audience. California provides a variety of beautiful yet challenging terrain, helping us achieve our goal of creating a challenging route year after year while showcasing the very best this state has to offer.” 

The official race start, Stage 1, will begin and finish in Escondido, a city located in northern San Diego that had previously hosted 2009’s spectacular overall finish. The next day, Stage 2 will take riders through the hot desert terrain from Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs, two cities making their race debut. For Stage 3, the race will return to Palmdale for a stage start and then travel approximately 100 miles west to the city of Santa Clarita. The city, which hosted the race in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011, will also serve as the start of Stage 4. From there, the cyclists will ride north toward the Pacific Coast and picturesqueSanta Barbara, which last hosted the race in 2008, for the Stage 4 finish.

“I’m very excited to hear about the new South – North route for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California,” said Chris Horner, 2011 Amgen Tour of California champion. “After growing up in San Diego, I love seeing the race back on the roads I’ve ridden for the past 25 years. Being welcomed by thousands of fans in Escondido in 2009 was a highlight of my career, and I’m sure the crowds will be even more amazing for the 2013 edition. The Amgen Tour of California is one of my favorite races of the year, and I’m already looking forward to battling it out on the California roads again this May!”

The race will remain in Santa Barbara for the start of Stage 5 of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California. Ocean views will provide the perfect backdrop for racers and spectators alike as the route heads north to Avila Beach for the Stage 5 finish. San Jose will play host to Stage 6 and the Individual Time Trial, marking the eighth consecutive year the race has visited the city. San Jose is the only city to participate in all eight editions of the race.

Stage 7 will start in Livermore and head to Mt. Diablo for an intense mountaintop finish. The eighth and final stage of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California will start in San Francisco and finish in Santa Rosa, which played host to the official race start last year.

Commenting on the 2013 route, Tejay van Garderen of the BMC Racing Team, who won the best young rider classification at this year’s Tour de France and placed fourth overall at the 2012 Amgen Tour of California said, “Santa Rosa had big crowds and a huge reception last year for the start, so it will be exciting to go back to the hometown of the BMC Racing Team. I also spent a little time last winter in Santa Barbara, so that should be a fun town to finish in as well. As an American cyclist, the Amgen Tour of California is always a priority for me and our team, and I am looking forward to racing in California again in 2013.”

“Each of the Host City partners announced today is unique in its own way and brings character to our race,” continued to Bachochin. “We are looking forward to another exciting year and another intense competition.” 

Amgen returns as the race title sponsor for the eighth consecutive year, continuing to leverage the event to raise awareness of the important resources available to people affected by cancer through its Breakaway from Cancer^® initiative. (For more information,www.breakawayfromcancer.com)

“The Amgen Tour of California has provided a platform for us to extend the reach of Breakaway from Cancer, a collaboration between Amgen and four nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering patients through education, resources, and hope,” said Bob Azelby, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. “Given Amgen’s mission to serve patients, we look forward to honoring cancer survivors and their loved ones in the host communities as the race travels throughout California.”

Carrying an elite distinction, the Amgen Tour of California is listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2. HC, meaning “beyond category”), awarding important, world-ranking points to the top finishers.

The Amgen Tour of California continues to draw global attention as one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year – one that attracts Olympic medalists, World Champions and the top Tour de France competitors.

“As an American pro cyclist and recent California transplant, I am extremely excited to see where the 2013 Amgen Tour of California route will run,” said Peter Stetina of Team Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda. “Being on an American team, Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda, with American sponsors, The Amgen Tour of California is one of the most important races of the year for us.”

 

The 12 Host City partners for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California include:

• ·         Stage 1: Sunday, May 12 – Escondido
• ·         Stage 2: Monday, May 13 – Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
• ·         Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
• ·         Stage 4: Wednesday, May 15 – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
• ·         Stage 5: Thursday, May 16 – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
• ·         Stage 6: Friday, May 17 – San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
• ·         Stage 7: Saturday, May 18 – Livermore to Mt. Diablo
• ·         Stage 8: Sunday, May 19 – San Francisco to Santa Rosa

In celebration of the Host Cities announcement, the newly designed 2013 race Leader Jersey, produced by the new, official Amgen Tour of California jersey supplier Champion System, is now available for purchase online at www.AmgenTourofCaliforniaStore.com. Also on sale is a special, Limited Edition Jersey, perfect for the cycling fan on your holiday gift list. More details on the Champion System partnership will be released next month. For further information on the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, and to view the 2013 Amgen Tour of California map, visit www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com.

 

About the Amgen Tour of California

The largest cycling event in America, the 2013 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 12-19, 2013.

 

About Amgen

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe, effective medicines from lab to manufacturing plant to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and vital medicines, visit http://www.amgen.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

About AEG

AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Company, owns or controls a collection of companies including facilities such as STAPLES Center, The Home Depot Center, Sprint Center, The O2, Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE and Best Buy Theater Times Square; sports franchises including the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), two Major League Soccer franchises, two hockey franchises operated in Europe, management of privately held shares of the Los Angeles Lakers, the ING Bay to Breakers foot race, and the Amgen Tour of California cycling road race; AEG Live, the organization’s live-entertainment division, is a collection of companies dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance, touring, and a variety of programming and multi-media production. For more information, visit AEG today at www.aegworldwide.com.

Related articles

• Amgen Tour of California will reportedly finish in Santa Rosa (mercurynews.com)
• Amgen Tour of California will include Livermore, San Jose as participant cities (mercurynews.com)
• Amgen announces race host cities today (modbee.com)

Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 Race report, results and photos

Amidst breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island, Stage 2 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California  finished in Santa Cruz County, Monday. After traveling 117 miles from San Francisco, the cyclists hit Santa Cruz County and raced to the finish with Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale crossing the line first and taking the stage win for the second day in a row.

I had a ball (or a balloon) at Tour of California Stage 2 finish Monday in Aptos, California. What a blast! And yes, I did use the Bike Valet service (as seen on the balloon). That was a brilliant idea. Photo credit: Richard Masoner of www.cyclelicio.us

Here are MY PICS from amazing day Monday during Amgen Tour of California 2012 – Santa Cruz County https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150812810622293.401459.532117292&type=1&l=03fe6726ce
Here is the VIDEO of Tour of CA from yesterday. I had not seen it yet!
http://youtu.be/rwqwnRTojGs

Stage 1 Top-3

First – Peter Sagan (SVK), Liquigas-Cannondale (ITA)

Second – Heinrich Haussler (AUS), Garmin-Barracuda (USA

Third – Leigh Howard (AUS), Orica-GreenEDGE (AUS)

Jersey Winners

Amgen Leader Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK), Liquigas-Cannondale (ITA)

Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey – David Boily (CAN), Team Spidertech Powered by C10 (CAN)

Visit California Sprint Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK), Liquigas-Cannondale (ITA)  (Heinrich Haussler (AUS), Garmin-Barracuda (USA) will wear the green Visit California Sprint Jersey tomorrow since Peter Sagan cannot wear two jerseys)

Rabobank Best Young Rider Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK), Liquigas-Cannondale (ITA) (Josh Atkins, (NZL), Bontrager Livestrong Team (USA) will wear the Robobank Best Young Rider Jersey tomorrow since Peter Sagan cannot wear two jerseys)

Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey – Jeremy Vinnell (NZL), Bissell Pro Cycling

Exergy Most Aggressive Rider Jersey – Alexandre Geniez (FRA), Team Argos-Shimano

Press Release from Amgen Tour of California:

APTOS, CALIF. (May 14, 2012) – Young Slovakian cycling sensation and overall 2012 Amgen Tour of California race leader Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale crashed and punctured a tire on a wicked descent, but recovered to win Stage 2 of the race in Santa Cruz, Calif., his second consecutive stage in as many days. Ironically, the punctured tire was also the second flat of the race in as many days for the 22-year-old Sagan who maintained his overall lead over Australia’s Heinrich Haussler of the Garmin-Barracuda team after the second stage of America’s greatest professional cycling race. Leigh Howard (AUS) of Orica-GreenEDGE, who placed third during Stage 2, remained in third place overall.

“I don’t know, maybe it takes a natural disaster,” said Sagan, when asked what it would take to stop his winning ways, noting he suffered an untimely punctured tire three miles from the finish yesterday and still won Stage 1. “I am feeling good. I will see tomorrow (to make it three straight wins),” he continued.Amidst breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island, Stage 2 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California got underway in San Francisco and routed south 117.1 miles over the climbs of Empire Grade and Bear Creek Road.

At the start of Stage 2, after leaving the city of San Francisco, riders headed toward the coast and the first sprint of the day in Pacifica, where Howard, Maarten Tjallingii (NED) of Rabobank Cycling Team and Bradley White (USA) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team were the first three to cross the line. Shortly thereafter, six racers, including White; Jeremy Vennell (NZL) of Bissell Pro Cycling; Michael Creed (USA) of Team Optum Powered by Kelly Benefit Strategies; Lloyd Mondory (FRA) of AG2R La Mondiale; Juan Pablo Suarez (COL) of Colombia-Coldeportes; and Alexandre Geniez (FRA) of Team Argos-Shimano established a breakaway.

This breakaway swept the second sprint points with White, Vennell and Mondory crossing in that order.

Fifty miles into the race, the break had a comfortable lead of nine minutes and 45 seconds ahead of the peloton; however, after passing through the feed zone, the group began working harder to reel them back in. As the breakaway group closed in on Bonny Doon and the first King of the Mountain (KOM) climb of the day, the gap was narrowed to five minutes and 50 seconds. As the cyclists began to climb, Garmin-Barracuda worked hard at the front of the peloton for their leader Tom Danielson (USA). After a few attacks, only three riders were left in the break – White, Vennell and Geniez – with a lead of four minutes and 20 seconds. Sitting in and out of the saddle while climbing, Geniez went out in front of the break alone.

While on the climb, a crash occurred, taking down several riders, including Sagan; George Hincapie (USA) of BMC Racing Team; Laurens Ten Dam (NED) of Rabobank Cycling Team; Andres Diaz Corrales (COL) of Exergy; and Josh Atkins (NZL) of the Bontrager Livestrong Team. Sagan showed what he is made of by getting up quickly from the crash, brushing himself off and regaining contact with the peloton. While this was happening, Geniez continued to ride alone at the front with a lead of four minutes and 55 seconds ahead of the group, and ultimately claimed top KOM points on Empire Grade. He was followed by David Boily (CAN) of Spidertech Powered by C10.

With five riders at the front of the peloton, Garmin-Barracuda began flying down the mountain with a gap of three minutes and 55 seconds off the front. Vennell and White hung together, in between Geniez and the peloton. After the decent, the peloton was split with about 25 racers in the first portion, then about a 30-second split to the main peloton. Just before the Bear Creek climb, Vennell and White were absorbed by the peloton, leaving Geniez alone in front. But, with just 35km to go, Geniez was caught by the peloton, which was being led by UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team.

“It was a very hard day,” said Vennell, a former National Time Trial champion of New Zealand. “The descent off Bonny Doon was pretty scary.”

Liquigas-Cannondale took over work at the front of the peloton, controlling the pace on the last bit of uphill before the major descent. Heading toward the final sprint of the day, Maxime Bouet (FRA) of AG2R La Mondiale attacked, but Marc de Maar (AHO) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team claimed the top sprint points. With 17km to go, the peloton was flying toward the finish with Liquigas-Cannondale riders occupying the top four spots at the front, followed by riders from Rabobank, BMC Racing Team and RadioShack-Nissan-Trek.

Even with an attack by Rory Sutherland (AUS) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team at the finish, Sagan managed to outsprint the pack to take the Stage 2 win. He was followed by Haussler and Howard to round out the top three for the stage.

Leader jerseys at the end of Stage 2 remained somewhat similar to Stage 1, with Sagan remaining in the Amgen Race Leader, Visit California Sprint and Rabobank Best Young Rider Jerseys. As with yesterday, since Sagan will be wearing the Amgen Race Leader Jersey at the start of tomorrow’s stage, the Visit California Sprint Jersey will be worn by Haussler and the Rabobank Best Young Rider Jersey will be worn by Atkins. Boily still wears the polka dot Nissan King of the Mountain jersey. Vennell claimed the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey, and Geniez secured the Exergy Most Aggressive Rider Jersey.

STAGE 3: Tuesday, May 15

–  San Jose to Livermore

– (115.3 mi/185.5 km)

– Start Time: 11:15 a.m. PT

– Estimated Finish Time: 3:24 – 4:32 p.m. PT

– Satellite Feed Time: 4:50 – 5 p.m. PT

Related articles

• Amgen Tour of California: Stage Two (photos.mercurynews.com)
• Sagan Wins Another Stage At Tour Of California (losangeles.cbslocal.com)
• Sagan wins 2nd stage of Tour of California (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)

Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 Profile of Race Action 2012

Stage 2 Overview

San Francisco to Santa Cruz County
Start: 11:05 am Est. Finish: 3:53 pm
Total Distance: 117.1 mi./188.5 km
Monday, May 14, 2012

Stage 2 Action
• Stage Map
• Stage Profile
• Stage Log

Stage 2 Map

http://wpc.0ad2.edgecastcdn.net/000AD2/atoc/2012/2012AToCStage2Mapv2.pdf

 

Stage 2 Profile

http://wpc.0ad2.edgecastcdn.net/000AD2/atoc/2012/2012AToCStage2Profilev2.pdf

Stage 2 Log

http://wpc.0ad2.edgecastcdn.net/000AD2/atoc/2012/12-AToC-Stage-2-Log.pdf

Related articles

• Quick Overview on the Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 – Santa Cruz Sentinel Pre-Race Coverage (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)
• Guide to Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 Finish in Santa Cruz County, Monday, May 14 (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)
• 3 Ways to Track Amgen Tour of California: Your Smart Phone via Tour Tracker, NBC Sports and online (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)

Quick Overview on the Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 – Santa Cruz Sentinel Pre-Race Coverage

Santa Cruz County, California, plays proud host to the finish of Stage 2 of Amgen Tour of California. The professional bicycling stage race  attracts some of the best road bike racers in the world, including some who will also race in the Tour de France. The race returns here tomorrow, Monday, May 14, 2012 (after finishes in the City of Santa Cruz in 2009 and 2010). Here’s what the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the daily paper of Santa Cruz County, has to offer for pre-race stories about the Amgen Tour of California. 

Santa Cruz Sentinel stories posted on 05/13/2012

• Jacques-Maynes ready for Tour of California after rough year Jacques-Maynes is gearing up for the most important day of his season Monday, the day he and approximately 130…tackle the Santa Cruz mountains and finish Stage 2 of Amgen‘s Tour of California right here in his stomping grounds. similar results – By Brooke Wright – Sentinel correspondent

• Amgen Tour of California prompts ‘rolling’ road closures Monday in Santa Cruz County As acclaimed cyclists in the Amgen Tour of California speed through the county Monday afternoon, commuters will be brought to a standstill on the route. similar results – By Stephen Baxter

• In Amgen, Jamison Creek offers a winding test of nerves  Throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, there are roads you probably wouldn’t ride on a burro, let alone a bicycle. Yet organizers behind the 2012 Amgen Tour of California decided to similar results – By Jason Hoppin

• Tour of California: How much will it help the Santa Cruz economy? Check back next week. That’s the answer when you ask about the economic impact of the Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 coming through Santa Cruz County Monday. similar results – By Jondi Gumz

• Amgen’s a boon, headache for Cabrillo: Students, administrators have different views 
Large crowds, thousands of fans cheering from the sidelines, racers dressed in sleek attire, the late-afternoon sunlight gleaming off their helmets, barreling toward the finish line — all of it captured in the international media’s eye. By Kimberly White

05/11/2012 07:04:27 PM PDT

• Tour of California field boasts world class experience, plus cycling’s next generation of stars – By Elliott Almond

04/30/2012 05:39:27 PM PDT

• Amgen organizers confident county is ready for May 14 race – By  JASON HOPPIN — Santa Cruz Sentinel

And here’s a good overview of Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 finish in Santa Cruz County:

• The Race is On! Tour of California set to return

By Jason Hoppin – Santa Cruz Sentinel
Posted: 05/12/2012 03:00:31 PM PDT

APTOS — If you want to know happens when 144 very large, very powerful men engage in a fast-moving mosh pit on wheels, Monday afternoon just might give you the opportunity.

Months of local planning will come to a head when the Amgen Tour of California returns to Santa Cruz after a one-year hiatus. The second stage of arguably America’s greatest bike race is ending in our backyard, and many are expecting 117 miles of punishment to culminate in a breathtaking sprint to the Aptos finish line.

“If you want to see action,” said local cycling journalist Jim Langley, “watching the sprint is fantastic.”

Santa Cruz County’s connection to cycling runs deep, and many of the seminal figures in the development of recreational cycling have connections here, from Tom Cuthbertson to Ross Shafer to Keith Bontrager. Books that helped popularize bicycling in the 60s and 70s, the sport of cyclocross, carbon-fiber bike frames and mountain bike suspension all have local origins.

Yet it took members of the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club to bring the tour back, after local governments abandoned their official support. The group includes lead local organizer Maura Noel, who offered her retirement savings as a guarantee that they could raise the money needed to make the event work.

“All the big stuff is in place, it’s really just details now,” Noel said Friday. “I’m super excited and happy the way the community has supported us these past seven months. Now if everyone just buys a T-shirt, I’ll be ecstatic.”

This year’s race will include a health and wellness festival at the Cabrillo College finish line, and numerous local and national vendors will be on hand. Cabrillo plans to hold classes as usual, though Soquel High, also along the race route, is only holding a half-day of classes.

In past years, the fight for the right to wear the stage winner’s jersey was decided in Bonny Doon, previously the day’s only major climb. This year, race organizers added another long haul up Bear Creek Road, making observers wonder whether any members of the pack would be able to break free.

“They’re trying to tear their legs off this year with so many hills,” Langley said of this year’s race.

That means there could be a crowd barreling toward the finish line at Cabrillo. If so, teams will do just about anything to break their sprinters free, including bumping the wheels of other riders and even an occasional head-butt.

Many are happy to see the race return. Ryan Beauregard, owner of Bonny Doon’s Beauregard Vineyards, has seen his winery turn into a party during past races. This year, Beauregard is selling $60 tickets to a catered lunch and blues band fiesta that promises to again be a viewing hot spot.

“No one’s going to have more fun than us,” Beauregard said.

People interested in making sure they don’t miss the finish can buy grandstand seats from the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, with chamber representative Meggie Schuller saying interest is strong.

“It’s going good. We’ve sold about 160 tickets” of 220, Schuller said, saying she expects race-day sales as well.

Covering 733 miles, the race begins Sunday in Santa Rosa and ends eight days later in Beverly Hills. Organizers see it as a major precursor to the Tour de France, and it includes some of the best riders in the world.

Stage 2 begins at Marina Green in San Francisco in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Riders then come down Highway 1 before turning into the Santa Cruz Mountains just past Davenport.

From there, riders climb Empire Grade before a white-knuckle descent down Jamison Creek Road into Boulder Creek. From there, they climb again to Summit Road, where a timed sprint is held.

The last 17 miles of the race are either downhill or flat, which should make for excitement. Along Soquel-San Jose Road, riders should reach speeds approaching 60 mph.

Follow Sentinel reporter Jason Hoppin on Twitter: @scnewsdude

IF YOU GO

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

WHEN: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday

WHERE: Various locations; Festival at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

DONATIONS: Organizers are still seeking donations. To help, visit: http://www.tourofcalifornia-santacruz.com/get_involved/contribute

Related articles

• 3 Ways to Track Amgen Tour of California: Your Smart Phone via Tour Tracker, NBC Sports and online (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)
• Guide to Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 Finish in Santa Cruz County, Monday, May 14 (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)

3 Ways to Track Amgen Tour of California: Your Smart Phone via Tour Tracker, NBC Sports and online

Watch Amgen Tour of California 2012 LIVE ! Here are a few ways  you can tune into the professional road bike race action:

1. Television option: Tune in live on NBC Sports Network  2PM PDT/5PM EDT

Bart Coddington explained:

“NBC bought Versus (Comcast 404) and it is now Labeled NBCSP if you do not get the HD channel.”

From the Amgen site: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/tv-schedule.html

In Santa Cruz County Comcast will carry it on 723 (HD) and 404.

Harriet Riley, Santa Cruz County resident, chimed in: “According to our Comcast channel list, NBC-SP is channel 723 is the place to look for live and recorded coverage on the TV.”

2. Smart Phone option:  RadioShack Tour Tracker (online and via the FREE mobile apps for iOSand Android).

“You can track the tour from your smart phone. I got mine on ITunes, but they also have one for the Droid.

It’s pretty cool,” emailed Myrna Sherman, to the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club email list.

Follow the 2012 Amgen Tour of California with the RadioShack Tour Tracker, the app that gives you in depth access and analysis of every aspect of America’s biggest and most exciting cycling race via the Web (coming soon to this page) or your mobile device. From live video to GPS tracking, you can be part of the race action no matter where you are. Available now for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android download!

This link below gives you the links to download the app from either Apple’s iTunes store or Google’s Play (Formerly known as the Android Market).

Details here: http://radioshacktourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com

3. Option 3: TUNE into the website!

Race Start – 10:50am PDT. WATCH IT LIVE on NBC Sports Network 2PM PDT/5PM EDT or with the RadioShack Tour Tracker (online) here: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

Related articles

• Guide to Amgen Tour of California Stage 2 Finish in Santa Cruz County, Monday, May 14 (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)
• Route announced – 2012 Amgen Tour of California – Stage 2 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County, May 14 (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)

Amgen Tour of California Team Line Up Announced for 2012

Image via Wikipedia

LOS ANGELES (March 13, 2012) – Race organizers have named the 16 teams, including some of the world’s best international and domestic squads, to compete in the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, which will take place May 13 to 20. Comprised of United Cycling International (UCI) Pro, Pro Continental and Continental squads, the 16 world class teams chosen to participate in the 2012 race will include Olympic hopefuls and Tour de France contenders representing more than 20 countries, giving fans around the world a preview of what is to come in July in both France and London.

The 2012 Amgen Tour of California roster includes the following 16 teams:

UCI ProTeams
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Rabobank Cycling Team (NED)
Garmin- Barracuda (USA)
RadioShack-Nissan-Trek (LUX)
Liquigas-Cannondale (ITA)
Omega Pharma – QuickStep (BEL)
AG2R La Mondiale (FRA)
GreenEDGE Cycling Team (AUS)
UCI Professional Continental Teams
Team Spidertech Powered By C10 (CAN)
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA)
Project 1t4i (NED)
Colombia-Coldeportes (COL)
UCI Continental Teams
Team Optum Presented By Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)
Bissell Pro Cycling (USA)
Team Exergy (USA)
Bontrager Livestrong Team (USA)

Since the inaugural race in 2006, the Amgen Tour of California has consistently drawn the world’s best cycling talent while growing to become one of the most important races on the international calendar. In 2012, the race will play an even more significant role as it will be where top competitors test themselves in preparation for the Tour de France and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games taking place in London this summer.

As previously announced by race presenters AEG, the 2012 Amgen Tour of California will start in Santa Rosa on May 13 and travel more than 750 miles throughout some of California’s most majestic and iconic highways, roadways and coastlines before the final stage on May 20 when the race will start in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive and finish at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles.

The 16 elite teams include the newly restructured RadioShack-Nissan-Trek, whose roster includes Amgen Tour of California defending champion Chris Horner, Jens Voigt and current U.S. National Road Race Champion, Matthew Busche who will compete against a field that includes the No. 1-ranked team in the world, Omega Pharma – QuickStep, featuring three-time Amgen Tour of California winner Levi Leipheimer and Tom Boonen; Garmin-Barracuda, featuring Amgen Tour of California veterans Dave Zabriskie and Tom Danielson; and 2011 Tour de France champion BMC Racing including veteran cyclist and fan favorite George Hincapie and one of the fastest rising stars in cycling today, Tejay van Garderen. Also, competing in California for the seventh consecutive year will be the Rabobank Cycling Team, featuring Laurens Ten Dam and Luis Leon Sanchez. Liquigas-Cannondale is set to compete as well, featuring American cyclists, Ted King and Timothy Duggan, as well as Peter Sagan, who has taken multiple stages in previous editions of the Amgen Tour of California. Competing in California for the first time will be the Australian GreenEDGE Cycling Team, who plan to bring Luke Durbridge and Robbie McEwen. AG2R La Mondiale is also on the roster, featuring Nicolas Roche and Rinaldo Nocentini.

Volunteer | Amgen Tour of California

Howdy folks!  If you want to volunteer to help out on race day in Santa Cruz County, please sign up thru the Amgen Tour of California’s website at:  http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer.html

via volunteer | Amgen Tour of California.

STAGE 2 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County, May 14, 2012

About Stage 2 San Francisco to Santa Cruz

ROUTE DETAILS

Day: Mon, May 14

Start: San Francisco

Finish: Santa Cruz County

Miles: 117.1

KM: 188.5

About Tour of California

As America’s most successful cycling race, the Amgen Tour of California is one of the nation’s largest and most recognized annual sporting events.  An eight-day event, this prestigious cycling road race features elite professional teams and athletes from around the world.  One of only two American races listed as a UCI 2.HC event on the international professional cycling calendar, the Amgen Tour of California awards important, world-ranking points to the top finishers.  The Amgen Tour of California brings the drama and excitement of professional cycling to California for the 7th consecutive year.

This year, 18 of the world’s top professional cycling teams competed in a challenging course that included nearly 800 miles of scenic California highways and roadways. With a reputation for attracting prominent teams, the 2011 race included UCI ProTeams, such as BMC Racing Team [USA], Team Garmin-Cervelo [USA], HTC-Highroad [USA], Team RadioShack [USA], Liquigas-Cannondale [ITA], Sky Procycling [GBR], Rabobank Cycling Team [NED], Saxo Bank Sunguard [DEN], and Leopard Trek [LUX]. The Pro Continental and Continental Teams were represented by Bissell Pro Cycling Team [USA], Jelly Belly powered by Kenda [USA], Kelly Benefit Strategies – OptumHealth [USA], Team Spidertech Powered by C10 [CAN], Team NetApp [GER], Team Type 1-sanofi [USA], United Healthcare Pro Cycling [USA], Kenda/5-Hour Energy Pro Cycling p/b Geargrinder [USA] and Jamis-Sutter Home [USA].

2 New TOC Santa Cruz County Events March 13 and April 17

Check out the website for Amgen Tour of California Santa Cruz County for events and more great info. For more upcoming the 2 upcoming events and to register for these “fun-raisers,”  visit http://www.tourofcalifornia-santacruz.com/events

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Plan an evening of bike racing stories and a behind the scenes look at road racing at the professional level!  Local riders Ben and Andy Jacques-Maynes wil answer all your questions. Delicious dinner included.

Tickets are $100 and include happy hour and Q and A  (6-7), dinner and a small raffle.

Mail a check made payable to SCCCC to PO Box 7900, Santa Cruz CA 95061 or click on the PayPal Donate button on our sidebar here.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The historic Shadowbrook Restaurant hosts a Silent Auction and dinner!  A portion of the restaurant’s proceeds will be donated to fundraising efforts along with auctioning off items like:

• One Frans Lanting Print
• Dinner at the Dream Inn’s Aquarius Restaurant
• Local wines
• A bike from The Bicycle Trip
• Four Passes for zip-lining at the Mount Hermon Conference Center

…and more!

Related articles

• Route announced – 2012 Amgen Tour of California – Stage 2 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County, May 14 (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)
• How to Support Amgen Tour of California 2012 in Santa Cruz County (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)

Route announced – 2012 Amgen Tour of California – Stage 2 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County, May 14

Here’s the scoop on the route for Amgen Tour of California Stage 2: San Francisco to Aptos in Santa Cruz County (Monday, May 14). Just announced today!
Start Location: Marina Green at Marina Boulevard in San Francisco
Finish Location: Cabrillo College on Cabrillo College Drive in Aptos

Cycling fans who love the electric feel of race starts will be hard-pressed to find anything better than the Stage 2 start of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California in San Francisco.

Beginning at Marina Green in San Francisco’s Marina District, the start line will run right to the break wall of San Francisco Bay. The backdrop? Breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Marin Headlands. However, the riders’ stay in the great city of San Francisco will be short-lived because within a few minutes, the race will have passed through the Presidio with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

From here, Stage 2 will continue south on Highway 1 through the San Francisco suburbs of Pacifica and Daly City. Making its way down the Devil’s Slide, north of Half Moon Bay, the peloton will enjoy the most spectacular coastline in the world.

The stage will then turn inward and start the assault up Bonny Doon, which, in previous editions of the race, has determined the winner of the stage.

With the stage finish moving to Aptos this year, the riders will face another 42 miles of racing and another KOM. The last several miles of the stage are downhill, followed by a short run down Soquel Avenue to the finish. Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California will certainly be a long and difficult stage, but it won’t be a surprise to see a large pack of riders contest the finish in an exciting Sprint.

Here is a link to Bruce Hildenbrand’s article on cyclingnews.com about the SC stage:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bonny-doon-returns-to-amgen-tour-of-california

See you there! – Karen Kefauver

Related articles

• How to Support Amgen Tour of California 2012 in Santa Cruz County (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)
• “Breakfast with the Amgen Tour” Thursday, Feb. 9 in Aptos (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)
• Amgen Tour of California Returns to Santa Cruz (bicyclesantacruzcalifornia.wordpress.com)

Tour of California Santa Cruz Stage – Help Maura Noel Finance the Race Stage!

Maura Noel believes that the Amgen Tour of California belongs in Santa Cruz County, and she holds this belief despite a nearly complete lack of official support. When the second leg of the 800-mile, high-profile bicycle race concludes May 14 somewhere in the county, it will do so mainly because Noel was willing to put her money where her mouth is – if she can’t raise enough money to pay for it, Noel has personally guaranteed to pay for the race….

HELP MAURA stay out of “debtor’s prison” by contributing here!

http://www.tourofcalifornia-santacruz.com/get_involved/contribute

But to get the county to host the race, Noel made a startling guarantee. If she couldn’t raise enough money to pay for police staff, road closures and other costs, she would do it from her own pocket – first offering the county her retirement savings as a guarantee.

Read the full story  in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, here!

Maura Noel