Amgen Tour of California Route Released 800 mile ride starting May 15, 2016
Posted: February 4, 2016 Filed under: Cycling | Tags: Amgen Tour of California, Cycling Leave a comment2016 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA ROUTE ANNOUNCED,
ONE OF THE LONGEST AND MOST CHALLENGING IN RACE HISTORY
Millions Expected to Line Nearly 800 Scenic Miles to Cheer on
Premier Men and Women Cyclists in Eleventh Annual Event
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2016) – The 2016 Amgen Tour of California route was released today, revealing a scenic but challenging course across nearly 800 miles of California’s most beautiful terrain where the world’s most accomplished cyclists will compete for the overall title May 15-22, 2016. Presented by Visit California, the route announcement included a route video with details of each of the eight stages, viewable at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/stages.
Beginning May 19, an international field of lauded women cyclists will compete for four days with similar stage starts and finishes to the men’s course, doubling the racing excitement for many of this year’s host cities. The Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race empowered with SRAM is the first North American stage race of the inaugural UCI Women’s WorldTour and features the first Team Time Trial in race history.
For only the second time in Amgen Tour of California history, the race will progress south to north, beginning in San Diego and traveling through 10 additional host cities (four new this year) before a new champion is crowned in the state capital of Sacramento. The peloton will endure nearly 65,000 feet of climbing, including the race’s first ascent up the infamous Gibraltar Road in Santa Barbara County.
“We have an epic route in store for the 11th annual Amgen Tour of California,” said Kristin Klein, president of the Amgen Tour of California and executive vice president of AEG Sports. “Competitors and fans are in for thrills – in particular, one of the longest routes ever with lots of climbing, our second time riding south to north across the state, four new host cities, our first team time trial (women), and a can’t-miss race finish with the first-ever Gibraltar Road climb during the Queen Stage. The level of competition will highlight why the Amgen Tour of California is America’s Greatest Race and also one of the international season’s most challenging.”
Cyclists of all levels will have the chance to join public preview rides of several Amgen Tour of California stages, including the sixth annual L’Etape California on April 24 from Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, and other free community rides with new race ambassador and four-time National Champion Freddie Rodriguez in Folsom (today), Monterey County (Feb. 3) Santa Rosa (March 19) and San Diego (April 30). More information on Amgen Tour of California public rides is available at amgentourofcalifornia.com.
Once again, local organizing committees are filling thousands of volunteer positions for various duties along the course. Volunteer registration is now open at amgentourofcalifornia.com.
2016 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA ROUTE ANNOUNCEMENT PRESENTED BY VISIT CALIFORNIA
MEN’S ROUTE
STAGE 1 PRESENTED BY AMGEN SHIFTING GEARS FOR HEART HEALTH
SUNDAY, MAY 15
San Diego
106 miles / 170.5 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish
The first day of racing will begin and end in first-time host city San Diego, the birthplace of California and the state’s second largest city. A natural fit for the nation’s premier cycling race, San Diego features a vibrant beach-oriented community whose residents are passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.
The peloton will depart Mission Bay traveling through Balboa Park before heading south toward downtown and the harbor with views of the historic Gaslamp District and Coronado Bridge.
The race’s first Visit California Sprint will take place in bike-friendly Imperial Beach before heading east toward the rolling hills of East County. With only one Lexus King of the Mountain point on Honey Springs Road, fans can expect a fast finish as the riders race west back to the coast.
STAGE 2
MONDAY, MAY 16
South Pasadena to Santa Clarita
92 miles / 148 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish
Stage 2 will begin in new host city South Pasadena, known for its historic homes, charming tree-lined streets and proximity to Rose Bowl Stadium.
Despite being a sprinter’s finish, the profile on the way to Santa Clarita is filled with long gradual climbs that could take a toll on the sprinters’ legs. Riders will face several Lexus King of the Mountain points in the Angeles National Forest including Highway 2, Big Tujunga and Little Tujunga Canyon. Throughout the route, riders will see numerous historic California bridges and tunnels.
Santa Clarita, host to the most stages in race history (12), will welcome the riders for a wide, flat finish in downtown Newhall.
STAGE 3 PRESENTED BY AMGEN BREAKAWAY FROM CANCER®
TUESDAY, MAY 17
Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County (Gibraltar Road)
104.1 miles / 167.5 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Select group of 2-4 riders
Stage 3 has been 11 years in the making and is the day every general classification rider will have circled on their calendar. The challenging Queen Stage will begin in Thousand Oaks, home to biotechnology company Amgen, the race’s title sponsor since its inception. This area is a popular training ground for professional and weekend cyclists alike. Riders will leave Thousand Oaks and quickly descend to the cool breeze of the Pacific Coast Highway.
After traversing the flat strawberry fields of Oxnard and Ventura, the peloton will roll through the undulating terrain of Lake Casitas, Carpinteria and Montecito.
With approximately 6 miles to go, the profile will turn upward on Gibraltar Road, a beautiful twisting mountain road with an 8% average grade. Fans and teams have long requested a finish here, and road conditions have finally made it possible this year. With each turn toward what is sure to be an epic finish, the peloton will experience magnificent views of Santa Barbara and the beach below.
Fans have the opportunity to ride this course at the sixth annual L’Etape California on April 24, three weeks before the race. Once again, Amgen Tour of California Ambassador Jens Voigt will lead the ride along with new ambassador and four-time National Champion Freddie Rodriguez. Registration is open now at amgentourofcalifornia.com/letapecalifornia-register.
STAGE 4 PRESENTED BY VISIT CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18
Morro Bay to Monterey County at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway
133.6 miles / 215 kilometers
Expected outcome: Select group finish
Stage 4 will feature several race “firsts” including the inaugural journey north up Pacific Coast Highway from new waterfront host city Morro Bay, which will showcase its natural beauty to the world.
Riders will roll out from the iconic Morro Rock and head north along California’s most famous coastline, passing windswept beaches and a dynamic estuary. For the next 100 miles, there are no turns as riders head north through coastal Cambria, over Big Sur’s famous Bixby Bridge and through Carmel-By-The-Sea en route to Monterey County.
The road to the marine-life oriented region of Monterey will be long with possible headwinds but also boundless beauty. Monterey was originally a fishing village, and today is one of the most visited areas in California and home to the world-famous Pebble Beach and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
With several short, steep climbs in the final five miles, this course could favor riders with quick bursts of power like last year’s race champion Peter Sagan (SVK). After 133 miles, expect a select group at the front to take a lap on the first racecourse finish in race history – the famously technical Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a venue known worldwide for motorsports competitions.
STAGE 5 PRESENTED BY VISIT CALIFORNIA
THURSDAY, MAY 19
Lodi to South Lake Tahoe
132.4 miles / 213 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Select group finish
Stage 5 will usher riders from the beautiful vineyards of Lodi to a long gradual ascent to an uphill finish in South Lake Tahoe, reaching a peak elevation of 8,600 feet – the highest in race history. The ride, essentially a 130-mile climb that gains in elevation from 50 feet to 6,650 at the finish, will showcase California’s diversity, from the rich soil of the Central Valley to the mighty peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This stage will be similar to Big Bear Lake stages of years past with plenty of climbing over the long route through national forest and wilderness areas. Upon reaching South Lake Tahoe, a short steep climb up Ski Run Boulevard will deliver the cyclists to the finish at Heavenly Mountain Resort.
STAGE 6
FRIDAY, MAY 20
Folsom Time Trial
12.6 miles / 20.3 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Wide roads and non-technical, rolling course favors pure time trialists
In 2014, time trial specialists Bradley Wiggins, Rohan Dennis, and Taylor Phinney took podium honors. In 2016, the 12.6-mile out and back course returns to Historic Downtown Folsom.
In a town made famous by musician Johnny Cash, cycling now takes center stage, with the course passing beneath the recently constructed Johnny Cash Bike Trail Bridge. Folsom residents enjoy a healthy lifestyle and will be lining up to see the next time trial winner show off their best race against the clock.
STAGE 7 PRESENTED BY LEXUS
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Santa Rosa
109 miles / 175.4 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Select group finish
Stage 7 will begin and end in longtime host city Santa Rosa in the heart of Sonoma County wine county, one of the many fantastic viticulture hot beds the race will pass through this year. It will cover some of the same territory as the popular annual Levi’s GranFondo event.
The course will be rolling throughout with four Lexus King of the Mountain points along King Ridge Road, Pacific Coast Highway and Coleman Valley Road. These country roads through redwoods, coastline and forests will keep the peloton attentive with the feeling of riding on the edge of a continent.
With a crucial time trial the day prior, this penultimate stage in the general classification competition will most likely feature aggressive racing and a small group vying on the downtown circuits of the flat finish.
STAGE 8 PRESENTED BY LEXUS
SUNDAY, MAY 22
Sacramento
93 miles / 149.7 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish
The capital city of California has hosted the Amgen Tour of California Overall Start for the past two years as well as individual stage finishes; 2016 will bring its first Overall Finish. This sports-crazed city is thriving with a new stadium under construction and several national sporting events taking place throughout the year.
The course will travel along the Sacramento River and cross Tower Bridge twice before returning downtown where fans will anxiously wait along the traditional finish circuits around the Capitol building.
Last year was the closest men’s race finish ever with general classification champion Peter Sagan winning by a mere 3 seconds after earning an intermediate sprint time bonus and bonus seconds on the final stage sprint. What excitement will this year’s final race day hold?
2016 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA ROUTE ANNOUNCEMENT PRESENTED BY VISIT CALIFORNIA
WOMEN’S ROUTE
STAGE 1 PRESENTED BY VISIT CALIFORNIA
THURSDAY, MAY 19
South Lake Tahoe
72.7 miles / 117 kilometers, 4,700-foot gain (at an altitude of 6,500 feet)
Expected Outcome: Select group finish
Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race empowered with SRAM will complete a full clockwise 72-mile loop of Lake Tahoe, just like the first stage in 2015.
The high-altitude route will feature an early Queen of the Mountain climb at Emerald Bay on the West Shore before reaching North Lake Tahoe and the communities of Kings Beach and Incline Village. As the race traverses the hilly yet beautiful East Shore, teams will begin working to set up \ general classification contenders for the short but steep uphill finish to Heavenly Mountain Resort – a 1-mile climb at an approximately 7% average gradient.
Lake Tahoe is known for its natural wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts, so fans will likely be watching from boats, paddle boards and bikes throughout the loop.
STAGE 2
FRIDAY, MAY 20
Folsom Team Time Trial
12.6 miles / 20.3 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Wide roads and non-technical, rolling course will create opportunities for strong teams
Stage 2 of the Women’s UCI WorldTour race will be a critical team time trial, a first for the Amgen Tour of California. The teams will race on the same time trial course as the men, out and back from Historic Downtown Folsom.
STAGE 3 PRESENTED BY LEXUS
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Santa Rosa
64 miles / 111 kilometers
Expected Outcome: Select group finish
Stage 3 of the Women’s Race empowered with SRAM will feature another long road course loop, similar to the first stage of the race around Lake Tahoe. At a race distance of 64 miles over rolling and twisting terrain, expect aggressive riding before the race returns to downtown Santa Rosa for three circuits. Santa Rosa is in for double the racing excitement, hosting the start and finish for the women and men on this day.
The first and last third of the course will feature the same roads as the men’s route with a single Queen of the Mountain climb on Coleman Valley Road.
STAGE 4 PRESENTED BY LEXUS
SUNDAY, MAY 22
Sacramento
41 miles / 66 kilometers (20 laps)
Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish
The overall champion will be decided after 20 laps of a downtown Sacramento circuit on wide, fast roads. Fans can expect shakeups until the very end — last year, Sacramento saw a thrilling women’s finish when Trixi Worrack’s (GER) general classification win came down to sprint time bonuses and the final sprint for the stage.
Preview Video – https://youtu.be/am3iWtJiN8k
Full-Length Video – https://youtu.be/_7PoKUwi7ds
Host Cities announced for the Amgen Tour of California
Posted: December 7, 2012 Filed under: Cycling | Tags: Amgen, Amgen Tour of California Leave a comment
Amgen tour of california HOST CITIES ANNOUNCED FOR 2013
For the First Time Ever, Race will Travel from South to North, Starting in Escondido
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 picturesque Santa 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.
Amgen Tour of California Slects 2012 teams
Posted: March 29, 2012 Filed under: California, Cycling, Racing | Tags: Amgen, Amgen Tour of California, Bicycle Racing, BMC Racing Team, California, Chris Horner, Cycling, Liquigas-Cannondale, Los Angeles, Robbie McEwen, Tour of California, USA Leave a comment
sixteen teams selected to compete in 2012 amgen tour of california
World Class Field Assembled for America’s Premier Cycling RaceSet for May
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.
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.
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)
“These 16 teams represent the most prestigious field of talent ever to compete in our race and we are honored to have them join us for the seventh edition of the Amgen Tour of California,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the race and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “Cycling fans will see some favorite and familiar faces back in California this May, as well as a few new teams who will be racing with us for the first time. We look forward to presenting another impressive race for fans around the world.”
There are a total of 11 teams returning to the Amgen Tour of California for 2012, including AG2R La Mondiale (FRA); BMC Racing Team (USA); Rabobank Cycling Team (NED); Garmin- Barracuda (USA); RadioShack-Nissan-Trek (LUX); Omega Pharma – QuickStep (BEL); Liquigas-Cannondale (ITA); Team Spidertech Powered By C10 (CAN); UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA); Team Optum Presented By Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA) and Bissell Pro Cycling (USA).
“Amgen Tour of California has always been a first class event, with great courses, amazing organization, and incredible fans,” said Chris Horner, Amgen Tour of California’s defending champion.
“This year’s event looks to be the best ever, with an even more challenging route and a roster of 16 of the best teams in the world. I’m looking forward to coming back to defend my title – it promises to be a fantastic eight days in California!”
“The Amgen Tour of California is always a big goal for our team,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif, Team Garmin-Barracuda. “The Amgen Tour of California is one of the premier races in the U.S. and one we take a lot of pride in. Every year, the competition is intense, the crowds get even bigger, and this year will be no exception. We’re very excited to get back to California and we hope to give fans plenty of reasons to cheer.”
Teams new to the Amgen Tour of California roster include the newly formed GreenEDGE Cycling Team (AUS); Project 1t4i (NED); Colombia-Coldeportes (COL) Team Exergy (USA); and Bontrager Livestrong Team (USA).
“We are thrilled to ride the Amgen Tour of California in our debut season,” said Shayne Bannan, General Manager, GreenEDGE. “It’s a great race and a fantastic event. It’s real priority for us to bring a strong team to California and the riders really want to go there and make their mark for GreenEDGE. There are a lot of races that stand out on the calendar and the Amgen Tour of California is one of those we don’t want to miss. Having it as Robbie McEwen’s last race, will make it extra special for us as an Australian team.”
In addition to the pro cycling teams confirmed for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® team will also be returning, traveling with the race from start to finish to celebrate cancer survivors and raise awareness about the free support services available to people affected by cancer from the four non-profit Breakaway from Cancer partner organizations.
“At Amgen, we are excited for our seventh Amgen Tour and impressed by the caliber of the cycling teams joining the field this year,” said Stuart Arbuckle, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. “We are even more excited about how Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer initiative has taken off since we launched it in 2006, the inaugural year of the Tour. This year we will host Breakaway Mile events and recognize Breakaway from Cancer Champions in four host cities: Santa Rosa, Livermore, Clovis and Los Angeles, and our Breakaway from Cancer partner organizations will join Amgen to host our Breakaway from Cancer tent in the festival area in every finish city.”
For more information about the teams competing in the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, please visit the official race website, www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com. For more information about Breakaway from Cancer, visit breakawayfromcancer.com.
About the Amgen Tour of California
The largest cycling event in America, the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 13-20, 2012. In a 2011 poll conducted by CyclingNews.com, the Amgen Tour of California was voted the fourth best race in the world, and the No. 1 race in America.
About AmgenAmgen 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.
About Breakaway from Cancer®
Founded in 2005 by Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer® is a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship. Breakaway from Cancer is a collaboration between Amgen and four nonprofit partner organizations: Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community (formerly known as The Wellness Community), Patient Advocate Foundation, and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. These organizations offer a broad range of support services complementing those provided by a patient’s team of healthcare professionals. For more
information, please visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com or follow us @BreakawayCancer on Twitter.
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