2019 host cities revealed for Amgen Tour of California

The Amgen Tour of California organizers today announced the 13 Host Cities selected for the 14^th edition of America’s premier professional cycling stage race set for May 12-18, 2019. Throughout seven stages over seven days, the world’s elite cyclists will contest more than 750 miles of roadways, highways and coastlines from Sacramento to Pasadena.

The Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race empowered with SRAM, showcasing the world’s best women cyclists, will run concurrently May 16-18, covering upwards of 180 miles over three stages. Owned and presented by AEG, both races conclude with same-day finishes in Pasadena, a veteran overall finish city.

The annual Amgen Tour of California carries the distinction of being the only U.S. men’s and women’s races on the UCI WorldTour calendar and have helped launch some of today’s best known and most decorated international cyclists as well as continuing to attract the most talented competitors and teams in the world. With seven new courses between them, the event’s legacy as an international platform for both men’s and women’s racing will hold special significance this year as Olympic hopefuls gear up for Tokyo 2020.

2019 RACE SCHEDULE

DATE                    MEN                                                                                                                     

Sun., May 12 – Stage 1: Sacramento

Mon., May 13 – Stage 2: Rancho Cordova to South Lake Tahoe

Tues., May 14 – Stage 3: Stockton to Morgan Hill

Wed., May 15 – Stage 4: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to Morro Bay

Thurs., May 16 – Stage 5: Pismo Beach to Ventura

Fri., May 17 – Stage 6: Ontario to Mt. Baldy

Sat., May 18 – Stage 7: Santa Clarita to Pasadena

DATE                    WOMEN                                                                                                              

Thurs., May 16 – Stage 1: Ventura

Fri., May 17 – Stage 2: Ontario to Mt. Baldy

Sat., May 18 – Stage 3: Santa Clarita to Pasadena

**Courses subject to change

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This year’s course will highlight the distinct beauty of Northern, Central and Southern California. The 2019 Host Cities include the return of fan and race team favorites, long-time veterans like Sacramento, Santa Clarita and Pasadena, and a first-time start in Rancho Cordova.

The 2019 Amgen Tour of California will cover a variety of terrain, showcasing many of California’s most well-known and iconic settings and landmarks, and allowing different types of specialists in the peloton to shine throughout the week. Several fast and flat sections on tap in Sacramento, Morgan Hill and Pasadena will cater to sprinters (not to mention a start overlooking the famous WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca motor speedway). Climbers will also face challenges in South Lake Tahoe, the Diablo Mountain Range outside Stockton where they will reach an elevation of 4,625 feet, and on multiple climbs between Pismo Beach and Ventura. Fans and teams alike will count down to the men’s and women’s Queen Stages from Ontario to Mt. Baldy, which will feature a grueling 26-mile fan-favorite climb to the summit finish, a day that will shake up the leader board and can make or break the quest for the overall victory.

A traditional stage for the Amgen Tour of California, the final race day for both the men and women is one that highlights the beauty of long-time race partners: Santa Clarita and Pasadena. Past overall finishes in Pasadena have consistently been dramatic and exciting, with fans from across Southern California lining up to cheer on the fast-and-furious sprint finishes to determine the ultimate champions.

“The Amgen Tour of California continues to serve as an international postcard for the state, showcasing the beauty and diversity of California – and the 2019 host cities certainly reflect that,” said Kristin Klein, president of the Amgen Tour of California and executive vice president of AEG Sports. “We look forward to hosting another truly dynamic and engaging race, which will feature an all-star peloton, continuing the tradition of delivering one of the most exciting sporting events in the country.”

Title sponsor Amgen has been a race partner since race inception. In 2005, Amgen launched Breakaway from Cancer^®, its national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship. Amgen expanded its platform in 2016 to launch Breakaway from Heart Disease™, aimed at encouraging Americans to have a game plan to tackle heart disease by understanding their risk through diagnostic screening and by taking charge of their heart health through diet, exercise and appropriate treatment options. To learn more, visit breakawayfromcancer.com and breakawayfromheartdisease.com.

“At Amgen, our mission is to serve patients, and for more than 35 years we have reached millions of people with our medicines,” said Murdo Gordon, executive vice president, Global Commercial Operations, Amgen. “Our sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California gives us a platform to educate and empower people to connect with the resources that enable living a longer, healthier life.”

In addition to lining the race course, fans of all ages will once again have the opportunity to experience the race as a VIP from an all-inclusive hospitality tent or through once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. To learn more visit: https://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/vip-experiences. VIP Hospitality Passes go on pre-sale to American Express cardholders December 5-10 at 9:59 a.m., and the public on-sale begins December 10 at 10 a.m. To purchase visit: https://www.axs.com/amgen2019. For questions, please contact sales@amgentourofcalifornia.com.

**AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA SUPPORTS CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RELIEF

As a result of the devastation caused by the recent California Wildfires, the Amgen Tour of California, in partnership with the LA Kings and AEG Sports are proud to donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross.

“The recent fires have caused our community and our state incredible and unimaginable damage. AEG continues to thank those who have worked tirelessly to help combat the fires. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered hardships.  We are making this donation to the America Red Cross in honor of the first responders and all who have been impacted.  We are also encouraging our fans and our supporters to help by making donations as well,” said Dan Beckerman, president and CEO, AEG and Alternate Governor, Kings.

“The devastation has severely impacted the entire state of California, including many of our past and upcoming host cities of the Amgen Tour of California,” said Kristin Klein, president, Amgen Tour of California & executive vice president, AEG Sports. “We’re not just a state. But a collection of communities that come together to support each in time of need and we are proud to support the relief efforts undertaken by so many of the first responders and the American Red Cross.”

Red Cross volunteers are supporting evacuation centers to provide safe refuge for people impacted by these devastating fires. Additionally, they are also providing meals, health services, spiritual care, comfort and other support for affected residents.

Please consider joining our organization in supporting the Red Cross’ efforts in California. Visit the American Red Cross to donate today.