Category Archives: Amgen Tour

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA TO HOST START OF FINAL STAGE OF 2019 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 5, 2018) – The Amgen Tour of California organizers today announced the 13 Host Cities selected for the 14th 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 City of Santa Clarita will host the start for the final stage of both the men’s and women’s races on Saturday, May 18, 2019. The men and women competing in the Amgen Tour of California and the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race empowered with SRAM will race through the streets of Santa Clarita before waving goodbye as they push toward the overall finish line in Pasadena. Of the 2019 lineup of California Host Cities, the City of Santa Clarita has the distinction of having hosted the most stages in race history, and 2019 will mark its 14th hosted stage.

“We are honored for the opportunity to host another stage for the Amgen Tour of California. It is not often that we bring a world-class race event right to our residents’ backyards!” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “With an event this prestigious, it really boosts our tourism efforts by having regional, national and international eyes on Santa Clarita. This the 14th stage we’ve hosted and every time we have had a wonderful experience partnering with the Amgen Tour of California.”

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

Host City information and a highlight video are available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com or https://youtu.be/9EumaLheLe8 (downloadable HD press version at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/media-resources).

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.

About the Amgen Tour of California

The Amgen Tour of California and the Amgen Women’s Race empowered with SRAM are Tour de France-style cycling road races created and presented by AEG. Running concurrently, the races challenge the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along demanding courses that traverse hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and World Champions, and award important, world-ranking points to the top finishers. For more information visit the Amgen Tour of California on InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube or www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

About Amgen

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be the world’s largest independent biotechnology company, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

About AEG

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, AEG operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which is affiliated with or owns, manages or consults with more than 120 preeminent arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs and convention centers around the world including STAPLES Center, The O2 Arena, the Sprint Center and the Mercedes-Benz Arenas; AEG Live, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world’s largest operator of sports franchises and high-profile sporting events; and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands, AXS.com ticketing platform, AXS cable television channel and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 100 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

2017 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA ROUTE ANNOUNCED: Santa Clarita to Provide Setting for Exciting Stage 4 Finish

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Beginning on May 14, 2017, the 2017 Amgen Tour of California,presented by AEG, brings the drama and excitement of professional cycling to California for the twelfth consecutive year. The Amgen Tour of California is regarded as the most internationally respected and esteemed stage race in the U.S. and one of the largest sporting events in the country. The 2017 race will mark the first year the men’s race has been elevated to UCI WorldTour status, making it the only stage race in North America to receive this prestigious classification.  The seven-day men’s race will visit 12 host cities from Sacramento to Pasadena.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 4 Finish for the 2017 Amgen Tour of California (Men’s Race). Stage 4 will begin in host city Santa Barbara and travel 100.3 miles to the finish in Santa Clarita.  Santa Clarita is returning for the ninth year, bringing the total number of stages hosted in Santa Clarita to 13.

In addition to the men’s event, top professional female cyclists from around the world will converge in Northern California three days prior to compete in the Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women’s Race empowered with SRAM (May 11-14). Presented by Visit California, the route announcement includes a visual overview of the 2017 men’s and women’s courses at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/stages.

With warm breezes coming off the beach across from the start line, it will be just as difficult to leave Santa Barbara as it was in 2015 when the riders took the same route into Santa Clarita. Winding through Montecito and Carpinteria, the riders will be getting their legs ready for two short but steep King of the Mountain (KOM) hill climbs as they approach Lake Casitas. A fast descent down Hwy 150 will take them alongside the lake and into Ojai. Following another KOM up Dennison Grade, the race will return to the picturesque town of Santa Paula, where the base of Balcom Canyon looms just a few miles away.

For many local riders, Balcom Canyon is just too steep and imposing a climb to even attempt. Walking up the top section is the only option for many. This is a unique climb where the riders can easily see the KOM from the start. A popular place to watch the race come by, slowly, crowd estimates have been as high as 5,000 fans in past editions.

Following a “white-knuckle” descent of Grimes Canyon, riders will head through the orange groves near the small town of Piru, and the race will begin its 13-mile eastward push on Hwy 126 toward Santa Clarita. A prevailing tailwind will help keep the race together, and the crowd waiting in Santa Clarita should see another massive field sprint. This stage comes in at more than 100 miles with two sprints, four KOMs and 7,700 feet of climbing.

Santa Clarita is home to some of the state’s most avid cycling communities. Race organizers are predicting an exciting group sprint finish, so residents are encouraged to attend and join in on the excitement.

If you are interested in learning more about the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, visit SantaClaritaTourOfCA.com. This website will be updated with information about volunteer opportunities, ancillary events surrounding the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, and community sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, including sponsorship and VIP experience opportunities, please visit amgentourofcalifornia.com.

 

About the Amgen Tour of California

The 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 that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and world champions. 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. More information is available at amgentourofcalifornia.com.

The first-ever U.S. UCI WorldTour course will cover more than 575 miles through 12 host cities May 14-20, including Sacramento, Modesto, San Jose, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Ontario, Mt. Baldy, Big Bear Lake, Mountain High and Pasadena. The Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women’s Race empowered with SRAM May 11-14 will visit South Lake Tahoe and Elk Grove before concluding in Sacramento as the men’s race gets underway.

About Amgen

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit amgen.com and follow us on twitter.com/amgen.

About AEG

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports venue and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, AEG operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which is affiliated with or owns, manages or consults with more than 120 preeminent arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs and convention centers around the world including The O2 Arena, the Sprint Center and the Mercedes-Benz arenas; AEG Live, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world’s largest operator of sports franchises and high-profile sporting events; and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 100 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at aegworldwide.com.

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RETURNS AS HOST CITY FOR THE 2017 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

Santa Clarita, Calif. –  The City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 4 Finish for the 2017 Amgen Tour of Californiapresented by AEG, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Of the 2017 lineup of California Host Cities, the City of Santa Clarita has the distinction of having hosted the most stages in race history and 2017 will mark its 13th hosted stage. The Amgen Tour of California is regarded as the most internationally respected and esteemed stage race in the U.S. and one of the largest sporting events in the country.

“The Amgen Tour of California allows the City to bring world-class competition to the City for our residents to enjoy and provides a considerable boost to our tourism efforts,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “The Amgen Tour of California has proved to be a sensational partner with the City of Santa Clarita. Last year, the City was able to showcase our beautiful Old Town Newhall area to thousands of visitors who attended the race.”

The 2017 Amgen Tour of California will kick off this spring in Sacramento and conclude in Pasadena. The 2017 race will mark the first year the men’s race has been elevated to UCI WorldTour status, making it the only stage race in North America to receive this prestigious classification.  Peter Sagan, the 2015 overall Amgen Tour of California winner and one of the most popular cyclists to ever compete in the Amgen Tour of California will be racing for his recently launched BORA-hansgrohe team hoping to add on to his current record of 15 stage wins, including two in 2016.

2017 Amgen Tour of California (Men’s Race) stages include:

Stage 1 – Sacramento, May 14, 2017

Stage 2 – Modesto to San Jose, May 15, 2017

Stage 3 – Pismo Beach to Morro Bay, May 16, 2017

Stage 4 – Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita, May 17, 2017

Stage 5 – Ontario to Mt. Baldy, May 18, 2017

Stage 6 – Big Bear Lake Individual Time Trial, May 19, 2017

Stage 7 – Mountain High to Pasadena, May 20, 2017

In addition to the men’s event, top professional women cyclists from around the world will converge three days prior to the Men’s Race to compete in the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women’s Race empowered with SRAM in South Lake Tahoe. Returning in 2017 is 2016 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM defending Champion and current UCI Women’s World Tour Champion Megan Guarnier racing for the Boels-Dolmans team. The women’s competition will conclude its four-stage race in Sacramento on May 14 as the men begin their seven-stage, 600 mile event.

If you are interested in learning more about the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, visit SantaClaritaTourOfCA.com. This website will be updated with information about volunteer opportunities, ancillary events surrounding the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, and community sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, including sponsorship and VIP experience opportunities, please visit amgentourofcalifornia.com.