Contact: City of Sonora - Tim Miller (209) 532-6115
Challenging Route to Take Cyclists Over More Than 750 Miles of Striking California Terrain During America's Premier Cycling Race from May 13 - 20, 2012
Los Angeles - After reviewing more than 100 submissions from cities throughout California hoping to be named official start or finish locations, AEG, presenter of the Amgen Tour of California, has announced the 13 official Host Cities for the 2012 race. Considered America's largest and most prestigious professional road cycling stage race, the seventh consecutive edition of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California will travel more than 750 miles from May 13 - 20, 2012.
"Our goal for the Amgen Tour of California has always been to create a route that not only provides a challenging race for the world's top cyclists, but one that highlights the beauty and diverse terrain that make up the great state of California as well," said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California. "Every year we challenge ourselves to raise the bar once again and create a route more challenging than the last, but that's the great thing about planning a race in California, there is so much from which we can choose. From epic climbs to fast and flat stages to rolling hills and thrilling finishes by the sea, California has it all."
One of the new cities added for 2012 is Sonora, located in Tuolumne County in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just minutes north of Yosemite National Park.
"Sonora is honored to have been chosen for this very prestigious event," says Mayor Bill Canning.
"Starting a segment of the Tour in Sonora provides an exciting opportunity to showcase California's gold country on an international stage," adds Assembly Member Kristin Olsen. "This region offers riders and fans unparalleled scenic beauty and historic charm and will make a great addition to the race."
View the full press release here.
