South Lake Tahoe to host Amgen Tour's 2015 women's events

Organizers of the 10th anniversary of the Amgen Tour of California announced today that South Lake Tahoe has been chosen to host the first two stages of the women's portion of the race in 2015.

Women's cycling events continue to grow in the Amgen Tour which is America's largest race. The three-day women’s stage race will travel through South Lake Tahoe on May 8-9, 2015 and conclude in Sacramento on May 10, 2015, the same day of the overall start of the men’s race.

“Hosting the first two segments of the women’s race for the Amgen Tour of California’s 10th anniversary provides an opportunity to challenge these athletes with our natural environment while elevating awareness of women’s racing as a prestigious sport,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “Tahoe South and our partners are looking forward to welcoming the competitors, sponsors, fans and media to our area where the local culture enthusiastically supports, inspires, embraces and appreciates the sport.”

“Since we launched the Amgen Tour of California nine years ago, we have strived to host the world’s top cyclists in a race that will not only challenge them as professionals, but will also provide a stunning backdrop,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Tour of California and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “As we look ahead to our 10th edition of the race, we’re certain the worldwide audience will be on the edge of their seats watching as the sport’s best men and women cyclists compete against each other in what is likely to be our most challenging and picturesque course ever.”

Cold, snow and ice greeted Amgen riders the last time it was held in the area in 2011 and since then Amgen hasn't been scheduled for South Lake Tahoe, until now.

Host city partners for the 2015 Amgen Tour of California include:
Women’s race:
Stage 1: Friday, May 8 – South Lake Tahoe
Stage 2: Saturday, May 9 – South Lake Tahoe
Stage 3: Sunday, May 10 – Sacramento
Invitational Time Trial: Friday, May 15 – Big Bear Lake

Men’s race
Stage 1: Sunday, May 10 – Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 11 – Nevada City to Lodi
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 12 – San Jose
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 13 – Pismo Beach to Avila Beach
Stage 5: Thursday, May 14 – Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita
Stage 6: Friday, May 15 – Big Bear Lake (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 7: Saturday, May 16 – Ontario to Mt. Baldy
Stage 8: Sunday, May 17 – L.A. LIVE (downtown Los Angeles) to Pasadena