OVERVIEW: As America’s most successful cycling race, the Amgen Tour of California is one of the nation’s largest and most recognized annual sporting events.  An eight-day event, this prestigious cycling road race features elite professional teams and athletes from around the world.  One of the only American races listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2. HC ranking), the Amgen Tour of California awards important, world-ranking points to the top finishers.  The Amgen Tour of California

brings the drama and excitement of professional cycling to California for the fifth consecutive year in 2010.

WHEN & WHERE: Running eight days, from May 16-23, 2010, the Amgen Tour of California will showcase more than 750 miles of scenic California roadways.  The 16 host cities include: Nevada City (new city for 2010), Sacramento, Davis, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Modesto, Visalia, Bakersfield (new city for 2010), Pasadena, Big Bear Lake (new city for 2010), Los Angeles (new city for 2009) and Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills.

TEAMS: Teams and riders participating in the race will include Tour de France top competitors, world champions and Olympic medalists.

2009 RESULTS:

2009 TOP RIDERS    2009 TOP TEAMS

ATTENDANCE: Continuing to set records in attendance for a single sporting event in the state of California, as well as any cycling event ever held in the United States, the 2009 Amgen Tour of California drew 2 million spectators, surpassing previous years’ turnouts.  Additionally, fans and enthusiasts from around the world tuned in to the action via nightly television broadcasts and the race Web site.

ECONOMIC IMPACT: Each year, the Amgen Tour of California and related activities have had an estimated economic impact of more than $100 million on the participating host cities throughout the course of the race.

FESTIVAL: The Amgen Tour of California will once again feature a free Lifestyle Festival in each finish city with family friendly activities, demonstrations and cycling displays.

SPONSOR: Returning this year as the title sponsor of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, Amgen will continue to leverage its race sponsorship to raise awareness of its mission to serve patients and the promise of medical breakthroughs made possible through biotechnology.  In line with its mission, Amgen is striving to make a real impact nationwide by further supporting cancer patients and their families through the Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative.  In previous years, through Breakaway from Cancer, Amgen raised awareness and funds for two vital, nonprofit programs benefiting millions of Americans affected by the disease: The Wellness Community, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope to people affected by cancer; and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, which advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowers cancer survivors.  Based in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (a 2010 host city), Amgen’s invaluable support of the Amgen Tour of California has helped to ensure its success and impact beyond the sporting arena.

#  #  #