2015 Amgen Tour of California to host first two pro women's cycling stages at South Lake Tahoe

To observe the 10th anniversary edition of the Amgen Tour of California, organizers of the race announced Monday that the first two stages of the expanded women’s portion of the race would be hosted by Tahoe South, “America’s Best Lake,” (USA Today, Aug. 2012) May 8-9, 2015. The competition will continue in Sacramento, May 10, 2015, with a third racing stage, the same day as the overall men’s start of the Amgen Tour of California.

“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.”

Tahoe South has been recognized by national media outlets including Good Morning America, Travelocity, Orbitz, USA Today, ESPN The Magazine, and others for its scenic splendor and reputation as a leader in outdoor recreation, entertainment and dining. The famed loop around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles of scenery: deep blue water, Douglas fir groves, and breathtaking views of Emerald Bay.

Lake Tahoe is renowned for several annual summer biking events. Participants in America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride circumnavigate the Lake the first weekend in June. Another chance to circle Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline is during the annual Tour de Tahoe Bike Big Blue Race, which combines efforts with Run Tahoe Marathon Week, in mid-September 2015.

The men’s edition of the Amgen Tour of California race covers nearly 700 miles, traveling between 13 host cities over the course of eight days from May 10-17, 2015. Go here for more information on the 2015 Amgen Tour of California.

To experience the race up close from all-inclusive VIP Hospitality Tents or alongside the peloton in an official vehicle, visit the Amgen Tour of California website for details at amgentourofcalifornia.com/vipaccess or email vipaccess@amgentourofcalifornia.com.

About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Designated the “America’s Best Lake” by USA TODAY readers (2012), Tahoe South combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: spectacular natural beauty and a modern tourism destination with an array of outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. Tahoe’s timeless splendor and an emerging economic diversity toward health and wellness, green business practices and sustainability continue to define its inimitable personality. For information about lodging, recreation and family packages at Tahoe South, call 1-800-288-2463 or log onto www.TahoeSouth.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 www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Interested in becoming a part of the race? Visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/sponsorship for details.