The 2013 Amgen Tour of California will run from the south of the state to the north for the first time in its eight-year history, the race's organiser announced on Tuesday.
The eight-stage race will kick off in Escondido on Sunday, May 12 with a 104.3-mile road stage that includes an ascent of Mount Palomar. There follows four road stages and then a decisive 19.6-mile individual time trial in San Jose on Friday, May 17.
The following day is a key mountains stage from Livermore and finishing atop Mount Diablo before the finale on Sunday, May 19, with a stage that should showcase the state's stunning scenery.
Starting in San Francisco, the final day's racing includes a crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge, which will be specially closed to traffic for the riders. Two laps of Santa Rosa complete the race.
Dutchman Robert Gesink won the 2012 Tour of California for Rabobank, but the race will also be remembered for Peter Sagan's four stage wins, including the opening three stages.
The UCI 2.HC-ranked event is America's biggest stage race.
Tour of California 2013: Stages
Stage one, Sunday May 12, Escondido to Escondido, 104.3 miles
Stage two, Monday May 13, Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs, 126.1 miles
Stage three, Tuesday May 14, Palmdale to Santa Clarita, 111.8 miles
Stage four, Wednesday May 15, Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara, 84.7 miles
Stage five, Thursday May 16, Santa Barbara to Avila Beach, 116.4 miles
Stage six, Friday May 17, San Jose to San Jose, 19.6 miles ITT
Stage seven, Saturday May 18, Livermore to Summit of Mount Diablo, 93 miles
Stage eight, Sunday May 19, San Francisco to Santa Rosa, 86.2 miles
Tour of California: Past winners
2012 Robert Gesink (Rabobank)
2011 Chris Horner (RadioShack-Nissan)
2010 Michael Rogers (HTC-Columbia)
2009 Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
2008 Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
2007 Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel)
2006 Floyd Landis (Phonak)
Related links
2012: Peter Sagan wins Tour of California finale as Robert Gesink wins overall
External link
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