Update: Amgen Tour of California will be back in Monterey County in 2019; see May 15, 2019: Amgen Tour of California Stage 4 Men’s Start.

For future dates, check Bicycling Monterey’s directory for updates, or get on Amgen Tour of California’s email list for announcements. Also in the know about Amgen is  Velo Club Monterey Answer Man Jan Valencia!

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Update: “We think King City could become a great center for cycling beyond just the Amgen Tour to anyone that’s into cycling. It’s a good area to cycle.”—King City City Manager Steve Adams. Read more in Ayrton Ostly’s story “World-class cyclists wow crowds as King City hosts Tour of California for first time,” Californian, 5/15/18.

“The stage progressed toward San Lucas and moved inland for a 53-mile loop back to King City with a turnaround point at Bitterwater. The route turned north to Metz, west to Greenfield, into the agricultural canvas of the Central Valley and then farther north into Carmel Valley. Three climbs within 30 miles brought the field to the Laureles Grade with only the short, nasty climb into the raceway following.”—Read more in James Raia’s story “Tour of California: Surprise stage winner at Laguna Seca,” Monterey Herald, 5/15/18.

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Amgen Tour of California will return to Monterey County on May 15, 2018 for the Stage 3 Start and Finish.

The Stage 3 Start will be in King City; see related 11/1/17 story by Ryan Crank in the King City Rustler. City Manager Steve Adams stated that the Amgen Stage 3 Start will “serve as a great emphasis for the City’s efforts to promote local cycling and bicycle safety.” Residents can contact the city manager or Mayor Michael LeBarre about ways to get involved. Transportation Agency for Monterey County is partnering with the Monterey County Health Department to provide free activities for kids to help them learn about safer biking and walking. A bike skills course for a “bike rodeo” is planned for downtown King City beginning at 8:30 a.m.

 

In 2011, Amgen sped through King City as the peloton raced from Paso Robles to Monterey. In 2018, King City will play host for the first time. See Amgen’s host city page for King City.  See some general tips from Bicycling Monterey on biking South County.

The Stage 3 Finish will be at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located off Highway 68, the Monterey-Salinas Highway. Details: http://www.mazdaraceway.com/homepage-right-pod/amgen-tour-california-returns-monterey-and-finishes-stage-3-mazda-raceway-laguna

Many bike lovers and race fans know Mazda Raceway as the home of the Sea Otter Classic, Monterey County’s annual Celebration of Cycling. SOC is not only a bike festival for all ages and abilities, it is world-renowned for bicycle racing. And yes, this is the same Mazda Raceway that is world-renowned for auto and motorcycle racing as well. Lots of visitors and locals love challenging themselves on the racetrack’s infamous Corkscrew during the monthly Twilight Rides (click here for tips about these monthly rides). Imagine the excitement when Amgen racers hit the Corkscsrew. This popular Monterey County raceway, at a rural location, has an official address of Salinas, the Monterey County seat. Celebrate Amgen week by biking Salinas to explore the heart of Steinbeck Country, as well as enjoying other Steinbeck country favorites, including Cannery Row in Monterey. For more tips, refer to the 20-section Tips for Bicycling Monterey County guide.

Some recent history of Amgen Tour of California in Monterey County

Amgen TOC’s Stage 4 Conclusion was at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on May 18, 2016, the first time an Amgen event was at the raceway. Amgen’s Stage 4 Start was in Monterey on May 14, 2014. The Stage 5 Start was in Seaside on May 19, 2011.

Photo above, taken at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, announced the 2011 visit to Seaside.

This post was previously published on November 2, 2017.