Amgen Tour of California announces routes for 2017 race

The Amgen Tour of California will start in Sacramento, finish in Pasadena and hit many scenic areas along the way during the seven-stage bicycle race May 14 to 20, according to route maps released Tuesday morning.

Amgen also announced the routes for its four-stage Breakaway from Heart Disease women’s race, which will run from South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento May 11 to 14.

“The Amgen Tour of California is America’s Greatest Race, and this year more than ever, the world will be watching,� Kristin Klein, race president and executive vice president of AEG Sports, said in a statement.

“As the sport of cycling continues to bloom in America, the Amgen Tour of California men’s and women’s events are both part of the UCI WorldTour for the first time, a privilege and designation reserved for the world’s premier races. This means the competition will reach an all-time high, with the best racers and best teams in the world lining up to take part,� she said, referring to the International Cycling Union, the sport’s governing body.

Other highlights during the men’s race, which draws professional cyclists from around the world, will include a climb to the top of Mt. Baldy, a time trial at Big Bear Lake and a ride through the Angeles National Forest.

Amgen Tour of California stages:

Stage 1, May 14 — in Sacramento (104 miles);

Stage 2, May 15 — from Modesto to San Jose (88.8 miles)

Stage 3, May 16 — from Pismo Beach to Morro Bay (113.7 miles)

Stage 4, May 17 — from Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita (100.3 miles)

Stage 5, May 18 — from Ontario to Mt. Baldy (77.9 miles)

Stage 6, May 19 — Big Bear Lake time trial (14.2 miles)

Stage 7, May 20 — from Mountain High to Pasadena (77 miles)

Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease women’s race stages:

Stage 1, May 11 — in South Lake Tahoe (72.7 miles)

Stage 2, May 12 —in South Lake Tahoe (67.1 miles)

Stage 3, May 13 — from Elk Grove to Sacramento (73.3 miles)

Stage 4, May 14 — in Sacramento (circuit race, 43.5 miles)

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