AMGEN Tour to make Monterey County stop
UPDATE 10/23/15 11:39 AM: It’s called the Tour de France of California and it’s coming back to Monterey County after skipping over our area last year. In May, thousands of esteemed cyclists will make a stop at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California.
Preps are already underway as the event is expected to make a big economic splash. Coming soon to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
One of the most respected cycling races in the world. It’s easy to say the track is proud to host Stage 4 of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California on May 18.
“They have athletes from the Tour de France, they have Olympic athletes. So you’re going to see the cream of the crop in road cycling. And when you see them come through in that pack, it’s quite the spectacle,” Gill Campbell, CEO & General Manager for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
It’s not the first time that pack has come through our area. Just two years ago, the 800 mile course zig-zagged through downtown Monterey. But never, in its 11 year history, has it come to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
“Its great exposure for Monterey County,” Campbell said. “It was great energy, and we’re excited to have that energy back.”
Staff at the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce said the tour will also bring a big economic boost.
“It could be a million dollars or more. Easily, when you talk about the hotel rooms and restaurants, gas stations will be happy, retailers,” Jody Hansen, President & CEO for the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
Monterey’s avid cycling community will be happy about the return of Amgen. Next year’s race is huge for female cyclists, marking the first u-s event for the UCI Women’s World Tour. Laguna Seca said it’s excited to be a part of history.
“We are a center for bicycles and cars,” Campbell said.
PREVIOUS STORY: The AMGEN Tour of California will be back on the Central Coast next year.
On Thursday, event organizers announced that the 2016 race will make a stop in Monterey County. Officials say Stage 4 of the race will finish at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
The 2016 AMGEN tour will run from May 15th to 22nd. Stage 4 will start at Morro Bay On May 18th and finish the same day at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
