Cyclists test track for Tour of California

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is our local track for high-powered cars, but in less than three months, it will see a different set of wheels on it’s roads. Laguna Seca is on the list of stops in this year’s Amgen Tour of California. In May, a major race of the two-wheeled variety will briefly roll through our local historic raceway.

It’s quite a sight to see…cyclists cruising down the world famous corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The race spans nearly 800 miles from San Diego to Sacramento and takes eight days to complete.
Santa Rosa Native Peter Stetina is a professional cyclist competing in his third Tour of California. After overcoming an injury last year, he’s hoping the home-state advantage will help him beat his sixth-place finish two years ago.

“I’ve always hit some of my best performances in the state-side races. So here, Colorado, Utah, those are the big three for the US, and the AMGEN tour this year is looking really tough,” said Stetina.

To get even more local, a couple cyclists from Salinas High School came out to practice with the pros. It’s an exciting opportunity for them, even though they were supposed to be joined by a third teammate.

“It’s pretty cool. I’ve grown up here and seen all the races…the Sea Otter Classic for example. It’s pretty normal, but I guess it would be really cool for someone new, if they came,” said Rylan Loader.

“We had another kid from our high school show up, but he had to go get a haircut so he’s not here,” said Noah Lindenthal.

Haircuts ruining our fun…we’ve all been there. The Amgen Tour of California begins on Sunday, May 15th and will conclude on the 22nd.

The Monterey County leg of the journey marks the tour’s halfway point. Racers will finish that portion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the first time in tour history on May 18th.