tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31032422561389189012017-06-23T08:58:19.137-06:00 Pedal Dancer®PedalDancer.com is a bike blog for travelers and cyclists. Intended as a free educational source for the public, with stories from Colordo, California and France, with bike event calendar lists, bike race dates, bicycle and travel stories, cycling and bike race photography, bike routes, recommended bike climbs, cycling travel tips and maps. With France road sign and tollway travel tips.Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comBlogger1107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-53402406551993691222017-01-07T16:09:00.000-07:002017-06-14T18:47:13.724-06:00Cycling Events and Bike Rides and Race in Colorado 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">2017 Colorado Bike Ride, Bike Race and Cycling Event Calendar List</span></b><br /><br />It is time to plan your bike rides and bike races for the 2017 cycling season in Colorado. Which bike ride, race or event will you participate in this year?<br /><br />Every year, thousands of road cyclists, gravel riders, mountain bikers, fat bike lovers and cruisers use the Pedal Dancer® bicycling event list to plan their personal cycling season. This is a fine list of bike rides, cycling events, charity bike rides, century rides, bike races, hill climbs, and mountain bike events and races organized by hard-working enthusiasts who bring you cycling events across the state of Colorado; from free rides to charitable fundraisers, week-long bike tours, fat bike races, an ultimate haute route or the nation's toughest century. <br /><br />There seems to be fewer cycling events this year, with an apparent drop in timed gran fondos but plenty more fat bike events, and of course, continuing growth in the popular Colorado sport of mountain biking. There remains a demand for out-of-staters to visit Colorado for some of our spectacular multi-day bike tours. <br /><br />The Pedal Dancer Event Calendar List - now in it's sixth year - is the comprehensive <i>free</i> bike event calendar in Colorado listing cycling events and bike rides. Intended to inspire and help you plan and register for a bike event of your choice. Get ready to escape on your bike in search of that next great ride or cycling adventure.<br /><br />"Life is about experiencing all the things you find interesting and fascinating. Just get out there and experience as much as you can. Participate in life." ~ Louie Zamperini <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgYHnQ2Vs_A/WHFgco9ZBVI/AAAAAAAC-go/ibVznYt3c68jIaC7MMB027mMneQPIa_CACLcB/s1600/Road%2Bin%2BColorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgYHnQ2Vs_A/WHFgco9ZBVI/AAAAAAAC-go/ibVznYt3c68jIaC7MMB027mMneQPIa_CACLcB/s640/Road%2Bin%2BColorado.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have listed below separate groupings for fun Colorado cycling events, Colorado century rides, Colorado mountain bike rides, Colorado fat bike events, Colorado gravel rides, Hillclimbs, Colorado cruiser nights, Colorado multi-day tours, and major Professional Races in the Unites States for 2017.<br /><br />Updated throughout the year, this calendar list of bike events in Colorado is listed in date order with known 2017 dates and links to the bike ride or event website. If you would like your bike event added to the calendar (<i>for free</i>), please <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/about-pedal-dancer.html">contact me</a>.<br /><br />During my fifteen years as an avid cyclist I participated in many of these ride. Especially enjoying the ones I traveled to; staying in new cities and riding on new roads. I preferred the events that I could not easily ride on my own without support like e-rock, Santa Fe Century or Ragbrai with its glorious pie. I have very fond memories of the Solvang Century, Triple Bypass, Moab Skinny Tire Festival and the Copper Triangle.<br /><br />Nothing will get you out on a bike better than having an event to target.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content. ©All Photos by Karen Rakestraw.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSyYo1QCu4Q/WG0OBAxKtMI/AAAAAAAC-d8/K0rIE07Ih1o_XMqxHnEpnRBrd50YhX8rQCLcB/s1600/Rapha%2Btrailer%2Bcycling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSyYo1QCu4Q/WG0OBAxKtMI/AAAAAAAC-d8/K0rIE07Ih1o_XMqxHnEpnRBrd50YhX8rQCLcB/s640/Rapha%2Btrailer%2Bcycling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>BIKE EVENTS</u><br /><br />List of Colorado road cycling events, gran fondos, century rides, cruiser rides, fat bike races, randonneurs, extreme long distance bike events, hill climbs, mountain bike events, gravel rides, week-long bike tours, charity bike rides and so much more. <br /><br /><i>*Final dates will be added as published by the event organizers. This calendar will be updated throughout the year. </i><br /><br /><b>Cycling EVENT RIDES and bike TOURS in Colorado in 2017</b>: Full list of all cycling events in Colorado (CO) with a few in nearby in Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Arizona and California listed below. <br /><br />January 1, 2017 - Resolution Ride, <a href="http://creeksidebikes.com/Kirks_Shop/Home.html" target="_blank">Creekside Bikes</a>, Parker, 11:00am<br />January 7, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/welcome-8/" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series</a>, Breckenridge, Fat bike<br />January 8, 2017 - <a href="https://dustx2.com/festivaloftrees/" target="_blank">Dust2 Fat Bike Race</a>, Pagosa Springs, Fat bike<br />January 8, 2017 - <a href="https://crclub.wildapricot.org/page-1513836" target="_blank">CRC Group Ride</a>, Parker, 20/30/40mi<br />January 8, 2017 - <a href="http://comba.org/projects/jefferson-county-open-space/big-ring-fat-bike-race-1#.WHBDY5JsYQF" target="_blank">Big Ring Fat Bike Race #1</a>, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer<br />January 11, 2017 - <a href="http://routtcountyriders.org/event/full-moon-fat-bike-race/?instance_id=2020" target="_blank">Full Moon Fat Bike Race</a>, Steamboat Springs, Fat bike<br />January 14, 2017 - <a href="http://poisonspiderbicycles.com/lone-cone-challenge/" target="_blank">Lone Cone Fat Bike Challenge</a>, Norwood, Fat bike<br />January 25-29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cbchamber.com/events/fat-bike/" target="_blank">Borealis Fat Bike World Championships</a>, Crested Butte, 20mi, Fat Bike<br />February 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.pedalpowerbike.com/pedal-power-winter-race-series/" target="_blank">Eagle Vail Metro District Snow Bike</a>, Vail Golf Course, Fat Bike/MTB ? <br />February 4, 2017 - <a href="http://silvertonwhiteout.com/" target="_blank">Silverton White Out</a>, Silverton, Fat bike endurance<br />February 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/welcome-8/" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series</a>, Frisco, Fat Bike<br />February 11, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Fat bike/MTB<br />February 11, 2017 - <a href="http://snowmountainranch.org/event/snow-mountain-ranch-fat-bike-round/" target="_blank">Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Round-Up</a>, Granby, Fat Bike <br />February 12, 2017 - <a href="http://oldmanwinterrally.com/" target="_blank">Old Man Winter Rally</a>, Lyons, 50K/100K, (Gravel), paved, run<br />February 12, 2017 - <a href="http://comba.org/projects/jefferson-county-open-space/big-ring-fat-bike-race-2#.WHBDY5JsYQF" target="_blank">Big Ring Fat Bike Race #2</a>, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer <br />February 18, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Winter Bike @ Copper Mtn, Fat bike/MTB<br />February 25, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/welcome-8/" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series</a>, Breckenridge, Fat Bike <br />March 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Mineral Belt Mayhem, Fat bike/MTB<br />March 12, 2017 - <a href="http://comba.org/projects/jefferson-county-open-space/big-ring-fat-bike-race-3#.WHBDY5JsYQF" target="_blank">Big Ring Fat Bike Race #3</a>, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer<br />March 18-20, 2017 - <a href="http://4soh.org/" target="_blank">Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge</a>, Fort Collins, MTB <br />March 25, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Great Divide Grinder, Fat bike/MTB<br />March 25, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Great Divide Grinder,</a> Monarch, Fat bike<br />April 8 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-2013-foothills-climbfest.html" target="_blank">RMCC Foothills Climbfest</a>, Ken Caryl, 8,000 feet in 80 miles<br />April 15, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> East Side Epic, Fat bike/MTB<br />April 15, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">East Side Epic</a>, Leadville, Fat bike <br />April 27-30, 2017 - <a href="http://fruitafattirefestival.com/" target="_blank">Fruita Fat Tire Festival</a>, Fruita! multi-event, MTB <br />April 29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/ridgeline-rampage/">Ridgeline Rampage</a>, Castle Rock, 16-mile circuit, CX, Endurance MTB <br />May 5-6, 2017 - <a href="http://18hrsoffruita.com/">18 Hours of Fruita</a>, Fruita, 7+mi repeated loop, Endurance MTB <br />May 6, 2017- <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/antiepic-160/" target="_blank">AntiEpic 160 Gravel Grinder</a> (RMCC), Monument, 76/160mi, (Gravel)<br />May 6, 2017 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/encierro-velo/details" target="_blank">Encierro Ride</a> (Gravel), Elbert / Monument, 50/100K<br />May 7, 2017 - <a href="http://www.stmarygj.org/rosehillrally#.UsSZCvZPl3I">Rose Hill Rally</a>, Grand Junction, 31/62mi (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rose-Hill-Rally-112842448798687/?fref=nf" target="_blank">facebook</a>)<br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.3cbikeride.com/">Triple C - Bike Ride</a>, Broomfield, 35/63/102mi<br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.geminiadventures.com/cycling-events/drclassic/">Desert Rats Mtn Bike Classic</a>, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB<br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.12hoursofmesaverde.com/" target="_blank">12 Hours of Mesa Verde</a>, Cortez, MTB Endurance <br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/battle-the-bear/">Battle The Bear</a>, Lakewood, 10/20/30/50mi, Endurance MTB<br />May 19-21, 2017- <a href="http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=9">The Grand Junction Off Road,</a> Grand Junction 15/30/40mi, MTB<br />May 20, 2017 - <a href="http://www.independencepass.org/ride/" target="_blank">Ride for the Pass</a>, Independence Pass opening the road, Aspen, 10mi<br />May 20, 2017 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/pony-xpress/details" target="_blank">Pony Xpress</a> (Gravel) Gran Fondo, Trinidad, 70/160K<br />May 21, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mckeefoundationevents.com/mckee-classic-bike-tour/">McKee Classic Bike Tour</a>, Loveland, 5/30/37/60mi<br />May 27, 2017 - <a href="http://www.estesepic.com/" target="_blank">Estes Epic</a>, Estes Park, Endurance MTB <br />May 27, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-2017-colorado-mesa-double-century.html" target="_blank">Colorado Mesa Double Century</a>, Grand Valley, 200mi <br />May 26-28, 2017 - <a href="http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic</a> - Citizens Tour, Durango-Silverton, Road 50mi<br />May 28, 2017 - <a href="http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/mbs-mountain-bike-race">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic</a>, Durango, XC MTB <br />May 27-28, 2017 - <a href="http://gunnisontrails.com/gunnison-trails-events/the-original-growler/">The Half Growler</a>, Gunnison, 32mi, MTB <br />May 27-28, 2017 - <a href="http://gunnisontrails.com/gunnison-trails-events/the-original-growler/">The Original (Full) Growler</a>, Gunnison, 64mi, MTB<br />June 3, 2017 - <a href="http://www.palisadegranfondo.com/" target="_blank">Palisade Gran Fondo</a>, Palisade, 72mi chip-timed (fruit & wine country!)<br />June 3, 2017 - <a href="http://www.palisadegranfondo.com/" target="_blank">Palisade Piccolo Fondo</a>, Palisade, 40mi untimed, with with post picnic <br />June 3, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bvbf.org/">Buena Vista Bicycle Festival</a>, Buena Vista 38/50/62/97mi<br />June 3, 2017 - <a href="http://www.erockrace.com/" target="_blank">Subaru ERock Sunrise-Sunset Mountain Bike Race</a>, Castle Rock MTB<br />June 3-4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.betibikebash.com/" target="_blank">Beti Bike Bash, </a>Lakewood, women-only XC MTB<br />June 3-4. 21017 - <a href="http://eagleoutsidefestival.com/" target="_blank">Eagle Outside Festival</a>, Eagle, USAC State Champs XC, MTB <br />June 4, 2017 - <a href="http://elephantrockride.com/">Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival</a>, Castle Rock, 40/62/100mi, road<br />June 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.elephantrockride.com/27-mile-gravel-course/" target="_blank">Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival</a>, (Gravel) Castle Rock, 27mi<br />July 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/?event-categories=firecracker-50" target="_blank">Firecracker 50</a>, Breckenridge, Endurance MTB<br />July 8, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/silverrush50mtb/" target="_blank">Leadville Silver Rush 50</a>, Leadville, Endurance MTB <br />June 9-10, 2017 - <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/">Ride The Rockies Prologue Ride</a> (by special invite/registration)<br />June 10-12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.deathridetour.com/" target="_blank">Death Ride Tour</a>, Silverton, 225mi, 3-day Tour<br />June 10, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mountaingames.com/event-detail/X_Country-Mountain-Bike.aspx" target="_blank">GoPro Mountain Games</a>, Vail, Road TT, Enduro, MTB, Art, Festival, dogs+ <br />June 10-17, 2017 - <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/">The Denver Post Ride The Rockies</a>, Alamosa to Salida, 7-day Tour, 447mi<br />June 11, 2017 - <a href="http://www.deathridetour.com/" target="_blank">Death Ride Challenge</a>, Silverton, 225mi, 1-day<br />June 11, 2017 - <a href="http://creeksidebikes.com/Kirks_Shop/Home.html" target="_blank">Eddy Rando</a> Creekside Bikes, Parker, 20/40mi fast/slow, steel bikes, party <br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mountaintopcyclingclub.com/experience-ride/">Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride</a>, Woodland Park, 50/75/106mi<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/12/colorado-death-ride.html" target="_blank">Colorado Death Ride</a> (RMCC), Durango, 1-day 225mi <br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://denvercenturyride.com/">Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride</a>, Denver, 25/50/75/100mi<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/">Bailey Hundo</a> Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/">Bailey Hundito</a> Bailey, MTB<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/starlight-spectacular/">Starlight Spectacular</a>, Garden of the Gods, night ride short ride, costumes too <br />June 18-24, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bicycletourcolorado.com/">Bicycle Tour of Colorado</a>, starts/ends Pagosa Springs, 7-day Tour<br />June 24, 2017 - <a href="http://vueltafondo.com/" target="_blank">Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo</a>, Snowmass Village, 20/40mi, MTB <br />June 24, 2017 - <a href="http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28914&pg=informational&sid=13239" target="_blank">Bike MS Colorado</a>, Westminster to Fort Collins, 1-day<br />June 24, 2017 - <a href="http://34fighting.org/">Pedaling for Parkinson's</a> (P4P), Denver, 37/65/100mi <br />June 24-25, 2017- <a href="http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28914&pg=informational&sid=13239" target="_blank">Bike MS Colorado</a>, Westminster, 2-days<br />June 24-26, 2017 - <a href="http://4soh.org/" target="_blank">Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge</a>, Fort Collins, MTB <br />June 24-30, 2017 - <a href="http://www.hauteroute.org/events/overview/mavic-rockies-2017" target="_blank">Mavic Haute Route Rockies</a>, 7-day timed multi-stage competitive ride <br />June 24 - July 1, 2017- <a href="http://www.109west.com/">109˚ West Bicycle Tour</a>, Moab to Cortez, 7-day Tour<br />June 29- July 1, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/camps/100-mtb-camp/" target="_blank">Leadville Camp</a>, Leadville, MTB training camp (entrance to Leadville 100)<br />July 8, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/12/tim-kalisch-memorial-grand-loop.html">Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop</a> (RMCC), Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft<br />July 8, 2017 - Silver Rush 50, Race, Leadville, MTB (a LT100 qualifier)<br />July 8 or 9, 2017 - <a href="https://www3.triplebypass.org/" target="_blank">Triple Bypass</a>, Evergreen to Avon (West), 120mi, 1-day<br />July 8-9, 2017 - <a href="https://www3.triplebypass.org/" target="_blank">Double Triple Bypass</a>, Evergreen - Avon - Evergreen, 240mi, 2-days<br />July 9, 2017 - <a href="https://www3.triplebypass.org/" target="_blank">Triple Bypass</a>, Avon to Evergreen (East), 120mi, 1-day <br />July 15, 2017 - <a href="http://bicyclerace.com/" target="_blank">Bob Cook Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb Race</a>, Idaho Springs, 28mi, 6,900ft<br />July 15, 2017- <a href="http://teamevergreen.org/events/mt-evans-hill-climb/" target="_blank">Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Hill Climb Gran Fondo</a>, Citizens-age, Idaho Springs<br />July 22, 2017 - <a href="http://tourdesteamboat.com/">Eriksen Tour de Steamboat</a>, Steamboat Springs, 25/40/110mi<br />July 22, 2017 - <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-festival-registration-30179286057" target="_blank">Screamin’ Beaver Enduro</a>, Fort Collins, Enduro MTB<br />July 22, 2017 - <a href="http://telluride100.com/" target="_blank">Telluride 100</a>, Telluride, Endurance MTB <br />July 22-23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.couragetours.com/">Courage Classic</a>, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days<br />July 23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/" target="_blank">Colorado Trail Race</a>, Durango, Endurance MTB<br />July 23, 2017 - <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-festival-registration-30179286057" target="_blank">40 in the Fort</a>, Fort Collins, XC /Endurance MTB<br />July 28-30, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadville-stage-race/" target="_blank">Leadville Stage Race</a>, Leadville, XC MTB (a LT100 qualifier)<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://atech1.com/gbbiketour/">Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker,</a> Montrose, 33/50/75/115/155mi<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/12/joe-lookingbill-denver-to-aspen-classic.html" target="_blank">Denver to Aspen Classic</a> (RMCC), Denver, 180mi<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/breckenridge-100/">Breck 100 Challenge</a>, Breckenridge 100mi, MTB<br />July 30, 2017 - <a href="https://copark2park.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Park to Park Challenge</a>, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi, 10,177 ft<br />July 8, 2017 - <a href="http://www.tourdeladies.com/">Tour de Ladies</a>, Parker, 30/62.5m, women only<br />August 5, 2017 - <a href="http://coppertriangle.com/">Copper Triangle</a>, Copper Mountain, 82mi <br />August 5, 2017 - <a href="http://www.spcycling.org/">Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride</a>, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100mi<br />August 8, 2017 - <a href="http://www.srm.de/news/events/colorado-classic-recon-ride/" target="_blank">The Colorado Classic Recon Ride</a>, Colorado Springs, Stage 1, 16.32mi <br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/">Leadville Trail 100 MTB</a>, Leadville, 100mi, MTB<br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.coloradospringssports.org/index.php/events/pikes-peak-cycling-hill-climb-main/ppchc-main-general-information" target="_blank">The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo</a>, 12.42m, ~8,000ft <br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://vueltafondo.com/" target="_blank">Vuelta a Dillon Fondo</a>, Dillon, 20/60/90mi<br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger.html" target="_blank">Steamboat Stinger</a>, Steamboat Springs, Endurance MTB <br />August 13-18, 2017 - <a href="http://breckepic.com/" target="_blank">Breck Epic</a>, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB<br />August 19, 2017 - <a href="http://foodrescueride.org/" target="_blank">Food Rescue Ride</a>, Cherry Creek State Park, 15/30mi<br />August 27, 2017 - <a href="http://www.granfondonationalchampionshipseries.com/golden-gran-fondo/">Golden Gran Fondo</a>, Golden, 30/50/80mi<br />August 26, 2017 - <a href="http://colorado.venusdemiles.com/">Venus de Miles</a>, Longmont, 33/64/100mi, women only<br />August 26, 2017 - <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/rampart-rager/" target="_blank">Rampart Rager</a> (Gravel) Colorado Springs, 63mi<br />August 26, 2017 - <a href="http://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR?fr_id=6387&pg=entry&_ga=1.48050659.599154724.1488306916" target="_blank">Cycle For Life</a> (for CF), Highlands Ranch, 49/65mi *good price<br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://bstrongride.com/">BStrong Ride</a>, Boulder, 24/69mi<br />August 19, 2017 - <a href="http://wackybikeride.com/" target="_blank">Wacky Bike Ride</a>, Highlands Ranch, 6/25/45/62/100mi <br />August __, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cblracing.com/home/our-races/" target="_blank">Colo Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb</a>, Golden, 4.6mi, 1228ft <br />August __, 2017 - <a href="http://www.goodsambikejam.org/" target="_blank">Good Sam Bike Jam</a>, Lafayette (Boulder County), 62/100mi<br />Aug/Sept 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2013/04/theyre-baaaaacklos-cinco-diablos.html" target="_blank">Boulder Fearsome Five</a>, 16,000+ ft 100 miles, the Nation's toughest century<br />September 2, 2017 - <a href="http://www.redrockscentury.com/">Red Rocks Challenge</a>, Red Rocks, 5/30/50/62mi<br />September 9, 2017 - <a href="http://www.gknightride.org/" target="_blank">G'Night Ride</a>, Longmont, 1/3/12mi, cruiser family ride <br />September 9, 2017 - <a href="http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?fr_id=11751&pg=entry" target="_blank">Tour de Cure Colorado</a>, Parker, 10/50/62/100mi <br />September 9-10, 2017 - <a href="http://www.vaportrail125.com/">Vapor Trail 125</a>, Salida 125mi, 17000ft, midnight MTB, 1 night<br />September 10, 2017 - <a href="http://www.buffalobicycleclassic.com/">Buffalo Bicycle Classic</a>, Boulder, 35/50/70/100/110mi <br />September 10, 2017 - <a href="http://goldengiddyup.com/" target="_blank">Golden Giddy Up</a>, Golden, Festival, MTB, Enduro<br />September 15-17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.pedaltheplains.com/">The Denver Post Pedal the Plains</a>, Eastern Plains, 3-day Tour<br />September 16, 2017 - <a href="http://www.craighospital.org/pedal4possible">Pedal 4 Possible</a>, Supporting Craig Hospital, Louisville, 100mi 10/50/100K <br />September 16-17, 2017 - <a href="http://tourdevineyards.com/">Tour de Vineyards</a>, Palisade, 25/58mi <br />September 30 - October 1, 2017 - <a href="http://www.outlier.bike/">Vail Outlier,</a> Vail, enduro, ultra XC, Demo, MTB, Festival<br />September 23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.m2dbikeride.com/">Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride</a>, Telluride, 72/101/104/132mi<br />September 23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bikesandbrews.org/">Bikes and Brews</a>, Royal Gorge, Canon City, cruiser, road, MTB<br />September 23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bikesandbrews.org/road.html">Royal Gorge Century</a>, Royal Gorge, Canon City, 32/62/100mi <br />September 25, 2017 - <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/the-crippler/2017-09-25/" target="_blank">The Crippler</a> (Gravel) and Harvest Festival, Canon City 66mi<br />September 30, 2017 - <a href="http://www.tourofthemoon.com/">Icon Tour of the Moon</a>, Grand Junction, 62mi<br />September 14-17, 2017 - <a href="http://salidabikefest.com/">Salida Bike Fest</a>, Salida, MTB, 4-days<br />September 16, 2017 - <a href="http://salidabikefest.com/bananabelt/" target="_blank">Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race</a>, Salida 26mi, MTB<br />September 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.monarchcrestcrank.com/#">Monarch Crest Crank</a>, Salida, 25mi, MTB<br />September 30, 2017 - <a href="http://www.ride4success.org/" target="_blank">Ride 4 Success</a>, Greeley, family/25/50mi<br />October 7, 2017 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2017-194" target="_blank">Aspen Valley Ranch Mountain Bike Race</a>, Woodland Park, USAC XC MTB <br /><br /><u>UTAH, NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, OREGON</u><br /><br />Some fun and interesting bike rides in 2017 near Colorado - a calendar of bike rides in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California and Oregon. Travel to a bike event is very exciting and fun to make a road trip out of a special event.<br /><br />February 17-19, 2017 - <a href="http://epicrides.com/events/24-hours-in-the-old-pueblo/event-guide/" target="_blank">24 hrs of Old Pueblo</a>, Tucson, AZ, 16.1 mile loops MTB <br />March 11, 2017 - <a href="http://truegritepic.com/" target="_blank">True Grit Epic</a>, Santa Clara, UT (Saint George), 50/100mi MTB <br />March 11-14 , 2017 - <a href="http://skinnytireevents.com/page.cfm?pageid=20052" target="_blank">Skinny Tire Festiva</a>l, Moab, Utah, bike, run <br />March 25-27, 2017 - <a href="http://transrockies.com/moab-rocks/" target="_blank">Moab Rocks</a> - TransRockies Race Series, Moab, UT, 3-day stage race MTB <br />April 20-23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.seaotterclassic.com/" target="_blank">Sea Otter Classic</a>, Monterey, CA road, MTB downhill, enduro, Festival<br />May 7, 2017 - <a href="https://granfondomoab.com/" target="_blank">Gran Fondo Moab</a>, Moab, UT, 65mi <br />May 21, 2017 - <a href="http://santafecentury.com/" target="_blank">Santa Fe Century</a>, Santa Fe, New Mexico 20/50/100mi <br />June 24-25, 2017 - <a href="https://www.roughriders200.com/" target="_blank">Rough Riders 200</a>, Angle Fire, NM, 50/100/150/200mi, 2-days <br />June 24 - July 1, 2017- <a href="http://www.109west.com/">109˚ West Bicycle Tour</a>, Moab to Cortez, 7-day Tour<br />July 8, 2017 - The REAL <a href="https://deathride.com/" target="_blank">Death Ride</a>, Toru of the California Alps<br />July 23-29, 2017 - <a href="http://ragbrai.com/" target="_blank">RAGBRAI</a>, Iowa, 7-day event with lots of pie & watermelon!<br />July 27, 2017 - <a href="http://www.redmondcyclingclub.org/RAMROD/RAMROD.html" target="_blank">RAMROD</a>, Oregon, ride around Mt Ranier in 1-day <br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://laramieenduro.org/index.php" target="_blank">Laramie Enduro</a>, Laramie, WY, 32/62mi MTB<br />August 26, 2017 - <a href="http://fightcf.cff.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cycle_searchResults" target="_blank">Cycle For Life</a> (for CF), CO date, 49/65mi *good price (also in UT, AZ) <br />September 9-16, 2107 - <a href="http://cycleoregon.com/" target="_blank">Cycle Oregon</a>, 8-day bike tour around Oregon<br />September 10, 2017 - <a href="http://lotojaclassic.com/main/index.html">LOTOJA</a>, Utah to Wyoming, 200 mile 1-day race <br />September 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.ocwheelmen.org/page/show/513692-amtrak-ride-registration" target="_blank">Amtrak Century</a>, 100 miles Irvine to San Diego, CA (take the train back)<br />September 23, 2017 - <a href="http://skinnytireevents.com/page.cfm?pageid=20054" target="_blank">Moab Century Tour</a>, Moab, Utah, 40/60/100mi <br />September 30, 2007 - <a href="https://www.levisgranfondo.com/" target="_blank">Levi's Gran Fondo</a>, Santa Rosa, CA, 11-routes<br />October 21, 2107 - <a href="http://planetultra.com/portfolio/solvangs-finest-century/" target="_blank">Solvang Century</a>, Solvang, CA (nice location!)<br />November 18, 2017 - <a href="http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/" target="_blank">El Tour de Tucson</a>, Tucson, AZ, ride 106, 76, 54, 37 or 28, 11, 5, 1/4 miles<br />November 10-12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.benduro.com/2015/12/what-is-benduro.html" target="_blank">Zion Benduro</a>, Virgin, UT, 2-day Multi-Stage Mountain Bike Race <a href="https://www.bikereg.com/ZionBenduro" target="_blank">Reg</a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8AO6B5NJIpg/WHA1TgjBgpI/AAAAAAAC-ew/xBTsJkkt8-QjH3CrHBDJGicR32o-XE8mgCLcB/s1600/Peter%2BSagan%2527s%2Bbike.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8AO6B5NJIpg/WHA1TgjBgpI/AAAAAAAC-ew/xBTsJkkt8-QjH3CrHBDJGicR32o-XE8mgCLcB/s640/Peter%2BSagan%2527s%2Bbike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>REGISTRATION DATES</u> <br /><br />Key registration dates for bike rides and events in 2017. These sell out fast in Colorado! Mark your calendars to sign up for these very popular Colorado bike rides and races. <br /><br /><b>Leadville Trail 100</b> - MTB race. Lottery Dec 1-31, 2016. Notified mid-January and charged $425 registration fee. Read: <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2017-BLUEPRINT-FOR-ATHLETES-LEADVILLE-TRAIL-100-MTB-AND-100-TRAIL-RUN-EVENTS-Lottery-Selection.pdf" target="_blank">Selection Rules</a> for Leadville Trail 100. Sign up for the Leadville Camp and get a guaranteed entrance: <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/camps/100-mtb-camp/" target="_blank">more information</a>. Qualifier Events launch January 16th - event qualifiers listed at <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/" target="_blank">Leadville Race Series</a>. Race date: August 12, 2107. <br /><br /><b>Baily Hundo 100 </b>- MTB race. If you started the 2017 race you are guaranteed an entrance into the 2017 race. 400 rider cap. Race date: June 17, 2017. $250 (minimum) donation entrance fee. <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/hundo-register.html" target="_blank">Register</a>. Race dates: June 17, 2917.<br /><br /><b>Triple Bypass</b> - 2017 registration opens January 9, 2017 until sold out. Team Evergreen members can register on January 4th. <a href="https://www3.triplebypass.org/triplebypass-bike-ride-Register.php" target="_blank">Register</a>. $165 one-day one-way, $295 for 2-day Double Triple Bypass ride. Ride dates: July 8-9, 2017.<br /><br /><b>Ride The Rockies</b> - 2017 Lottery registration opens February 5 - February 26, 2017 (5pm) after their ride announcement party announces the route for 2017. No information until the route is announced on the <a href="http://www.ridetherockies.com/registration/" target="_blank">Event website</a> for this very popular Colorado week-long bike tour. Notifications of lottery acceptance in to Ride the Rockies will be on March 3, 2017. Ride Dates: June 10-17, 2017. <br /><br /><b>Iron Horse Bicycle Classic</b> - 2017, Citizen's Tour and road and MTB races sell out fast. December 5, 2016 registration opens for <a href="https://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/registration-2017" target="_blank">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic 2017</a>. Ride Race Dates: May 26-28, 2017<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtcPOaYv59s/WHZjExhfOSI/AAAAAAAC-hg/oqf4XV-X9JINYIu_m-Ea3TxUj1VA56C3wCLcB/s1600/Wheelie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtcPOaYv59s/WHZjExhfOSI/AAAAAAAC-hg/oqf4XV-X9JINYIu_m-Ea3TxUj1VA56C3wCLcB/s640/Wheelie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>CHARITY RIDES</u><br /><br />Because I now have a job helping non-profits file their tax returns, I am giving special mention this year to those events that fund raise or support local charities in Colorado. Some rides have required fundraising minimums. Teams often form in these charity rides and raise significant funds. See ride dates listed above. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Triple Bypass has donated $1.8 million dollars into local charities since it's beginning 16-years ago. You <a href="http://teamevergreen.org/donations/" target="_blank">can apply</a> to receive donations for your organization. </li><li>The Cloud City Wheelers who run the Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series and many other fat bike rides support Trips for Kids.</li><li>The Bailey Hundo and Hundito raises money for Trips For Kids Denver/Boulder (TFK), Colorado High School Cycling League and Colorado Mountain Biking Association (COMBA), $250 minimum contribution.</li><li>The Ironhorse Classic benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation.</li><li>The BStrong ride benefits the Boulder Community Hospital and George Karl Foundation for cancer.</li><li>The Tour de Ladies ride benefits the Douglas County Crisis Center.</li><li>The Grin and Barret Ride benefits San Juan Cancer Center at Montrose Memorial Hospital.</li><li>Pedaling for Parkinson's raises money for Parkinson's Disease.</li><li>Buffalo Bicycle Classic raised funds for scholarships to students to CU-Boulder's College of Arts and Sciences.</li><li>The Colorado Park to Park Challenge contributes to Wish For Wheels.</li><li>The all-women ride Venus de Miles supports Greenhouse Scholars. </li><li>Pedal 4 Possible supports Craig Hospital in Englewood specializing in brain injury and rehabilitation.</li><li>The Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride raises money for the Just for Kids Foundation.</li><li>Red Rock Challenge , Death Ride Tour and Death Ride Challenge all benefit ALS.</li><li> Courage Classic benefits the Children's Hospital Colorado. </li><li>The Denver Post Ride the Rockies and Pedal the Plains contributes to The Denver Post Community Foundation and also offers grants to a non-profit organization based in each of its host cities along the route. </li><li>Bike MS Colorado for Multiple Sclerosis requires a minimum fundraising effort of $400.</li><li>Tour de Cure benefits Diabetes. </li><li>Cycle For Life benefits Cyctic Fibrosis. </li><li>Pedal The Plains will benefit The Denver Post Community Foundation in support of Colorado FFA and Colorado 4-H.</li><li>The Food Rescue Ride benefits Denver Food Rescue’s (DFR) heathly food access for all. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul>2017 <a href="http://r2r.convio.net/site/PageNavigator/honor_ride_landing.html" target="_blank">Honor Rides Schedule</a> (rides this year in California, Ohio, Florida and New Hampshire). The Honor Ride is a non-competitive cycling event that lets the public ride alongside our healing heroes. Rides vary from 10-100 miles and are designed for all skill levels. Injured veterans ride for free. You can ride along with our Veterans.<br /><br />Please refer to the website of Mad-Cycling to make a difference with your cycling by searching for charity rides across our great nation, with this one easy to use website: <a href="http://mad-cycling.com/">mad-cycling.com</a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmJTNc1Sjzg/WHFZEGNxzbI/AAAAAAAC-f0/Uaj5Brya4xk6d8QczkBYgS0mE5-b4-wfACLcB/s1600/July%2Bbike%2Bevent%2BColorado.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmJTNc1Sjzg/WHFZEGNxzbI/AAAAAAAC-f0/Uaj5Brya4xk6d8QczkBYgS0mE5-b4-wfACLcB/s640/July%2Bbike%2Bevent%2BColorado.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>CYCLING EVENTS</u><br /><br /><b>Local Colorado cycling EVENTS, FILMS, SUMMITS, SWAPS, EXPOS, PARTIES, FUNDRAISERS, and KEY REGISTRATION DATES in 2017:</b><br /><br />List of Colorado bike swaps, special events, parties, bike meetings, award nights, key registration dates, bike camps and so much more.<br /><br />December 1, 2016 - Lottery Registration opens for <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/" target="_blank">Leadville Trail 100 2017</a>, MTB <br />December 5, 2016 - Registration opens for <a href="https://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/registration-2017" target="_blank">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic 2017</a><br />January 9, 2017 - Registration opens for <a href="http://teamevergreen.org/events/triple-bypass/" target="_blank">Triple Bypass 2017</a><br />January 12-15 - <a href="http://www.sportsexpos.com/attend/denver/schedules/" target="_blank">Expo International Sportsman's Expo</a>, Denver <br />January 21, 2017 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/calendar" target="_blank">BRAC Cyclocross Council Meeting and Cross Cup Awards</a> <br />January 23-27, 2017 - Various activities <a href="http://bikedenver.org/events/detail/winter-bike-week" target="_blank">Winter Bike Week</a>, Denver<br />January 25-29, 2017 - Festival <a href="http://www.cbchamber.com/events/fat-bike/" target="_blank">Fat Bike World Championships</a>, Crested Butte, Fat Bike<br />February, 2017 - Meetup <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Colorado-Bikes-Biz-Beer-Meetup-Denver/" target="_blank">Bikes Biz & Beer</a>, Denver, every 2 months (must RSVP) <br />February 4, 2017 - Route Announcement Party for <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/registration/" target="_blank">Ride the Rockies 2017</a><br />February 5 - February 26, 2017- Registration opens for <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/" target="_blank">Ride the Rockies 2017</a><br />February 5, 2017 - Advocacy <a href="http://bicyclecolorado.org/events/moving-people-forward/" target="_blank">Moving People Forward by Bicycle</a>, Denver<br />February 7, 2017 - Hangout <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1250061725043984/" target="_blank">First Tuesday Bike & Brew</a> (reoccurring) The Rayback Collective<br />February 28, 2017 - <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCDe_ixPDnVEJDvcSff5P3luo-y0VIx0Yt2m6wj9PYhVyr1w/viewform?c=0&w=1" target="_blank">Colorado Bicycle Event Coalition Winter Conference</a> (for Event Coordinators)<br />March 10-12, 2017 - Bike Show <a href="http://www.2017.handmadebicycleshow.com/" target="_blank">North American Handmade Bicycle Show</a>, Salt Lake City, UT<br />March 31 - April 1, 2017 - Expo <a href="http://www.coloradooutdoorexpo.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Outdoor Expo</a>, Denver <br />April 28, 2017 - Fundraiser <a href="http://bicyclecolorado.org/events/bicycle-colorado-gala/">Bicycle Colorado Gala Fundraiser</a>, Denver<br />May 5-7, 2017 - Camp <a href="http://triveloseries.org/camps/road-camp/" target="_blank">Junior Road Camp</a>, Larkspur, CO, Tri Velo Series<br />May 5-7, 2017 - Camp <a href="http://triveloseries.org/camps/road-camp/" target="_blank">Junior MTB Camp</a>, Larkspur, CO, Tri Velo Series<br />May 10, 2017 - Ride Movement <a href="http://walkbiketoschool.org/ready/about-the-events/bike-to-school-day" target="_blank">National Walk Bike to School Day</a> <br />May 15-19, 2017 - Ride Movement <a href="http://bikeleague.org/bikemonth" target="_blank">National Bike to Work Week</a><br />May 19, 2017 - Ride Movement Colorado Bike to Work Day (Friday!) <br />May 16, 2017 - Ride Movement <a href="http://holidaysofyear.com/national-bike-to-work-day/" target="_blank">National Bike to Work Day</a><br />May 19-20, 2017 - Expo <a href="http://coloradobikeexpo.com/" target="_blank">Primal Colorado Bike Expo</a>, Denver, 3-day outdoor event<br />May 19-21, 2017- <a href="http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=9">The Grand Junction Off Road,</a> Event and Music Festival, Grand Junction<br />June 3-4, 2017 - <a href="http://eagleoutsidefestival.com/" target="_blank">Eagle Outside Festival</a>, Eagle, Festival, Demo, Camps, Rides<br />June 10, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mountaingames.com/event-detail/X_Country-Mountain-Bike.aspx" target="_blank">GoPro Mountain Games</a>, Vail, Road TT, Enduro, MTB, Art, Festival, dogs+<br />June 11, 2017 - Collectors <a href="http://creeksidebikes.com/Kirks_Shop/Home.html" target="_blank">Eddy Rando</a> Ride with steel bikes! with party after<br />June 16-17, 2017 - Food <a href="http://www.townoffrisco.com/play/colorado-bbq-challenge/general-info/" target="_blank">Frisco BBQ Challenge</a>, a great day to ride Summit County and then eat!<br />August 10-13, 2017 - <a href="https://www.veloramacolorado.com/colorado-classic/" target="_blank">Colorado Classic</a> Professional Bike Race & Event, 4 Stages<br />August 11-13, 2017 - <a href="https://www.veloramacolorado.com/velorama/" target="_blank">Velorama Colorado Music Festival</a> (in conjunction with Colorado Classic)<br />November 4, 2017 - Swap <a href="http://veloswap.competitor.com/">Velo Swap</a>, Denver, annual bicycle equipment swap<br />Fall of 2017 - Meeting <a href="https://bicyclecolorado.org/events/colorado-bicycle-summit/">Colorado Bicycle Summit</a>, Denver, Advocacy<br /><br /><u>WOMEN ONLY</u><br /><br /><b>Women's only Cycling Event Bike Rides in Colorado in 2017:</b><br /><br />If you enjoy the friendly atmosphere and good vibes of riding with other women - you will enjoy the show of strength and determination at these women only bike rides and races in Colorado:<br /><br />June 3-4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.betibikebash.com/" target="_blank">Beti Bike Bash, </a>Lakewood, women-only XC MTB<br />July 8, 2017 - <a href="http://www.tourdeladies.com/">Tour de Ladies</a>, Parker, 30/62.5m, women only <br />August 26, 2017 - <a href="http://colorado.venusdemiles.com/">Venus de Miles</a>, Longmont, 33/64/100mi, women only<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhXCeQsjYZI/WHZwI5_p97I/AAAAAAAC-h8/z7yyggbV8c0EBaAvk43K55OjYsmX05fQgCLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhXCeQsjYZI/WHZwI5_p97I/AAAAAAAC-h8/z7yyggbV8c0EBaAvk43K55OjYsmX05fQgCLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>TOURS</u><br /><br /><b>Colorado MULTI-DAY Event Tour Rides (2-day, 3-day, week-long tours) in 2017:</b><br /><br />Why not vacation in Colorado in 2017? Completely relax knowing all you have to do is pedal ... for a week.<br /><br />June 10-12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.deathridetour.com/" target="_blank">Death Ride Tour</a>, Silverton, 225mi, 3-day Tour <br />June 10-17, 2017 - <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/">The Denver Post Ride The Rockies</a>, 7-day Tour, 2000 cyclists!<br />June 18-24, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bicycletourcolorado.com/">Bicycle Tour of Colorado</a>, starts/ends Pagosa Springs, 7-day Tour <br />June 24-25, 2017- <a href="http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28914&pg=informational&sid=13239" target="_blank">Bike MS Colorado</a>, Westminster, 2-days<br />June 24-25, 2017 - <a href="https://www.roughriders200.com/" target="_blank">Rough Riders 200</a>, Angle Fire, NM, 50/100/150/200mi, 2-days<br />June 24-30, 2017 - <a href="http://www.hauteroute.org/events/overview/mavic-rockies-2017" target="_blank">Mavic Haute Route Rockies</a>, 7-day timed multi-stage competitive ride<br />June 24 - July 1, 2017- <a href="http://www.109west.com/">109˚ West Bicycle Tour</a>, Moab to Cortez, 7-day Tour<br />July 8-9, 2017 - <a href="https://www3.triplebypass.org/" target="_blank">Double Triple Bypass</a>, Evergreen - Avon - Evergreen, 240mi, 2-days<br />July 22-23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.couragetours.com/">Courage Classic</a>, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days<br />August 13-18, 2017 - <a href="http://breckepic.com/" target="_blank">Breck Epic</a>, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB<br />September 9-16, 2107 - <a href="http://cycleoregon.com/" target="_blank">Cycle Oregon</a>, 8-day bike tour around Oregon <br />September 15-17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.pedaltheplains.com/">The Denver Post Pedal the Plains</a>, Eastern Plains, 3-day Tour<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHHxKvWQ0Og/WHFWmy_rXNI/AAAAAAAC-fo/tFbXJnzapZEGKq9ma9a_Xi4qJNW-OvrMgCLcB/s1600/Headset%2Band%2Bstem%2Bwith%2Bkilometers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHHxKvWQ0Og/WHFWmy_rXNI/AAAAAAAC-fo/tFbXJnzapZEGKq9ma9a_Xi4qJNW-OvrMgCLcB/s640/Headset%2Band%2Bstem%2Bwith%2Bkilometers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>CENTURY</u><br /><br /><b>Colorado Road CENTURY bike rides in 2017: </b><br /><br />These century rides in Colorado promise you the option of near or greater than 100-miles on a road bike in a single day. For a list of Metric Centuries (62.137 miles), please see the complete list of events at the top of this page). <br /><br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.3cbikeride.com/">Triple C - Bike Ride</a>, Broomfield, 102 miles<br />May 21, 2017 - <a href="http://santafecentury.com/" target="_blank">Santa Fe Century</a>, Santa Fe, New Mexico 20/50/100 miles<br />June 4, 2017 - <a href="http://elephantrockride.com/">Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival</a>, Castle Rock, 100 miles<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mountaintopcyclingclub.com/experience-ride/">Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride</a>, Woodland Park, 106 miles <br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://denvercenturyride.com/">Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride</a>, Denver, 100 miles<br />June 24, 2017 - <a href="http://34fighting.org/">Pedaling for Parkinson's</a> (P4P), Denver, 100 miles <br />July 8 or 9, 2017 - <a href="https://www3.triplebypass.org/" target="_blank">Triple Bypass</a>, Evergreen to Avon (West), 120 miles<br />July 9, 2017 - <a href="https://www3.triplebypass.org/" target="_blank">Triple Bypass</a>, Avon to Evergreen (East), 120 miles<br />July 22, 2017 - <a href="http://tourdesteamboat.com/">Eriksen Tour de Steamboat</a>, Steamboat Springs, 110 miles<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://atech1.com/gbbiketour/">Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker,</a> Montrose, 115 / 155 miles<br />July 30, 2017 - <a href="http://www.copark2park.com/">Colorado Park to Park Challenge</a>, Denver to Winter Park, 96 miles 10,177 ft<br />July __, 2017 - <a href="http://sosoutreach.org/get-involved/events/colorado-river-eagle-ride">SOS Outreach Colorado - Eagle River Ride</a>, Beaver Creek, 100 miles<br />August 5, 2017 - <a href="http://www.spcycling.org/">Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride</a>, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100 miles<br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://vueltafondo.com/" target="_blank">Vuelta a Dillon Fondo</a>, Dillon, 90 miles<br />August 26, 2017 - <a href="http://colorado.venusdemiles.com/">Venus de Miles</a>, Longmont, 100 miles, women only<br />August 19, 2017 - <a href="http://wackybikeride.com/" target="_blank">Wacky Bike Ride</a>, Highlands Ranch, 6/25/45/62/100mi <br />August __, 2017 - <a href="http://www.goodsambikejam.org/" target="_blank">Good Sam Bike Jam</a>, Lafayette (Boulder County), 100 miles<br />Aug/Sept 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2013/04/theyre-baaaaacklos-cinco-diablos.html" target="_blank">Boulder Fearsome Five</a>, 16,000+ ft 100 miles, the Nation's toughest century<br />September 9, 2017 - <a href="http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?fr_id=11751&pg=entry" target="_blank">Tour de Cure Colorado</a>, Parker, 100 miles<br />September 10, 2017 - <a href="http://www.buffalobicycleclassic.com/">Buffalo Bicycle Classic</a>, Boulder, 110 miles <br />September 16, 2017 - <a href="http://www.craighospital.org/pedal4possible">Pedal 4 Possible</a>, Supporting Craig Hospital, Louisville, 100mi 10/50/100K <br />September 23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.m2dbikeride.com/">Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride</a>, Telluride, 101 / 104 / 132 miles <br />September 23, 2017 - <a href="http://skinnytireevents.com/page.cfm?pageid=20054" target="_blank">Moab Century Tour</a>, Moab, Utah, 40/60/100 miles<br />September 23 2017 - <a href="http://www.bikesandbrews.org/road.html">Royal Gorge Century</a>, Royal Gorge, Canon City, 100 miles <br /><br /><b>Double Centuries in Colorado</b><br /><br />Including the RMCC 2017 Challenge Series / Colorado Triple Crown Series ultra distance cycling events.<br /><br />May 27, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-2017-colorado-mesa-double-century.html" target="_blank">Colorado Mesa Double Century</a>, Grand Valley, 200mi<br />June 11, 2017 - <a href="http://www.deathridetour.com/" target="_blank">Death Ride Challenge</a>, Silverton, 225mi, 1-day<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/12/colorado-death-ride.html" target="_blank">Colorado Death Ride</a> (RMCC), Durango, 1-day 225mi<br />July 8, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/12/tim-kalisch-memorial-grand-loop.html">Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop</a> (RMCC), Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/12/joe-lookingbill-denver-to-aspen-classic.html" target="_blank">Denver to Aspen Classic</a> (RMCC),Denver, 180mi<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzpJpGa5W2w/WHA603wL_NI/AAAAAAAC-fA/5z_TTY_7Fe4heG4fXilaa08Z0k662y_xgCLcB/s1600/Colorful%2BTrek%2BBikes_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzpJpGa5W2w/WHA603wL_NI/AAAAAAAC-fA/5z_TTY_7Fe4heG4fXilaa08Z0k662y_xgCLcB/s640/Colorful%2BTrek%2BBikes_.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><u>GRAN FONDOS</u><br /><br /><b>Colorado GRAN FONDOS or timed events in 2017:</b><br /><br />Test yourself against the clock on these long road or mountain bike citizen races call Gran Fondos - all in Colorado. <br /><br />June 3, 2017 - <a href="http://www.palisadegranfondo.com/" target="_blank">Palisade Gran Fondo</a>, Palisade, 40/69 miles <br />May 20, 2017 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/pony-xpress/details" target="_blank">Pony Xpress</a> (Gravel) Gran Fondo, Trinidad, 70/160K<br />May 26-28, 2017 - <a href="http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic</a> - Citizens Tour, Durango-Silverton, Road 50mi<br />June 3, 2017 - <a href="http://www.palisadegranfondo.com/" target="_blank">Palisade Gran Fondo</a>, Palisade, 72mi chip-timed (fruit & wine country!) <br />July 30, 2017 - <a href="https://copark2park.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Park to Park Challenge</a>, Denver to Winter Park, 96 miles 10,177 ft <br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://vueltafondo.com/" target="_blank">Vuelta a Dillon Fondo</a>, Dillon, 20/60/90 miles <br />August 27, 2017 - <a href="http://www.granfondonationalchampionshipseries.com/golden-gran-fondo/">Golden Gran Fondo</a>, Golden, 30/50/80 miles<br /><br /><u>LONG DISTANCE</u><br /><br /><b>Randonneurring - EXTREME LONG DISTANCE cycling events in Colorado in 2017</b><br /><br />There are more than 10,000 members of Randonneurs USA, find more information at <a href="http://www.rusa.org/">www.rusa.org/</a>. Randonneurring is long distance (200-1200+ mile) self-supported cycling. Brevets are randonneuring events. The events have time constraints and speed goals averaged whether still or moving. You'll find plenty of <a href="http://www.rusa.org/awards.html">awards</a> or certificates and incredible challenges, including the ultimate event, the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur (every four years; next race August 2017) in France. A Populaire is a brevet-format ride shorter than 200km (100km-199km). To learn more <a href="http://rusablogs.blogspot.com/2010/01/usa-alphabetically-by-state.html">randonneurblog</a>. For a list of brevets in Colorado, please see <a href="http://www.rmccrides.com/brevets.htm">Rocky Mountain Cycling Club</a>. To seach the list of randonneur rides in the United States, please search by state at: <a href="http://www.rusa.org/cgi-bin/eventsearch_GF.pl">Rondonneur Events</a>.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.rmccrides.com/brevets.htm" target="_blank">Brevet Schedule 2017</a> - 14 Randonneur events in Colorado, Brevet and Populaires</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jod4JuCmXx8/WG1g3ts7OUI/AAAAAAAC-eM/nwq9nqMqZ1oSUFWiA9yJX1pmcpjdChemQCLcB/s1600/Fans%2Band%2Bbikes%2BWiggins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jod4JuCmXx8/WG1g3ts7OUI/AAAAAAAC-eM/nwq9nqMqZ1oSUFWiA9yJX1pmcpjdChemQCLcB/s640/Fans%2Band%2Bbikes%2BWiggins.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><u>MOUNTAIN BIKE</u><br /><br /><b>Varied distances of Mountain Bike Events in Colorado for 2017: </b>A calendar list of Mountain bike races and bike rides in Colorado and Utah in 2017. Some of these events may be both Fat Bike and Mountain Bike. <b><br /></b><br /><br />February 11, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Fat bike/MTB<br />February 18, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Winter bike @ Copper Mtn, Fat bike/MTB <br />March 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Mineral Belt Mayhem, Fat bike/MTB<br />March 11, 2017 - <a href="http://truegritepic.com/" target="_blank">True Grit Epic</a>, Santa Clara, UT (Saint George), 50/100mi MTB<br />March 18-20, 2017 - <a href="http://4soh.org/" target="_blank">Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge</a>, Fort Collins, MTB <br />March 25, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Great Divide Grinder, Fat bike/MTB<br />March 25-27, 2017 - Moab Rocks - TransRockies Race Series, Moab, UT, 3-day stage race MTB <br />April 15, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> East Side Epic, Fat bike/MTB<br />April 20-23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.seaotterclassic.com/" target="_blank">Sea Otter Classic</a>, Monterey, CA road, MTB downhill, enduro, Festival<br />April 27-30, 2017 - <a href="http://fruitafattirefestival.com/" target="_blank">Fruita Fat Tire Festival</a>, Fruita! multi-event, MTB <br />April 29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/ridgeline-rampage/">Ridgeline Rampage</a>, Castle Rock, 16-mile circuit, MTB<br />May 5-6, 2017 - <a href="http://18hrsoffruita.com/">18 Hours of Fruita</a>, Fruita, 7+mi repeated loop, MTB <br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.geminiadventures.com/cycling-events/drclassic/">Desert Rats Mtn Bike Classic</a>, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB<br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/battle-the-bear/">Battle The Bear</a>, Lakewood, 10/20/30/50mi, MTB<br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.12hoursofmesaverde.com/" target="_blank">12 Hours of Mesa Verde</a>, Cortez, MTB Endurance <br />May 19-21, 2017- <a href="http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=9">The Grand Junction Off Road,</a> Grand Junction 15/30/40mi, MTB<br />May 27, 2017 - <a href="http://www.estesepic.com/" target="_blank">Estes Epic</a>, Estes Park, Endurance MTB <br />May 27-28, 2017 - <a href="http://gunnisontrails.com/gunnison-trails-events/the-original-growler/">The Half Growler</a>, Gunnison, 32mi, MTB <br />May 27-28, 2017 - <a href="http://gunnisontrails.com/gunnison-trails-events/the-original-growler/">The Original (Full) Growler</a>, Gunnison, 64mi, MTB<br />May 28, 2017 - <a href="http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/mbs-mountain-bike-race">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic</a>, Durango, XC MTB <br />June 3, 2017 - <a href="http://www.erockrace.com/" target="_blank">Subaru ERock Sunrise-Sunset Mountain Bike Race</a>, Castle Rock MTB<br />June 3-4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.betibikebash.com/" target="_blank">Beti Bike Bash,</a> Lakewood, women-only XC MTB<br />June 3-4. 2017 - <a href="http://eagleoutsidefestival.com/" target="_blank">Eagle Outside Festival</a>, Eagle, USAC State Champs XC, MTB <br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/">Bailey Hundo</a> Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/">Bailey Hundito</a> Bailey, Endurance MTB<br />July 8, 2017 - Silver Rush 50, Race, Leadville, MTB (a LT100 qualifier) <br />July 22, 2017 - <a href="http://telluride100.com/" target="_blank">Telluride 100</a>, Telluride, Endurance MTB <br />June 24, 2017 - <a href="http://vueltafondo.com/" target="_blank">Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo</a>, Snowmass Village, 20/40mi, MTB<br />June 24-26, 2017 - <a href="http://4soh.org/" target="_blank">Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge</a>, Fort Collins, MTB<br />July 28-30, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadville-stage-race/" target="_blank">Leadville Stage Race</a>, Leadville, XC MTB (a LT100 qualifier)<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/breckenridge-100/">Breck 100 Challenge</a>, Breckenridge 100mi, MTB <br />July 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/?event-categories=firecracker-50" target="_blank">Firecracker 50</a>, Breckenridge, Endurance MTB<br />July 8, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/silverrush50mtb/" target="_blank">Leadville Silver Rush 50</a>, Leadville, Endurance MTB<br />July 22, 2017 - <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-festival-registration-30179286057" target="_blank">Screamin’ Beaver Enduro</a>, Fort Collins, Enduro MTB<br />July 23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/" target="_blank">Colorado Trail Race</a>, Durango, Endurance MTB<br />July 23, 2017 - <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-festival-registration-30179286057" target="_blank">40 in the Fort</a>, Fort Collins, XC /Endurance MTB<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/breckenridge-100/">Breckenridge 100 Challenge</a> 100mi, MTB<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://laramieenduro.org/index.php" target="_blank">Laramie Enduro</a>, Laramie, WY, 32/62mi MTB<br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/">Leadville Trail 100 MTB</a>, Leadville, 100mi, MTB<br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger.html" target="_blank">Steamboat Stinger</a>, Steamboat Springs, Endurance MTB <br />August 13-18, 2017 - <a href="http://breckepic.com/" target="_blank">Breck Epic</a>, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB<br />September 9-10, 2017 - <a href="http://www.vaportrail125.com/">Vapor Trail 125</a>, Salida 125mi, 17000ft, midnight MTB, 1 night<br />September 10, 2017 - <a href="http://goldengiddyup.com/" target="_blank">Golden Giddy Up</a>, Golden, Festival, MTB, Enduro<br />September 23, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bikesandbrews.org/">Bikes and Brews</a>, Royal Gorge, Canon City, cruiser, road, MTB <br />September 30 - October 1, 2017 - <a href="http://www.outlier.bike/">Vail Outlier,</a> Vail, enduro, ultra XC, Demo, MTB, Festival<br />September 14-17, 2017 - <a href="http://salidabikefest.com/">Salida Bike Fest</a>, Salida, MTB, 4-days<br />September 16, 2017 - <a href="http://salidabikefest.com/bananabelt/" target="_blank">Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race</a>, Salida 26mi, MTB<br />September 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.monarchcrestcrank.com/#">Monarch Crest Crank</a>, Salida, 25mi, MTB<br />October 7, 2017 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2017-194" target="_blank">Aspen Valley Ranch Mountain Bike Race</a>, Woodland Park, USAC XC MTB <br />November 10-12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.benduro.com/2015/12/what-is-benduro.html" target="_blank">Zion Benduro</a>, Virgin, UT, 2-day Multi-Stage MTB Race <a href="https://www.bikereg.com/ZionBenduro" target="_blank">Reg</a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMdYH1_59bY/WHZj4VkpuPI/AAAAAAAC-hs/MfV9GGa3aeksy__NrNzzYUWdZenkPfPXACLcB/s1600/View%2Bacross%2Blake%2Bdillon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMdYH1_59bY/WHZj4VkpuPI/AAAAAAAC-hs/MfV9GGa3aeksy__NrNzzYUWdZenkPfPXACLcB/s640/View%2Bacross%2Blake%2Bdillon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>LONG DISTANCE OFF ROAD RIDES IN COLORADO</u><br /><br /><b>Colorado Gravel or Mountain Bike, 100K or 100-mile CENTURY bike rides in 2017: </b><br /><br />These century rides in Colorado promise you the option of near or greater than 100-miles on a gravel bike or mountain bike in a single day.<br /><br />February 12, 2017 - <a href="http://oldmanwinterrally.com/" target="_blank">Old Man Winter Rally</a>, Lyons, 50K/100K, gravel, paved, run<br />May 6, 2017- <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/antiepic-160/" target="_blank">AntiEpic 160 Gravel Grinder</a> (RMCC), Monument, 76/160mi, (Gravel)<br />May 6, 2017 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/encierro-velo/details" target="_blank">Encierro Ride</a> (Gravel), Elbert / Monument, 50/100K<br />May 13, 2017 - <a href="http://www.geminiadventures.com/cycling-events/drclassic/">Desert Rats Mtn Bike Classic</a>, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB<br />June 17, 2017 - <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/">Bailey Hundo</a> Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB<br />July 29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/breckenridge-100/">Breckenridge 100 Challenge</a> 100mi, MTB<br />August 12, 2017 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/">Leadville Trail 100 MTB</a>, Leadville, 100mi, MTB <br />September 9-10, 2017 - <a href="http://www.vaportrail125.com/">Vapor Trail 125</a>, Salida 125mi, 17000ft, midnight MTB, 1 night<br /><br /><u>GRAVEL</u><br /><br /><b>Gravel bike events in 2017 in Colorado:</b><br /><br />February 12, 2017 - <a href="http://oldmanwinterrally.com/" target="_blank">Old Man Winter Rally</a>, Lyons, 50K/100K, (Gravel), paved, run<br />May 6, 2017- <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/antiepic-160/" target="_blank">AntiEpic 160 Gravel Grinder</a> (RMCC), Monument, 76/160mi, (Gravel)<br />May 6, 2017 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/encierro-velo/details" target="_blank">Encierro Ride</a> (Gravel), Elbert / Monument, 50/100K<br />May 20, 2017 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/pony-xpress/details" target="_blank">Pony Xpress</a> (Gravel), Trinidad, 70/160K<br />June 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.elephantrockride.com/27-mile-gravel-course/" target="_blank">Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival</a>, (Gravel) Castle Rock, 27mi<br />August 26, 2017 - <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/rampart-rager/" target="_blank">Rampart Rager</a> (Gravel) Colorado Springs, 63mi<br />September 25, 2017 - <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/the-crippler/2017-09-25/" target="_blank">The Crippler</a> (Gravel) and Harvest Festival, Canon City 66mi<br /><br /><b>Weekly Gravel Rides</b><br /><br />RMCC Erie <a href="https://303cycling.com/event/rmcc-erie-thursday-night-gravel/2017-02-02/" target="_blank">Thursday Night Gravel Rides</a>, January 5, 2017 through March 30, 2017 - every Thursday night in Erie, CO.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2B1_c1wKcFA/WHFfToZORvI/AAAAAAAC-gg/wrOForWuUSAWx5ng_wwYy0peVaYpWengQCLcB/s1600/Boulder%2BColorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2B1_c1wKcFA/WHFfToZORvI/AAAAAAAC-gg/wrOForWuUSAWx5ng_wwYy0peVaYpWengQCLcB/s640/Boulder%2BColorado.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>FAT BIKE</u><br /><br />January 7, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/welcome-8/" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series</a>, Breckenridge, Fat Bike <br />January 8, 2017 - <a href="http://comba.org/projects/jefferson-county-open-space/big-ring-fat-bike-race-1#.WHBDY5JsYQF" target="_blank">Big Ring Fat Bike Race #1</a>, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer<br />January 8, 2017 - <a href="https://dustx2.com/festivaloftrees/" target="_blank">Dust2 Fat Bike Race</a>, Pagosa Springs<br />January 11, 2017 - <a href="http://routtcountyriders.org/event/full-moon-fat-bike-race/?instance_id=2020" target="_blank">Full Moon Fat Bike Race</a>, Steamboat Springs, Fat Bike<br />January 14, 2017 - <a href="http://poisonspiderbicycles.com/lone-cone-challenge/" target="_blank">Lone Cone Fat Bike Challenge</a>, Norwood, Fat Bike<br />January 25-29, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cbchamber.com/events/fat-bike/" target="_blank">Fat Bike World Championships</a>, Crested Butte, 20mi, Fat Bike<br />February 4, 2017 - <a href="http://silvertonwhiteout.com/" target="_blank">Silverton White Out</a>, Silverton, Fat bike endurance<br />February 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/welcome-8/" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series</a>, Frisco, Fat Bike<br />February 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.pedalpowerbike.com/pedal-power-winter-race-series/" target="_blank">Eagle Vail Metro District Snow Bike</a>, Vail Golf Course, Fat Bike/MTB ? <br />February 11, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Fat bike/MTB<br />February 11, 2017 - <a href="http://snowmountainranch.org/event/snow-mountain-ranch-fat-bike-round/" target="_blank">Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Round-Up</a>, Granby, Fat Bike <br />February 12, 2017 - <a href="http://comba.org/projects/jefferson-county-open-space/big-ring-fat-bike-race-2#.WHBDY5JsYQF" target="_blank">Big Ring Fat Bike Race #2</a>, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer<br />February 18, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Winter bike @ Copper Mtn, Fat bike/MTB<br />February 25, 2017 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/welcome-8/" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge Fat Bike Series</a>, Breckenridge, Fat Bike <br />March 4, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Mineral Belt Mayhem, Fat bike/MTB<br />March 11, 2017 - <a href="http://truegritepic.com/" target="_blank">True Grit Epic</a>, Santa Clara, UT (Saint George), 50/100mi MTB <br />March 11-14 , 2017 - <a href="http://skinnytireevents.com/page.cfm?pageid=20052" target="_blank">Skinny Tire Festiva</a>l, Moab, Utah, bike, run<br />March 12, 2017 - <a href="http://comba.org/projects/jefferson-county-open-space/big-ring-fat-bike-race-3#.WHBDY5JsYQF" target="_blank">Big Ring Fat Bike Race #3</a>, plus "Smiles not Miles" casual ride, Conifer<br />March 18-20, 2017 - <a href="http://4soh.org/" target="_blank">Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge</a>, Fort Collins, MTB <br />March 25, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> Great Divide Grinder, Fat bike/MTB<br />March 25, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Great Divide Grinder,</a> Monarch, Fat bike <br />April 15, 2917 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">East Side Epic</a>, Leadville, Fat Bike<br />April 15, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Winter Mountain Bike Race Series</a> East Side Epic, Fat bike/MTB<br /><br /><u>HILLCLIMBS</u><br /><br />March __, 2017 - <a href="http://www.cblracing.com/home/our-races/" target="_blank">Oredigger Classic Lookout Mountain ITT</a>, Golden, 4.5mi (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LookoutMountainHillClimb/about/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>)<br />May 20, 2017 - <a href="http://www.independencepass.org/ride/" target="_blank">Ride for the Pass</a>, Independence Pass opening the road, Aspen, 10mi<br />June 18, 2017 -<a href="https://www.sanitascycling.com/guanella-pass-hill-climb" target="_blank">Westbound and Down brewing Co. Hill Climb</a> Guanella Pass, Georgetown, 11mi <br />July 15, 2017 - <a href="http://bicyclerace.com/" target="_blank">Bob Cook Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb Race</a>, Idaho Springs, 28mi, 6,900ft<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waSl-o_3Bb8/WHZjWmAzVwI/AAAAAAAC-ho/ecc6fmpl4UQfVr0cqZVFX2eR4uV7mL5rgCLcB/s1600/Loveland%2BPass%2BSummit%2BSign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waSl-o_3Bb8/WHZjWmAzVwI/AAAAAAAC-ho/ecc6fmpl4UQfVr0cqZVFX2eR4uV7mL5rgCLcB/s640/Loveland%2BPass%2BSummit%2BSign.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><u>CRUISING THE CITY</u><br /><br /><b>Colorado CRUISER rides in 2017</b><br /><br />Short social bike rides around town, sometimes involving costumes, always involving rowdy fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.denvercruiserride.com/">Denver Cruiser Ride</a> Denver Bike Nights - every Wednesday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, typically near downtown Denver.<br /><a href="http://www.longmontbikenight.blogspot.com/">Longmont Bike Night</a> - every Wednesday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, near downtown Longmont.<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pueblo-Cruiser-Bicycle-Rides/142787259127674">Pueblo Cruiser Bike Rides</a> - every Friday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, near downtown Pueblo.<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappyThursdayCruiserRide">Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride</a>, Boulder - every Thursday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2017, near downtown Boulder.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JA2UmuxUWA/WHFmPLzdAcI/AAAAAAAC-hM/1eNp3eMrNM0YRMGt-HRQPqd0hCqztY_jgCLcB/s1600/Vail%2Bbike%2Bpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JA2UmuxUWA/WHFmPLzdAcI/AAAAAAAC-hM/1eNp3eMrNM0YRMGt-HRQPqd0hCqztY_jgCLcB/s640/Vail%2Bbike%2Bpath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><u>CLIMBS OF COLORADO</u><br /><br />For more information on the climbs of Colorado, and perhaps some ideas on new places to ride, please visit the Pedal Dancer® guide to Colorado Climbs at <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/colorado-climbs.html" target="_blank">www.pedaldancer.com/p/colorado-climbs</a><br /><br />Or visit my guide to Summit County Cycling at: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/summit-county-cycling.html" target="_blank">www.pedaldancer.com/p/summit-county-cycling</a> <br /><br /><u><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0tka_Tj8QY/WHFZuWYLqcI/AAAAAAAC-gE/tTDeOL7pJKkSlu353NFLXVyDxHhx9cTnQCEw/s1600/Bike%2BRide%2BBlue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0tka_Tj8QY/WHFZuWYLqcI/AAAAAAAC-gE/tTDeOL7pJKkSlu353NFLXVyDxHhx9cTnQCEw/s640/Bike%2BRide%2BBlue.jpg" width="640" /></a></u> <br /><br /><u><span style="font-size: small;">COLORADO CYCLING TOUR COMPANIES</span></u><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://cyclingsightstours.com/tours/the-heart-of-colorado/" target="_blank">Cycling Sights Tours</a> - dates July 23-30, 2017. 6-7 days Heart of Colorado cycling route</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">©All Photos by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comDenver, CO 80209, USA39.7069307 -104.9564083999999939.682498700000004 -104.99674889999999 39.7313627 -104.91606789999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-48986477914893440452016-07-01T18:15:00.003-06:002017-06-23T08:54:32.896-06:00Prizes of the 2016 Tour de France<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>PRIZES TO THE WINNERS</b><br /><br />A total of €2,295,850 million euros will be awarded at the 2016 Tour de France. That is almost €650 for every mile ridden in the race. Every year fans want to know, "How much do they make for winning the Tour de France?" Prize money can be quite good, especially for the rider who retains the yellow jersey for many stages in a row and wins the overall race. A rider such as Chris Froome, who has the potential to win the overall race (€500,000), win 1 mountain stage (€11,000) and perhaps stay in the yellow jersey for 8 out of the 21 stages (€4000), has the potential to win approximately €515,000.<br /><br />Current World Champion Peter Sagan is said to be looking for 4-6 million, per year, for his next team contract. <br /><br />Team Sky earned a total of €556,630 ($619,139) during the 2015 Tour de France; the vast majority of that sum earned by Chris Froome who won both the yellow and the polka-dot jersey. In contrast, the sixty team members of the Denver Broncos each earned a $102,000 (€91,734) bonus for winning the 2016 Super Bowl ($6,120,000 combined), and Wimbledon awarded £1,888,000 ($2,575,798) to the two (male and female) winners.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsWCi977_Ms/V3cC9FIRROI/AAAAAAAC-QI/zdos7XrBSLQXIs8TGGlkB9iX2p7gFKgVwCLcB/s1600/Le%2BTour%2Blogo%2Bblack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsWCi977_Ms/V3cC9FIRROI/AAAAAAAC-QI/zdos7XrBSLQXIs8TGGlkB9iX2p7gFKgVwCLcB/s1600/Le%2BTour%2Blogo%2Bblack.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Tour de France remains the most lucrative professional bike race on the calendar, not only for the amount earned at the race but for the potential of later team sponsorships and individual promotions. Each team splits the earnings from the Tour de France, offering each of the nine team members a split, plus the mechanics, soigneurs and bus drivers.<br /><br />Every rider who participates in the Tour de France receives a money prize. The cash reward drops steeply from the 1st place rider but every rider from 20th place on, including the last placed rider (lanterne rouge) will receive €1000 for participating in the 2016 Tour de France.<br /><br />New for 2016, the Most Aggressive jersey award will take into consideration the growing impact of Social Media. One vote on the panel of "cycling experts" will be considered from the fans voting for the most deserving rider on the stage. <br /><br /><b>Winners / Classifications / Leaders</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6dJiBTsDQY/V3cC0OBLJ_I/AAAAAAAC-QE/H8sMQ01nBQExLTodYulQ0lGViBUeDg6MQCLcB/s1600/Classification%2BJerseys%2Bof%2Bthe%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6dJiBTsDQY/V3cC0OBLJ_I/AAAAAAAC-QE/H8sMQ01nBQExLTodYulQ0lGViBUeDg6MQCLcB/s1600/Classification%2BJerseys%2Bof%2Bthe%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" /></a></div><br />Classification Jerseys of the Tour de France, jerseys provided by Le Coq Sportif:<br /><br />- Yellow: General classification.<br />- Green: Points classification.<br />- Red and white polka dots: Mountains classification.<br />- White: Youth classification.<br />- Yellow dossard: Best Team classification<br />- Red dossard: Most Aggressive rider from the stage<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oacV2Qj9k-Y/V3cFyNRJv4I/AAAAAAAC-RM/VXwlhDZRBWA7HQAB2JZTGEAb_hg-zGwowCLcB/s1600/yellow%2Bjersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oacV2Qj9k-Y/V3cFyNRJv4I/AAAAAAAC-RM/VXwlhDZRBWA7HQAB2JZTGEAb_hg-zGwowCLcB/s1600/yellow%2Bjersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" /></a></div><br /><u>Prizes for Yellow Jersey - Tour de France</u><br /><br />Yellow Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The yellow jersey (overall leader, le leader du classement général au temps, Le Maillot Jaune) will win €500,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €552,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €1,002,000 for the total yellow jersey prize purse alone. Every day a rider wears the yellow jersey they receive a monetary award. Yes it is tradition that the yellow jersey winner divides his final €450.000 among his eight teammates. The overall yellow jersey winner also receives a trophy black bowl) on the podium during the final presentation in Paris. The yellow jersey is sponsored by LLC (financial services).<br /><br />Yellow jersey prizes for the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:<br />1st - €500,000<br />2nd - €200,000<br />3rd - €100,000<br /><br />Prize money for a single day in the yellow jersey will be €500 in 2016. <br /><br />The winner of the yellow jersey in 2015 was Chris Froome.<br /><br />Many of us recognize the coiled Giro d'Italia trophy but how many of us have paid attention the to Tour de France trophy bowl? It is actually quite nice looking close up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>________<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvGVvI2z_bs/V3cGES_5siI/AAAAAAAC-RQ/ssg6ka8QslgqPqJyf2pAitXAF3tTqMaTQCLcB/s1600/Green%2BJersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvGVvI2z_bs/V3cGES_5siI/AAAAAAAC-RQ/ssg6ka8QslgqPqJyf2pAitXAF3tTqMaTQCLcB/s1600/Green%2BJersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" /></a></div><u>Prize for Green Jersey - Tour de France</u><br /><br />Green Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The green jersey (points winner, classement par points, Le maillot vert) will win €25,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €103,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €128,000 for the total green jersey prize purse. The green jersey is sponsored by Skoda (cars).<br /><br />Sprint jersey prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:<br />1st - €25,000<br />2nd - €15,000<br />3rd - €10,000<br /><br />Every day a rider wears the green jersey they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the green jersey will be €300 at the 2016 Tour de France. <br /><br />Prize money is also awarded daily at each intermediate sprint marker, the winner gets €1,500, second place €1,000 and third place €500.<br /><br />The green jersey in 2015 was won by Peter Sagan (for the fourth year in a row!). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGcwiDFmoU8/V3cGPus9gpI/AAAAAAAC-RU/aH_Z0yUqnIIVAfRh-dOu64Mov03nQh9bQCLcB/s1600/Mountain%2BJersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGcwiDFmoU8/V3cGPus9gpI/AAAAAAAC-RU/aH_Z0yUqnIIVAfRh-dOu64Mov03nQh9bQCLcB/s1600/Mountain%2BJersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" /></a></div><u>Prize for Polka-dot Jersey - Tour de France</u><br /><br />Polka-dot Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The polka- dot jersey (mountain / classement de la montagne, Le maillot à pois) will win €25,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €103,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €128,000 for the total polka-dot jersey prize purse. The polka-dot jersey is sponsored by Carrefour (market).<br /><br />Mountain jersey prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:<br />1st - €25,000<br />2nd - €15,000<br />3rd - €10,000<br /><br />Every day a rider wears the mountain jersey they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the polka-dot jersey will be €300 at the 2016 Tour de France. <br /><br />Special climbing bonus awards given during the 2016 Tour de France:<br /><br />Three different €5,000 bonus awards will be paid out to the first rider to the top of three designated climbs. The first rider during Stage 8 to reach the Souvenir Jacques Goddet on Col du Tourmalet will win €5,000. During Stage 10 the highest point of the race will be reached on Port d’Envalira (2,408m) and the first rider to the top will earn the Souvenir Henri Desgrange award of €5,000. The final Prix Bernard Hinault will be awarded to the fastest rider on Stage 18 during the short 2.5km Cote de Domancy climb included in the individual time trial, earning the final €5,000 bonus of le tour. <br /><br />The best climber in 2015 was Chris Froome.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV6jB62zMa8/V3cGc3sQgPI/AAAAAAAC-Rc/E3yj_DRNCB0H2Y22kB45w2_sK2sWMforACLcB/s1600/White%2BJersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV6jB62zMa8/V3cGc3sQgPI/AAAAAAAC-Rc/E3yj_DRNCB0H2Y22kB45w2_sK2sWMforACLcB/s1600/White%2BJersey%2B2016%2BTour%2Bde%2BFrance.jpg" /></a></div><u>Prize for White Jersey - Tour de France</u><br /><br />White Jersey prize for the Tour de France: The white jersey (mountain / Le maillot blanc) will win €25,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €40,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €65,000 for the total white jersey prize purse. The white jersey is sponsored by Krys (optical).<br /><br />Best Young Rider jersey prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:<br />1st - €20,000<br />2nd - €15,000<br />3rd - €10,000<br /><br />Every day a rider wears the white jersey they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the white jersey will be €300 at the 2016 Tour de France. <br /><br />The best young rider in 2015 was Nairo Quintana.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDNs_SIBzKs/V3cDTszPMaI/AAAAAAAC-QQ/Ufw74yI00wM-k3OrTmNiaHKnJxokpchrQCLcB/s1600/Le%2Btour%2Blogo%2Bred%2Bwhite%2Bblue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDNs_SIBzKs/V3cDTszPMaI/AAAAAAAC-QQ/Ufw74yI00wM-k3OrTmNiaHKnJxokpchrQCLcB/s1600/Le%2Btour%2Blogo%2Bred%2Bwhite%2Bblue.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>More Awards</b><br /><br /><u>Prize for Best Team - Tour de France</u><br /><br />Best Team prize for the Tour de France: The best team (Le classement par équipes) will win €50,000 at the end of the tour, but an additional €128,000 will be awarded throughout the three-week stage race to total €178,000 for the total best team prize purse. Every day a team remains at the top of the leader board for the best team they receive a monetary award. The best team is sponsored by RAGT Semences (grains).<br /><br />Best Team prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016:<br />1st - €50,000<br />2nd - €30,000<br />3rd - €20,000<br />4th - €12,000<br />5th - €5,000<br /><br />Every day a team earns or remains at the top of the best team ranking they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day as the best team will be €2800 at the 2016 Tour de France. <br /><br />The top team in 2015 was Movistar.<br /><br /><br /><u>Prize for Most Aggressive - Tour de France</u><br /><br />Most Aggressive prize for the Tour de France: The rider who demonstrates braveness, an attacking spirit and fair play during the stage (Le Prix de la combativité) will win a daily prize from a total purse of €56,000, with the final super-combative rider chosen on the final stage earning €20,000 at the end of the tour. Every day a different most combative rider is chosen after the stage. The prize is sponsored by Antargaz (gasoline) and symbolized by a red dossard (bib number). <br /><br />Starting in 2016, fans will have the opportunity to vote through Social Media for their choice for Most Aggressive rider (Twitter: @LeTour #TDF2016 and Facebook: facebook.com/letour ). Fans' vote will count as 1 vote on a jury together with former riders, American Greg Le Mond and Frenchman Laurent Jalabert, plus two journalists and Tour de France race director Thierry Gouvenou. Should the voting end in a tie, Gouvenou will have the deciding say.<br /><br />Super-Combative Rider prizes on the final podium of the Tour de France 2016: Final award - €20,000<br /><br />Every day a rider is awarded the most combative award they receive a monetary award. Prize money for a single day in the red dossard will be €2000 at the 2016 Tour de France. <br /><br />Romain Bardet won the final super-combative award in 2015.<br /><br /><u>Prize for Stage wins - Tour de France</u><br /><br />The winner of each stage is awarded a prize of €11,000. Second place on the stage wins €5,500 and third place €2,800. Prize money is awarded down to 20th place on each stage, with 20th place earning €300. The youngest rider (under age 25) with the highest placing on each day's stage also earns an additional €500 for the day. <br /><br />Stage win prizes for each stage podium of the Tour de France:<br />1st - €11,000<br />2nd - €5,500<br />3rd - €2,800<br /><br />André Greipel won the most stage wins, four different stage wins, during the 2015 Tour de France. Chris Froome won only 1 stage.<br /><br /><u>Prize for every rider in the Tour de France</u><br /><br />Every rider who participates in the Tour de France is guaranteed at least €1000 for participation plus they are each awarded a medal; given to the riders prior to the start of the race.<br /><br /><u>Time bonuses in the Tour de France</u><br /><br />Time bonuses are awarded at the end of every mass-start stage (i.e. no time bonuses on offer in individual and team time trials). The first three riders get 10, 6 and 4 seconds, respectively.<br /><br /><u>Prize money in case of Disqualification</u><br /><br />With regard to prizes, the results of a positive anti-doping control test are as follows: • any competitor declared positive following a given stage shall forego all earnings obtained during this stage. • any competitor disqualified from the race shall forego all earnings and prizes acquired from the day of the control test in question.<br /><br /><br /><b>RULES OF THE RACE</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAsAW64KGD0/V3cDcAeo8wI/AAAAAAAC-QY/q7sl3TbaZQMnyjAea7BMLJxdWgHjiGUEACLcB/s1600/powerbar%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAsAW64KGD0/V3cDcAeo8wI/AAAAAAAC-QY/q7sl3TbaZQMnyjAea7BMLJxdWgHjiGUEACLcB/s200/powerbar%2Blogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powerbar sponsors the stage wins</td></tr></tbody></table><u>Stage Victory</u><br /><br />Stage victories: The 21 stage victories will be been sponsored by Powerbar. Stage victories are simply the fist man over the line, or the man with the fastest time on the stage (individual time trials). <br /><br />Classifications, Sponsors, and the rules<br /><br />Riders must finish the Tour de France in order to appear in the best classification ranking.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JziFSz_KR8/V3cDjliHatI/AAAAAAAC-Qg/sxMULneAr4cAw5p0rOVcP1BZ7gesjal6wCLcB/s1600/LCL%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JziFSz_KR8/V3cDjliHatI/AAAAAAAC-Qg/sxMULneAr4cAw5p0rOVcP1BZ7gesjal6wCLcB/s200/LCL%2Blogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LCL sponsors the yellow jersey</td></tr></tbody></table><u>Yellow Jersey</u><br /><br />Will be awarded daily, worn by the leader of the general individual time classification. The general individual time ranking is established by adding together the times achieved by each rider in the 21 stages including time penalties. In the event of a tie in the general ranking, the hundredth of a second recorded by the timekeepers during the individual time trial stages will be included in the total times in order to decide the overall winner. The Yellow Jersey has been sponsored by LCL since 1987.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnMjQnzRHHw/V3cDxCJBF7I/AAAAAAAC-Qo/M_EWDZ3tQ4EqMcpqbmakohzuiEovxrZAACLcB/s1600/skoda%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnMjQnzRHHw/V3cDxCJBF7I/AAAAAAAC-Qo/M_EWDZ3tQ4EqMcpqbmakohzuiEovxrZAACLcB/s200/skoda%2Blogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skoda sponsors the green jersey</td></tr></tbody></table><u>Green Jersey</u><br /><br />Will be awarded daily, worn by the leader of the points classification. There is only one intermediate sprint on each stage, with number of points tied to difficulty. The one intermediate sprint marker is now (as of 2011) worth more points for the leading riders. Together with points earned at the final stage finish line, all points are tallied daily to determine the overall "Points Leader" or green jersey wearer. The Green Jersey has been sponsored by Skoda since 2015.<br /><br />The individual points ranking is obtained by adding together the points recorded in the individual rankings for each stage, according to the following tables, and taking into account penalty points: •for the stages with no particular difficulty (art. 22-coeff. 1): 50-30-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-7-6-5- 4-3 and 2 points for the first 15 riders to finish; •for the “medium mountain” in-line stages (art. 22-coeff. 2 and 3): 30, 25,22,19,17, 15,13,11,9,7,6,5,4,3 and 2 points for the first 15 riders to finish; •for the very difficult stages (art. 22-coeff. 3 and 4 and 5): 20,17,15,13,11,10,9,8,7, 6,5,4,3,2,1 points for the first 15 riders to finish. In the event of a dead heat in a stage finish, the riders are credited with the number of points they would receive, divided by the number of riders concerned. These points are then rounded up to the nearest ½ point: •for the individual time trial stage (art.22-coeff. 6 and 7): 20,17,15,13,11,10,9,8,7,6, 5,4,3,2,1 points to the first 15 riders to finish; •for each intermediate sprint, the first 15 riders to finish will receive 20,17,15,13,11,10,9, 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 points respectively. The points are won on the intermediate sprints and at the stage.<br /><br />Time bonuses in the Tour de France: Time bonuses are awarded at the end of every mass-start stage (i.e. no time bonuses on offer in individual and team time trials). The first three riders get 10, 6 and 4 seconds, respectively.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDpaXoR7h74/V3cD7ReIY3I/AAAAAAAC-Qs/WGUrM8f0KJw5d8j1LrxtUSjJY-IK5BjQwCLcB/s1600/Carrefour%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDpaXoR7h74/V3cD7ReIY3I/AAAAAAAC-Qs/WGUrM8f0KJw5d8j1LrxtUSjJY-IK5BjQwCLcB/s200/Carrefour%2Blogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrefour sponsors the Polka-dot jersey</td></tr></tbody></table><u>Red Polka Dot Jersey</u><br /><br />Will be awarded daily, worn by the best climber. Points for the best climber classification are awarded at the top of any classified slope (not all climbs are classified). The prize money is doubled on the stage finishes that will take place at the summit of climbs. The general best climber ranking is established by adding together the points obtained on all passes and hills, according to the following tables: • “Highest level” passes: 25, 20, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 points respectively for first 10 riders to finish; • category 1 passes: 10,8,6,4,2,1 points respectively to the first 6 riders to finish ; • category 2 passes: 5,3,2,1 points respectively to the first 4 riders to finish; • category 3 passes or hills : 2, 1 points, respectively to the first 2 riders to finish; • category 4 passes: 1 point to the first rider to finish. Points awarded are doubled for finishing on the 9th, 12th, 17th and 19th stages. In the event of a tie between two riders in the general best climber ranking, the rider with the most first places at highest level pass summits is declared the winner. The Polka Dot Jersey is sponsored by Carrefour.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9AHgIeAmB8/V3cEFMkOimI/AAAAAAAC-Q0/TTPmVo7f80IgVx_MZf4Y67Pzd_KUPKaOwCLcB/s1600/Krys%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9AHgIeAmB8/V3cEFMkOimI/AAAAAAAC-Q0/TTPmVo7f80IgVx_MZf4Y67Pzd_KUPKaOwCLcB/s1600/Krys%2Blogo.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krys sponsors the white jersey</td></tr></tbody></table><u>White Jersey</u><br /><br />Will be awarded daily, worn by the best young rider aged 25 years old or less (born since 1st January 1991) in the general individual time classification. The White jersey has been sponsored by Krys since 2015.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiz7HfBNuCA/V3cEOh0ZnTI/AAAAAAAC-Q4/Lna14GVDGiUsCXYzIwt02GioWU-ef53CwCLcB/s1600/Antagarz%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiz7HfBNuCA/V3cEOh0ZnTI/AAAAAAAC-Q4/Lna14GVDGiUsCXYzIwt02GioWU-ef53CwCLcB/s1600/Antagarz%2Blogo.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antargaz sponsors the best team award</td></tr></tbody></table><u>Best Team classification</u><br /><br />This classification is determined by adding the times of the best three riders on each team after each stage. If there is a tie between teams in stage rankings, the three best places achieved in that stage by each team are added together. In case of a further tie, the teams are decided by the placing of their best rider in the stage. Any team reduced to fewer than three riders will be disqualified from the general team ranking. The current best team can wear yellow helmets during the following stage. The team classification is sponsored by RAGT Semences.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCFj_MdJ8es/V3cEdIN4s-I/AAAAAAAC-RA/7E9GYsBymGcYhDY6hlfel5uOve2teWKhACLcB/s1600/RAGT%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCFj_MdJ8es/V3cEdIN4s-I/AAAAAAAC-RA/7E9GYsBymGcYhDY6hlfel5uOve2teWKhACLcB/s1600/RAGT%2Blogo.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RAGT sponsors the most aggressive award</td></tr></tbody></table><u>Most Aggressive</u><br /><br />This is a subjective but inspiring award. This prize is awarded daily with one super-combative award given on the final stage in Paris. <br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /><br />Read more of your questions answered at: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/questions-answered-tour-de-france.html" target="_blank">Facts about the Tour de France</a> on TourChaser.com<br /><br />Please visit the brand new website by Pedal Dancer, with much more information about the Tour de France: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/tour-de-france.html" target="_blank">TourChaser.com</a> <br /><br /></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-80442158350358158942016-05-22T09:49:00.002-06:002016-05-31T10:39:49.548-06:00You probably don't remember me, but<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Of course I remember you! </b><br /><br />I was standing in the road near the start line of the Amgen Tour of California next to Darrell Parks, an incredible photographer working for Pez Cycling and Peloton who has become a friend to me and a smiling face at the tour. We were talking to Jamie, the humorous in-car announcer who drives the route of the Tour of California preceding the peloton to let fans out on the road know the situation coming at them. I have met Jamie every year, for six years. What I mean exactly is that I have introduced myself to Jamie six times anew.<br /><br />Now put into perspective that gathering at a race like the Amgen Tour of California is a reunion of sorts. Once or twice a year I get to see really cool, highly resistant, impressively energetic, honest yet positive folks who love the sport of cycling. We collect as a group to either administer or report on the race. We all know each other; from the officials to the marshals, motos, security, staff, photogs, journalists, key staff, team staff and me. We come from across the country and from overseas to do our best to present an excellent race in hopes that it will continue.<br /><br />So how is it that I am still introducing myself?<br /><br />Because it is normal. You see, I have this knack for remembering people. I can remember exactly where I met them, the entire setting behind them, and what we spoke of. I notice all the details and never forget a face or a story. Sometimes I embarrass myself by blurting out the location and details of our first meeting only to be met with a glazed response clearly indicating - <i>I have no idea who you are. </i><br /><br />So this week when a fan wrote to me with the opening sentence "You probably don't remember me, but I was watching the Tour of California stage 1, here in San Diego with my Norwegian friends. We met you when you photographed me, my friend and the rider Alexander Kristoff." Remember you - of course I remember you - you were a highlight of my day, I responded. And they truly were.<br /><br />You never know what will happen at a bike race. This is my creed, which not only applies to the battle on the road within and in front of the peloton, but to the experience of being a fan at the race. Just show up, give it your best and let the magic happen. For the young students from Norway who brought their large red white and blue Norwegian flag to Stage 1 in San Diego, California, with the hopes of seeing their favorite rider, unplanned magic indeed happened. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhCnduKWvPU/V0HfKq9Z0ZI/AAAAAAAC-O4/-Kjh02EOWSU1dIvPHQzg9YkfUfEJH8ArACLcB/s1600/norwegian%2Bfans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhCnduKWvPU/V0HfKq9Z0ZI/AAAAAAAC-O4/-Kjh02EOWSU1dIvPHQzg9YkfUfEJH8ArACLcB/s640/norwegian%2Bfans.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course I remember you!</td></tr></tbody></table>I had spotted the colorful photo op and approached them in a friendly manner. In utter excitement they explained to me, "We came because maybe we will get to see Kristoff, he is a really big deal in Norway." By the time they took a next breath, out of the Katusha team RV stepped Alexander Kristoff. "Hi I'm Alex," he proclaimed as if we did not know the man who was now standing two feet in front of us. What is the sound of dropped jaws and exhaling in utter amazement? Well that was all the three of us could muster as a response. Their dream was coming true and I was happy to be a part of it.<br /><br />There we were the four of us, me snapping pictures and them talking a language I hadn't heard in quite some time. Within two minutes every Norwegian speaking fan in San Diego had miraculously gathered around Alex. I could tell he was almost as amazed as me at the number of Norwegians now chatting away while swarming him for selfies. This week I sent Andreas, the young Norwegian student who had contacted me, ten photos taken of his minutes with Alexander Kristoff in San Diego. He responded, "There were so many nice pictures here, and this moment is something I will remember forever."<br /><br />After Alexander Kristoff stepped back into the team RV, the young Norwegian girl turned to me with her hand outstretched, showing me she was physically shaking from the surprising experience. Kristoff was indeed a big deal in Norway, but in that moment on the pavement of a parking lot near a watery bay in California, Kristoff had been a really big deal to two students studying far from home. <br /><br />People make a bike race, no matter where the memories are made and with whom. Whether I am meeting a new fan for the first time, an old friend, or reintroducing myself for the sixth time, all that matters is they made a special moment happen and they give me the courage to get out and make more.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnhlKU6Se6E/V0He_84kwhI/AAAAAAAC-O0/QVJGHOeZRlE_0gcBjfT9zWn2woLumPsxgCLcB/s1600/Norwegian%2Bfans%2Band%2BKristoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnhlKU6Se6E/V0He_84kwhI/AAAAAAAC-O0/QVJGHOeZRlE_0gcBjfT9zWn2woLumPsxgCLcB/s640/Norwegian%2Bfans%2Band%2BKristoff.jpg" title="Norwegian fans and ALexander Kristoff" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"this moment is something I will remember forever."</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5PljG661o/V0HfP8U1KTI/AAAAAAAC-O8/E8Fn-l8clHY0gbfYsIQIlNIMbR6wbW81gCLcB/s1600/Alexander%2BKristoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5PljG661o/V0HfP8U1KTI/AAAAAAAC-O8/E8Fn-l8clHY0gbfYsIQIlNIMbR6wbW81gCLcB/s640/Alexander%2BKristoff.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexander Kristoff</td></tr></tbody></table>The ability to make memories and win bike races - Alexander Kristoff, winner of yesterday's Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California.<br /><br />P.S. Thank you <a href="http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/features/darrell-parks-2016-cycling-calendar/" target="_blank">Darrell Parks</a> for always remembering me! <br /><br /></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-58615625182604360022016-05-19T09:00:00.000-06:002016-05-19T17:18:27.064-06:00Women's teams and startlist for Tour of California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease™ Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM</span></b><br /><br />That long title is the official name for the women's race at the Tour of California. Just as Amgen supports the Breakaway from Cancer walk at stages of the tour for those affected by cancer and has attached their name in fighting cancer with the men's race, the company also develops pharmaceuticals for heart disease. Amgen works to alleviate the impact of the leading causes of death to both men and women. And so sponsoring a women's race in the name of fighting heart disease and improving health in the general population makes perfect sense.<br /><br />SRAM is also a title sponsor of the women's race, which is not just kind but good business. The numbers of women in cycling and amateur racing is growing. The likelihood of a women walking into a bike shop to buy a bike is high, SRAM wants the consumer to know their name. Sponsorship is a balance of doing good in the community and wanting to get your product in front of the community. Through the involvement of both Amgen and SRAM, perhaps more young girls will be exposed riding a bike and a healthy lifestyle. <br /><br />The highest level of women athletes in the sport of professional cycling are gathering today in Lake Tahoe to begin their four day bike race. It's a big deal and a large number of fans are expected. The women will race 197.8-miles during four-stages in South Lake Tahoe, Folsom (<u>team</u> time trial), Santa Rosa and Sacramento. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDVVEYd6otA/Vz3N7YlIltI/AAAAAAAC-OI/ovEews_deHg3mJRyBSB4Nda53h5ThNzUQCLcB/s1600/Coryn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDVVEYd6otA/Vz3N7YlIltI/AAAAAAAC-OI/ovEews_deHg3mJRyBSB4Nda53h5ThNzUQCLcB/s640/Coryn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coryn Rivera (USA) of United Healthcare Womens team signs an autograph for a young fan. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>STARTLISTS<br /><br />For a 1 page printable startlist with numbers, please go to TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">Women's Race Details ATOC.</a><br /><br />For a team startlist for the women's team time trial in Folsom, please go to TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">Women's Race Details ATOC</a><br /><br />WOMEN'S PRO TEAMS<br /><br />Let's look at who will be competing. 18 teams will compete with 8 riders each, 144 pro women cyclists will take the start line<br /><br /><b>Women’s teams - 18 teams</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bepink.eu/" target="_blank">BePink</a> (Italy) <br /><a href="http://www.boelsdolmanscyclingteam.com/en" target="_blank">Boels-Dolmans</a> (Netherlands)<br /><a href="http://www.wmncycling.com/" target="_blank">Canyon – SRAM Racing</a> (Germany)<br /><a href="http://www.teamcolavita.com/" target="_blank">Colavita – Bianchi</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://cylanceprocycling.com/" target="_blank">Cylance</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://www.dropscycling.com/" target="_blank">Drops</a> (Great Britain)<br /><a href="http://supermintusa.cc/#hb-supermint" target="_blank">Hagens Berman – Supermint</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://hitec%20products/" target="_blank">Hitec Products</a> (Norway)<br /><a href="http://podiumambition.com/" target="_blank">Podium Ambition</a> (Great Britain)<br /><a href="http://www.raboliv.com/" target="_blank">Rabo – Liv</a> (Netherlands)<br /><a href="http://www.rallycycling.com/" target="_blank">Rally</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://www.teamtibco-svb.com/" target="_blank">Tibco – SVB</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://teamtwenty16.com/" target="_blank">Twenty16 – Ridebiker</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://uhcprocycling.com/womens-team/" target="_blank">UnitedHealthcare</a> (USA)<br /><a href="https://www.usacycling.org/womens-cycling/" target="_blank">USA Cycling</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://visitdallasdna.com/" target="_blank">Visit Dallas DNA</a> (USA)<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weber_Shimano_Ladies_Power" target="_blank">Weber Shimano Ladies Power</a> (Argentina)<br /><a href="http://www.wigglehighfive.com/" target="_blank">Wiggle High5</a> (Great Britain)<br /><br />Top contenders for the classification jerseys and stagewins in the women's race:<br /><br /><b>General Classification (Overall Contenders)</b><br />Emma Johansson (SWE) – Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling (WHT)<br />Megan Guarnier (USA) – Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team (DLT)<br />Lisa Brennauer (GER) – Canyon/SRAM Racing (LPR)<br />Lucinda Brand (NED) – Rabo-Liv Women Cycling Team (RBW)<br />Kirsten Wild (AUS) – Hitec Products (HPU)<br />Chantal Blaak (NED) – Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team (DLT)<br />Alena Amialiusik (BLR) – Canyon/SRAM Racing (LPR)<br />Lauren Stephens (USA) – Team TIBCO-SVB (TIB)<br />Marianne Vos (NED) – Rabo-Liv Women Cycling Team (RBW)<br />Emily Collins (NZL) – Team TIBCO-SVB (TIB)<br /><br /><b>Sprinters</b><br />Barbara Guarischi (ITA) – Canyon/SRAM Racing (LPR)<br />Lauren Tamayo (USA) – UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (UHC)<br />Megan Guarnier (USA) – Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team (DLT)<br />Kirsten Wild (AUS) – Hitec Products (HPU)<br /><br /><b>Climbers</b><br />Mara Abbott (USA) – Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling (WHT)<br />Lauren Stephens (USA) – Team TIBCO-SVB (TIB)<br />Lex Albrecht (CAN) – BePink (BPK)<br />Emily Collins (NZL) – Team TIBCO-SVB (TIB)<br />Chantal Blaak (NED) – Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team (DLT)<br />Alena Amialiusik (BLR) – Canyon/SRAM Racing (LPR)<br /><br /><b>Stage Wins</b><br />Emma Johansson (SWE) – Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling (WHT)<br />Marianne Vos (NED) – Rabo-Liv Women Cycling Team (RBW)<br />Linda Villumsen (NZL) – UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (UHC)<br />Lisa Brennauer (GER) – Canyon/SRAM Racing (LPR)<br />Tayler Wiles (USA) – USA Cycling (USA)<br />Lauren Stephens (USA) – Team TIBCO-SVB (TIB)<br />Barbara Guarischi (ITA) – Canyon/SRAM Racing (LPR)<br />Lex Albrecht (CAN) – BePink (BPK)<br />Chloe Dygert (USA) – Twenty16 – RideBiker (T16)<br /><br />The women's jersey's at the tour: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wb71MYo7Ns/VtYKDj-Ub7I/AAAAAAAC9bc/i9BsaDBk5AE/s1600/Women%2527s%2Bteam%2Bjersey%2B2016%2BAmgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCaliforrnia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Women's team jersey 2016 Amgen Tour of Califorrnia" border="0" height="626" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wb71MYo7Ns/VtYKDj-Ub7I/AAAAAAAC9bc/i9BsaDBk5AE/s640/Women%2527s%2Bteam%2Bjersey%2B2016%2BAmgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCaliforrnia.jpg" title="Women's team jersey 2016 Amgen Tour of Califorrnia" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's team jersey 2016 Amgen Tour of Califorrnia. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />WOMEN'S LIST OF RIDERS - TOUR OF CALIFORNIA 2016<br /><br /><b>Canyon-SRAM</b><br />Lisa Brennauer (Ger)<br />Alena Amialiusik (Blr)<br />Hannah Barnes (GBr)<br />Tiffany Cromwell (Aus)<br />Barbara Guarischi (Ita)<br />Alexis Ryan (USA)<br />Elena Cecchini (Ita)<br />Mieke Kroeger (Ger)<br /><br /><b>Wiggle High5</b><br />Emma Johansson (Swe)<br />Mara Abbott (USA)<br />Audrey Cordon (Fra)<br />Danielle King (GBr)<br />Amy Pieters (Ned)<br />Mayuko Hagiwara (Jpn)<br />Anna Christian (GBr)<br />Amy Roberts (GBr)<b><br /></b><br /><br /><b>UnitedHealthcare Women</b><br />Annie Ewart (Can)<br />Katie Hall (USA)<br />Coryn Rivera (USA)<br />Iris Slappendel (Ned)<br />Lauren Tamayo (USA)<br />Linda Melanie Villumsen (NZl)<br />Abigail Mickey (USA)<br />Diana Peñuela Martinez (Col)<br /><br /><b>US National Team</b><br />Madeleine Boutet (USA)<br />Kelly Catlin (USA)<br />Aliya Traficante (USA)<br />Jennifer Valente (USA)<br />Tayler Wiles (USA)<br />Ruth Winder (USA)<br />Sarah Hammer (USA)<br />Ashlyn Woods (USA)<br /><br /><b>Weber Shimano Ladies Power</b><br />Maria Fadiga (Arg)<br />Luciene Ferreira da Silva (Bra)<br />Jessenia Meneses (Col)<br />Rocio Parrado Guarnizo (Col)<br />Caterin Elisabeth Previley (Arg)<br /><br /><b>Podium Ambition Pro Cycling p/b Club La Santa</b><br />Elizabeth-Jane Harris (GBr)<br />Sara Headley (USA)<br />Sharon Laws (GBr)<br />Nicole Moerig (Aus)<br />Claire Rose (GBr)<br />Sarah Storey (GBr)<br /><br /><b>Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank</b><br />Emily Collins (NZl)<br />Lauren Hall (USA)<br />Kathrin Hammes (Ger)<br />Joanne Kiesanowski (NZl)<br />Lauren Stephens (USA)<br />Brianna Walle (USA)<br />Lauren Komanski (USA)<br />Kendall Ryan (USA)<br /><br /><b>Rabo Liv Women Cycling Team</b><br />Marianne Vos (Ned)<br />Thalita De Jong (Ned)<br />Lucinda Brand (Ned)<br />Shara Gillow (Aus)<br />Jeanne Korevaar (Ned)<br />Anouska Koster (Ned)<br />Moniek Tenniglo (Ned)<br /><br /><b>Hitec Products</b><br />Kirsten Wild (Ned)<br />Charlotte Becker (Ger)<br />Tatiana Guderzo (Ita)<br />Janicke Gunvaldsen (Nor)<br />Cecilie Gotaas Johnsen (Nor)<br />Lauren Kitchen (Aus)<br /><br /><b>Twenty16 - Ridebiker</b><br />Kristin Armstrong (USA)<br />Holly Breck (USA)<br />Allie Dragoo (USA)<br />Chloe Dygert (USA)<br />Alison Jackson (Can)<br />Leah Thomas (USA)<br />Jennifer Tetrick (USA)<br /><br /><b>Hagens Berman / Supermint Pro Cycling Team</b><br />Megan Alderete (USA)<br />Lindsay Bayer (USA)<br />Scotti Lechuga (USA)<br />Allison Elizabeth Linnell (USA)<br />Liza Rachetto (USA)<br />Eri Yonamine (Jpn)<br />Ivy Audrain (USA)<br />Jessica Uebelhart (Swi)<br /><br /><b>Visit Dallas DNA Pro Cycling</b><br />Mandy Heintz (USA)<br />Nina Marie Laughlin (USA)<br />Mia Manganello (USA)<br />Amanda Miller (USA)<br />Beth Ann Orton (USA)<br />Anna Sanders (USA)<br />Breanne Nalder (USA)<br />Sara Tussey (USA)<br /><br /><b>Boels Dolmans Cycling Team</b><br />Megan Guarnier (USA)<br />Chantal Blaak (Ned)<br />Karol-Ann Canuel (Can)<br />Nikki Harris (GBr)<br />Romy Kasper (Ger)<br />Evelyn Stevens (USA)<br /><br /><b>Cylance Pro Cycling</b><br />Alison Tetrick (USA)<br />Kristabel Doebel-Hickok (USA)<br />Sheyla Gutierrez Ruiz (Spa)<br />Rossella Ratto (Ita)<br />Valentina Scandolara (Ita)<br />Doris Schweizer (Swi)<br />Erica Zaveta (USA)<br /><br /><b>Bepink</b><br />Lex Albrecht (Can)<br />Amber Neben (USA)<br />Francesca Pattaro (Ita)<br />Lenore Pipes (Gum)<br />Ilaria Sanguineti (Ita)<br />Silvia Valsecchi (Ita)<br /><br /><b>Rally Cycling Women</b><br />Heather Fischer (USA)<br />Jasmin Glaesser (Can)<br />Kirsti Lay (Can)<br />Sara Poidevin (Can)<br />Hannah Ross (USA)<br />Emma White (USA)<br />Katherine Maine (Can)<br />Catherine Ouellette (Can)<br /><br /><b>Colavita/Bianchi</b><br />Whitney Allison (USA)<br />Jessica Cutler (USA)<br />Katie Donovan (USA)<br />Lauretta Hanson (Aus)<br />Gretchen Stumhofer (USA)<br />Kimberley Wells (Aus)<br />Emma Grant (GBr)<br />Elizabeth Hernandez (USA)<br /><br /><b>Drops Cycling Team</b><br />Sophie Coleman (GBr)<br />Rebeca Durrell (GBr)<br />Jennifer George (GBr)<br />Laura Massey (GBr)<br />Hannah Payton (GBr)<br />Lucy Shaw (GBr)<br />Alice Barnes (GBr)<br />Rebecca Womersley (GBr)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5n_n2Tb3Lc/Vz3fS5LDfNI/AAAAAAAC-Ok/EQAA33n-CGU6hEmSIH5PZHLQ2IsSieyWwCLcB/s1600/Breakaway%2Bfrom%2BHeart%2BDisease%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5n_n2Tb3Lc/Vz3fS5LDfNI/AAAAAAAC-Ok/EQAA33n-CGU6hEmSIH5PZHLQ2IsSieyWwCLcB/s1600/Breakaway%2Bfrom%2BHeart%2BDisease%2Blogo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>About Breakaway from Heart Disease</b> (as described by race organizers)<br /><br />Amgen’s new Breakaway from Heart Disease initiative encourages Americans to take action to make heart health a priority. The campaign encourages people to use road bikes and stationary bikes to get active and heart healthy. At the race, female athletes will wear Breakaway from Heart Disease “I Heart” race numbers recognizing someone they love. For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit <a href="http://breakawayfromheartdisease.com/">breakawayfromheartdisease.com</a>. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXZ2AIHdWrU/Vz3Q-lp9IsI/AAAAAAAC-OU/8Qqkx0eDdfoHZqpWqcr2pKNFxCyJAOI8wCLcB/s1600/women%2Bbike%2Bracing%2BGolden%2BColorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXZ2AIHdWrU/Vz3Q-lp9IsI/AAAAAAAC-OU/8Qqkx0eDdfoHZqpWqcr2pKNFxCyJAOI8wCLcB/s640/women%2Bbike%2Bracing%2BGolden%2BColorado.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women line up to race. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>How to watch the women's race at Tour of California:</b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Women's race TV coverage </span>Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease™ Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM - available only on the Tour Tracker app:<br /><br />WOMEN's RACE COVERAGE<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Thursday 5/19/16 Stage 1 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only </li><li>Friday 5/20/16 Stage 2 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only</li><li>Saturday 5/21/16 Stage 3 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only</li><li>Sunday 5/22/16 Stage 4 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only</li></ul>WOMEN's RECAP SHOWS<br /><ul><li>Thursday 5/26/16 AmgenBreakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Recap Show <b>10:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.</b> PDT on <span style="color: #990000;"><b>NBCSN </b></span></li></ul><span style="color: #073763;">How to watch the Amgen Tour of California live online:</span><br /><br />Follow the Amgen Tour of California Men's Race and the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women's Race live on <b>Microsoft Tour Tracker</b>, the app that gives you in depth access and analysis of America's Greatest Race via the web or your mobile device. Whether you are out on the road, waiting at the finish line, or watching at home, you can keep track of the race <a href="http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Download the app.</a> You can watch Microsoft TourTracker on the <a href="http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">web</a>. <br /><br />All of this information may also be viewed on the <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tour Chaser</span></span> Womens Race TOC page: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html">www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc</a> </div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-49001787228037240092016-05-12T10:41:00.000-06:002016-05-22T11:23:10.925-06:00List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">The Riders - a complete list of competitors</span></b><br /><br />The rider startlist and bib numbers have been finalized and made available by ProCyclingStats.com, a day after quite a different startlist was released by Amgen Tour of California media personnel. Whomever starts on Sunday morning is now committed to ride their way to Sacramento (no more changing the roster!).<br /><br /><strike>The official 2016 startlist of riders (rider roster, squads) has not yet been released by organizers of the Amgen Tour of California, but</strike> I got impatient because I am headed to the race tomorrow. However on the <a href="http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/Amgen_Tour_of_California_2016_Startlist">ProCyclingStats.com</a> startlist of riders you can click on each name and see a photo of the rider and their palmares (the career race history), a great way to get familiar with who will be racing at the Tour of California.<br /><br />Through reading news reports and rider twitter accounts (some are already in California training pre race), I can add to the list of riders who will be racing in California at the 2016 Amgen Tour of California this week. ATOC typically leaves the announcement of the startlists until just before the start as teams formalize their squads having recovered from recent illnesses or races. <br /><br /><b>Team rider startlists</b><br /><br />There will be a thrilling list of riders to compete in California this week. Tom Boonen is coming to California!! Julian Allaphilippe will be returning in 2016, he won the best young rider jersey in 2015 and won the stage to Mt Baldy. Peter Sagan is coming back with his teammate and brother Juraj Sagan. Mark Cavendish and Bradely Wiggins will both return in 2016. Team BMC has an action packed team, their red jerseys should be a frequent sight on the podium.<br /><br />I am super excited to see Tom Boonen and Mark Renshaw race again and am looking forward to watching the other powerful sprinters including Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data), Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin), Tyler Farrar (Dimension Data), Ben Swift (SKY), John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin), Niccolo Bonifazio (Trek-Segafredo), Bryan Coquard (Direct Energie), Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo), Brad Huff (Rally), Rob Britton (Rally), Robin Carpenter (Holowesko-Citadel), Wouter Wippert (Cannondale), Travis McCabe (Holowesko-Citadel), and John Murphy (UHC).<br /><br />Because I am a huge fan of the Spring Classics I will be like a giddy fan to see Greg van Avermaet, John Degenkolb, Alexander Kristoff, Zdenek Stybar and Tom Boonen in California. I wouldn't be able to get anywhere near them in Belgium; which also stands true for Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins. I also look forward to watching the young Axeon Hagens Berman team and observing the French riders on Team Direct Energie enjoy their time in California. Although 'enjoy' is a loose term once they experience the tough level of competition in this tour.<br /><br />Recommended Read: <a href="http://cyclingtips.com/2016/05/preview-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-2016-amgen-tour-of-california/">Preview: What you need to know about the 2016 Amgen Tour of California</a>, by Neal Rogers. Who writes, "Sagan returns to the race that he’s done every year since 2010, along the way compiling a total of 13 stage wins (a record),five points jerseys (a record), one best young rider’s competition (2010), and one overall victory." "Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data), a nine-time California stage winner and two-time points classification winner."<br /><br />Pedal Dancer Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a><br /><br />FULL STARTLIST - 2016 Amgen Tour of California, 144 riders to compete:* to be updated with bib numbers after the official announcement of the ATOC startlist. <br /><br /><b>Tinkoff</b><br />1 Sagan, Peter<br />2 Baška, Erik<br />3 Blythe, Adam<br />4 Gatto, Oscar<br />5 Gogl, Michael<br />6 Kolar, Michael <br />7 Sagan, Juraj<br />8 Trusov, Nikolay<br /><br /><b>Etixx - Quick Step</b><br />11 Allaphilippe, Julian<br />12 Boonen, Tom<br />13 Bouet, Maxime<br />14 Maes, Nikolas <br />15 Richeze, Ariel Maximilliano <br />16 Stybar, Zdenek <br />17 Vakoc, Petr<br />18 Velitz, Martin<br /><br /><b>Team Sky</b><br />21 Kennaugh, Peter <br />22 Fenn, Andrew<br />23 Kiyrienka, Vasil <br />24 Moscon, Gianni<br />25 Nordhaug, Lars Petter<br />26 Peters, Alex <br />27 van Poppel, Danny<br />28 Zandio, Xabier<br /><br /><b>Dimension Data</b><br />31 Cavendish, Mark<br />32 Brammeier, Matthew<br />33 Eisel, Bernhard<br />34 Farrar, Tyler <br />35 Nathan Haas<br />36 Janse van Rensburg, Jacques<br />37 Renshaw, Mark <br />38 Teklehaimanot, Daniel <br /><br /><b>Team Katusha </b><br />41 Kristoff, Alexander<br />42 Guarnieri, Jacopo<br />43 Haller, Marco<br />44 Isaychev, Vladimir<br />45 Machado, Tiago<br />46 Mørkøv, Michael<br />47 Restrepo, Jhonatan<br />48 van den Broeck, Jurgen <br /><br /><b>BMC Racing Team</b><br />51 Bookwalter, Brent<br />52 Dennis, Rohan<br />53 Drucker,Jean-Pierre<br />54 Phinney, Taylor<br />55 Sánchez, Samuel<br />56 Schar, Michael<br />57 Van Avermaet, Greg<br />58 Wyss, Danilo<br /><br /><b>Team Wiggins </b><br />61 Wiggins, Bradley<br />62 Christian, Mark<br />63 Doull, Owain<br />64 Kelly, Jake<br />65 Latham, Christopher<br />66 Patten, Daniel <br />67 Tennant, Andrew<br />68 Thompson, Michael <br /><br /><b>Cannondale Pro Cycling Team</b><br />71 Talansky, Andrew <br />72 Bevin, Patrick<br />73 Craddock, Lawson<br />74 Gaimon, Phillip<br />75 King, Benjamin<br />76 Marangoni, Alan<br />77 Skujiņš, Toms<br />78 Wippert, Wouter<br /><br /><b>Trek - Segafredo</b><br />81 Stetina, Peter<br />82 Arredondo, Julián David<br />83 Bernard, Julien<br />84 Bonifazio, Niccolo<br />85 Irizar, Markel <br />86 Reijnen, Kiel<br />87 Stuyven, Jasper <br />88 Zubeldia, Haimar<br /><br /><b>Direct Energie</b><br />91 Coquard, Bryan<br />92 Anderson, Ryan<br />93 Duchesne, Antoine<br />95 Nauleau, Bryan<br />96 Petit, Adrien<br />97 Sicard, Romain<br />98 Tulik, Angelo<br /><br /><b>Team Giant - Alpecin</b><br />101 Degenkolb, John <br />102 Kragh Andersen, Søren <br />103 Curvers, Roy<br />104 de Kort, Koen <br />105 Sinkeldam, Ramon<br />106 Fairly, Caleb<br />107 Skjøstad Lunke, Sindre <br />108 ten Dam, Laurens<br /><br /><b>Team LottoNL - Jumbo</b><br />111 Groenewegen, Dylan<br />112 Bennett, George<br />113 Roosen, Timo<br />114 Teunissen, Mike<br />115 van Widen, Dennis <br />116 Vermeulen, Alexey<br />117 Wagner, Robert<br />118 Wynants, Maarten<br /><br /><b>UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team</b><br />121 Brajkovic, Janez<br />122 Canolo, Mario<br />123 Clarke, Jonathan<br />124 Eaton, Daniel<br />125 Jaramillo, Daniel Alexander<br />126 Jones, Christopher <br />127 Murphy, John,<br />128 Putt, Tanner <br /><br /><b>Axeon Hagens Berman</b> (U23 team)<br />131 Geoghegan Hart, Tao<br />132 Barta, Will<br />133 Curran, Geoffrey<br />134 Daniel, Greg<br />135 Guerreiro, Ruben<br />136 Neilands, Krists<br />137 Owen, Logan<br />138 Powless, Nielson<br /><br /><b>Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis</b><br />141 Morton, Lachlan David<br />142 Cheyne, Jordan <br />143 Morton, Angus<br />144 Putt, Chris<br />145 Rathe, Jacob<br />146 Sheehan, Michael<br />147 Sheldon, Taylor<br />148 Wolfe, Ben<br /><br /><b>Holowesko-Citadel Racing Team</b><br />151 Carpenter, Robin<br />152 Clark, Oscar<br />153 Flaksis, Andzs<br />154 Hornbeck, Jonathan <br />155 Krasilnikau, Andrei<br />156 Lewis, Joe <br />157 Squire, Rob<br />158 McCabe, Travis<br /><br /><b>Team Novo Nordisk</b><br />161 Clancy, Stephen<br />162 Henttala, Joonas<br />163 Lozano, David <br />164 Megias Leal, Javier<br />165 Peron, Andrea<br />166 Planet, Charles<br />167 Verschoor, Martijn<br />168 Williams, Christopher <br /><br /><b>Rally Cycling</b><br />171 Anthony, Jesse<br />172 Britton, Rob<br />173 De Vos, Adam<br />174 Huffman, Evan<br />175 Nalo, Patrick<br />176 Oronte, Emerson<br />177 Pate, Danny<br />178 Routley, Will <br /><br />All of these riders will be racing again in 2016: (<span style="font-size: x-small;">All Photos </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span>)</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydBDUeQV5CM/VzNo8aMg3CI/AAAAAAAC-MI/xfeuY0eLOq0cEm5S8xv_RYc8cJYfY_MMwCLcB/s1600/Brent%2BBookwalter%2BBMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydBDUeQV5CM/VzNo8aMg3CI/AAAAAAAC-MI/xfeuY0eLOq0cEm5S8xv_RYc8cJYfY_MMwCLcB/s640/Brent%2BBookwalter%2BBMC.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Brent Bookwalter (BMC). </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sce7VgHQq0Q/VzNouXjFUqI/AAAAAAAC-MA/ViRr79yB5Wsvdy97awTg3XsujvlppgElACLcB/s1600/Toms%2BSkujins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sce7VgHQq0Q/VzNouXjFUqI/AAAAAAAC-MA/ViRr79yB5Wsvdy97awTg3XsujvlppgElACLcB/s640/Toms%2BSkujins.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latvian Tom Skujins (Cannondale). </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Nm1c9p3Csg/VzNpLdljwaI/AAAAAAAC-MM/Otm3ctkYLRAxeWUF-aq4_DIIxonhc7mUwCLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Nm1c9p3Csg/VzNpLdljwaI/AAAAAAAC-MM/Otm3ctkYLRAxeWUF-aq4_DIIxonhc7mUwCLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-11.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the U.K. (Isle of Man) Mark Cavendish (now with Dimension Data). </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIG-bKLrXLY/VzNpYYL0hjI/AAAAAAAC-MU/o8jKyDC057EIU7DNJk7LfSy_3jyWJQgkQCLcB/s1600/Rohan%2BDennis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIG-bKLrXLY/VzNpYYL0hjI/AAAAAAAC-MU/o8jKyDC057EIU7DNJk7LfSy_3jyWJQgkQCLcB/s640/Rohan%2BDennis.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Rohan Dennis (BMC). </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIhimHKcquA/VzNpxpeH5SI/AAAAAAAC-Mc/xYpha790bW8RDX9BQafdiPTjpfdYv-9QACLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIhimHKcquA/VzNpxpeH5SI/AAAAAAAC-Mc/xYpha790bW8RDX9BQafdiPTjpfdYv-9QACLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-113.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Tyler Farrar (Dimension Data). </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFvgff8PgIA/VzNp8j5vguI/AAAAAAAC-Mk/ZyOtf9pesDcmshiiRv0alrqpVssZdeL0QCLcB/s1600/Peter%2BSagan%2BHair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFvgff8PgIA/VzNp8j5vguI/AAAAAAAC-Mk/ZyOtf9pesDcmshiiRv0alrqpVssZdeL0QCLcB/s640/Peter%2BSagan%2BHair.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slovakian Peter Sagan (Tinkoff). </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bziuf_dYSMQ/VzNqNLLrLSI/AAAAAAAC-Mo/LEGcbFU2uFw_Mf9wNp8HpIP3D4g1JPavACLcB/s1600/Rohan%2BDennis%2Band%2BTaylor%2BPhinney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bziuf_dYSMQ/VzNqNLLrLSI/AAAAAAAC-Mo/LEGcbFU2uFw_Mf9wNp8HpIP3D4g1JPavACLcB/s640/Rohan%2BDennis%2Band%2BTaylor%2BPhinney.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Taylor Phinney (BMC).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InxOy_PHtWg/VzNwnnrvR6I/AAAAAAAC-NQ/GvcZRiYvIb4jPrsLPoTVREhK8wKBNUHHgCLcB/s1600/Lawson%2BCraddock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InxOy_PHtWg/VzNwnnrvR6I/AAAAAAAC-NQ/GvcZRiYvIb4jPrsLPoTVREhK8wKBNUHHgCLcB/s640/Lawson%2BCraddock.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Lawson Craddock (now with Cannondale). </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2r8yamf2SI/VzNxAFjcJoI/AAAAAAAC-NU/4cx1fgXlHTwN1KeSef58NccR88B0kd3eACLcB/s1600/Logan%2BOwen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2r8yamf2SI/VzNxAFjcJoI/AAAAAAAC-NU/4cx1fgXlHTwN1KeSef58NccR88B0kd3eACLcB/s640/Logan%2BOwen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Logan Owen (Axeon Hagens Berman).<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZGaJDJYe4k/VzOr9Qoox1I/AAAAAAAC-No/_maN9cyW9W8REUSbf-RqAWDgbsoy9bjBQCLcB/s1600/Mark%2BRenshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZGaJDJYe4k/VzOr9Qoox1I/AAAAAAAC-No/_maN9cyW9W8REUSbf-RqAWDgbsoy9bjBQCLcB/s640/Mark%2BRenshaw.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Renshaw (now with Dimension Data). </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jTiW5Pmu6E/VzOsFu31S3I/AAAAAAAC-Ns/BFcDR0ShBVsF103DxbV-r207LBZuHr25ACLcB/s1600/Julian%2BAlaphilippe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jTiW5Pmu6E/VzOsFu31S3I/AAAAAAAC-Ns/BFcDR0ShBVsF103DxbV-r207LBZuHr25ACLcB/s640/Julian%2BAlaphilippe.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julian Allaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep). </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-qQHfYN37A/VzOsNEVdHBI/AAAAAAAC-Nw/qleV1b3HtBwjNqr6BRalIgtgtPasZDnGwCLcB/s1600/Laurens%2BTen%2BDam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-qQHfYN37A/VzOsNEVdHBI/AAAAAAAC-Nw/qleV1b3HtBwjNqr6BRalIgtgtPasZDnGwCLcB/s640/Laurens%2BTen%2BDam.jpg" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurens ten Dam (now with Giant-Alpecin). </td></tr></tbody></table><br />WHO WILL WEAR BIB #1 IN 2016?<br /><br />It is tradition that the previous year's overall stage winner, if returning to the race in the current year, wear the #1 jersey. His team being recognized as the first team, thus wear #1-8. The other teams are ordered according to race organizers preference, eighteen teams total with eight riders each. At the Tour of California, as is usual, you will see the ProTour teams listed on the roster before the Pro Continental or Continental teams.<br /><br />Peter Sagan will wear #1 on his jersey at the Tour of California. He will be racing hard in 2016 to wear #1 again in 2017. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/you-probably-dont-remember-me-but.html">You probably don't remember me, but</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/womens-teams-and-startlist-for-tour-of.html">Women's teams and startlist for Tour of California</a></li><li>Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/list-of-riders-amgen-tour-of-california.html">List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-36158640293284570682016-05-10T22:09:00.002-06:002016-05-20T18:28:33.425-06:00The order of jerseys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Yellow, green, polka-dot, white - in that order</span></b><br /><br />CLASSIFICATION JERSEYS<br /><br />Classification Jerseys for the Amgen Tour of California 2016 are awarded for best type of rider in a field. This year the Tour of California will feature 5 classifications: Leader (fastest overall time, yellow/gold jersey, also called GC); Mountain (climber, red polka dot jersey); Sprint (fastest sprinter, green jersey); Best Young Rider (under age 25, white jersey); Most Courageous (most combative/competitive, blue Breakaway from Cancer jersey).<br /><br />Look for these jerseys on the road or on the TV: yellow, green, polka-dot, white and blue. The competition for the classification jerseys begins on day one: Stage 1 in San Diego. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06fEtOZPG8c/VzKr6t1EoCI/AAAAAAAC-KQ/DRDyVXlquDEjsyQaluTJSbcMdcBupyF-QCLcB/s1600/Classification%2Bjerseys%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06fEtOZPG8c/VzKr6t1EoCI/AAAAAAAC-KQ/DRDyVXlquDEjsyQaluTJSbcMdcBupyF-QCLcB/s640/Classification%2Bjerseys%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #415161; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Classification jerseys 2016 Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As the stage race progresses the overall classification winner is presented with his jersey on the podium after each stage and will wear the jersey at the start of the next day's stage.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enL5TWQKdaI/VzKsACL6SPI/AAAAAAAC-KU/k5P3psQryocBAunmh67rTGvb4Fb5DP8MwCLcB/s1600/Cavendish%2Bin%2Bgreen%2Bjersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enL5TWQKdaI/VzKsACL6SPI/AAAAAAAC-KU/k5P3psQryocBAunmh67rTGvb4Fb5DP8MwCLcB/s640/Cavendish%2Bin%2Bgreen%2Bjersey.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #415161; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Mark Cavendish won the green sprinter's (points) jersey a the 2015 Amgen Tour of California. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>PRIORITY OF JERSEYS<br /><br />Peter Sagan won the Tour of California last year and will be returning to the ATOC again in 2016. Peter Sagan is also the current World Champion and wears the rainbow striped jersey in every road race.Peter is also the current Slovakian National Road Champion and Time Trial Champion (he's had a good year!). At the start of Stage 1, Peter will be wearing his rainbow jersey at the start line.<br /><br />What if Peter Sagan wins Stage 1 in San Diego,will Peter wear the Amgen yellow leaders jersey or will he wear his rainbow jersey? UCI rules state that the race leaders jersey trumps the rainbow jersey,so at the Tour of California and other UCI pro races, Peter would wear the yellow leader's jersey on the road, or the green sprinters jersey, if he earns either of those jerseys after any stage of the race.<br /><br />Otherwise we will see Peter Sagan in his white and rainbow striped jersey (which is equally thrilling). However, when Peter steps onto the start ramp at the Folsom time trial, don't be surprised if you see him in his Slovakian National time trial skinsuit. Unless he is in the lead in a classification and he will wear the leader's yellow or the sprinter's green jersey, made into a special skinsuit just for him.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojqQaEK2y8o/VzM85FkiBHI/AAAAAAAC-LY/Gq8qVM64h-I0wOmjnXpWQY1FKJZV-4E7ACLcB/s1600/podium%2Bjerseys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojqQaEK2y8o/VzM85FkiBHI/AAAAAAAC-LY/Gq8qVM64h-I0wOmjnXpWQY1FKJZV-4E7ACLcB/s640/podium%2Bjerseys.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classification jerseys in 2015. There will be new designs for 2016. <span style="background-color: white; color: #415161; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Yellow (gold) - Green - Polka-dot - White</b><br /><br />This is the order of priority of jerseys. On the podium, the stage winners are awarded before the classification winners. Sometimes the jerseys are awarded out of order on the podium if a rider is late in arriving, but the yellow jersey is always awarded last. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FZchoAIt9A/VzKsQCkpxSI/AAAAAAAC-KY/-fuXITLXTMMeli9EIFlfUONOhBHdkhZ1wCLcB/s1600/World%2Bchimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FZchoAIt9A/VzKsQCkpxSI/AAAAAAAC-KY/-fuXITLXTMMeli9EIFlfUONOhBHdkhZ1wCLcB/s400/World%2Bchimp.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #415161; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">World Chimpion at the ATOC. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>WHICH JERSEY TO WEAR?<br /><br />What if Peter is ahead in both the overall(yellow) classification and the sprinter (green) classification - which jersey will he wear?<br /><br />According to UCI rules there is a specific order of priority of jerseys. The classification jerseys take precedence in order of yellow, green, polka-dot, white. If a rider is already in a more prominent jersey and has earned one or more other jerseys, he will be awarded with all his jerseys on the podium, but will wear the more prominent jersey at the start of the next stage. His other jersey would go to the second-place rider in that specific jersey classification, who would wear the jersey the next day during the race. Because a rider can only wear one jersey at a time, and because every race organizer wants to have all five jerseys be seen during each stage of the race. So don't be confused if you read that one rider won a classification but another rider shows up wearing his jersey at the stage start on the next morning.<br /><br />UCI rules: should various provisions requiring the wearing of different jerseys apply to the same rider, the order of priority shall be as follows:<br /><br />1. the leader’s jersey of the stage race (yellow)<br />2. the leader’s jersey of the cup, series, or UCI classification<br />3. the world champion’s jersey<br />4. the continental champion’s jersey<br />5. the national champion’s jersey<br />6. the national jersey<br /><br />In summary the World Champion jersey trumps any National Champion jersey, but the World Championship jersey is trumped by the race classification jerseys. Peter Sagan is serious about defending his overall race leaders jersey again this year. I am looking for Peter to be wearing yellow ... or green ... or rainbow, he looks great in them all. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKpRnluYwWU/VzKsb3wSuhI/AAAAAAAC-Kg/KevPFVfp-PcNP0PLmZtJLP1JiuQOOaSbQCLcB/s1600/Peter%2BSagan%2BTime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKpRnluYwWU/VzKsb3wSuhI/AAAAAAAC-Kg/KevPFVfp-PcNP0PLmZtJLP1JiuQOOaSbQCLcB/s640/Peter%2BSagan%2BTime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #415161; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Peter Sagan in the Time Trial at Tour of California wearing a rather nice one-piece skinsuit. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>What if the first stage is a sprint?<br /><br />As the stage progresses the first riders over the KOM marker (mountain points) will be tallied to award the first polka-dot jersey. The youngest riders (under age 25) will be tracked to award the white jersey. There are two sprint markers on route of Stage 1 but the finish line is also considered. Look for the rider vying for the green jersey to sprint at the markers in Navajo Road and Imperial Beach to attempt to weed out the field for the green jersey. It is possible that the first and second place finishers on Stage 1 will wear the yellow (1st place) and green (2nd place), it depends on the motivation and plans of each sprinter.<br /><br />WHO DECIDES ON THE MOST COURAGEOUS RIDER?<br /><br />This is a subjective award decided on by a panel of "experts" (read important people) gathered to acknowledge effort and courage displayed during the day's stage. This is not an accumulated classification but a spotlight on an different individual every stage and the awarding sponsor of the most courageous/aggressive/combative lime-light hogging jersey. <br /><br />HOW IS THE BEST TEAM DECIDED?<br /><br />The best team of the tour is determined by the lowest accumulated time. They get to celebrate wildly with champagne on the final podium. The accumulated team time is calculated based on the total time of the first three riders across the line from each team, <u>each day</u> (not the highest 3 on GC). This accounts for the entire team effort on climbs, sprints and time trials to be considered. Each day those three rider times are added to the next day's three riders with the lowest times, the times accumulate for all 8 stages, and the lowest team time wins the title. <br /><br />Team SKY won best team at the 2015 Amgen Tour of California.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz27isM_0RM/VzNHO0d4UsI/AAAAAAAC-Lw/cULE4qCjPg0sLSsyJNeL3FWlQX_UJlL2QCLcB/s1600/Sky%2BTime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz27isM_0RM/VzNHO0d4UsI/AAAAAAAC-Lw/cULE4qCjPg0sLSsyJNeL3FWlQX_UJlL2QCLcB/s640/Sky%2BTime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #415161; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Peter Kennaugh of T<span style="font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif;">eam SKY<span style="font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif;">. </span></span>©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>CLASSIFICATION JERSEYS AT TIME TRIALS<br /><br />Because World Championships are awarded in road racing, individual time trial and team time trial, each jersey must, and can only, be worn during the specific cycling discipline.<br /><br />The current winner of the <b>World</b> Champion Time Trial, Vasil Kiryienka (Belarus) racing on Team SKY, must wear the time trial skinsuit during every ITT and TTT competition for a year following his win. Peter Sagan, the current Road Champion, cannot wear the rainbow striped jersey during any time trial stage.<br /><br />All riders who have earned a <b>National</b> Championship Time Trial may wear their national colors skinsuit during the time trial.<br /><br />The current <b>Team</b> World Time Trial Champions, BMC Racing Team, wear a small UCI rainbow emblem on the front of their jerseys year round, during both road and ITT or TTT stages.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz4GztSSlaw/VzKson9YJZI/AAAAAAAC-Ko/Nlv_TSvMt28fdSo39cXp0na_ZZ6WiJSWACLcB/s1600/BMC%2BWorld%2BTTT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz4GztSSlaw/VzKson9YJZI/AAAAAAAC-Ko/Nlv_TSvMt28fdSo39cXp0na_ZZ6WiJSWACLcB/s400/BMC%2BWorld%2BTTT.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMC TTT logo on their jerseys</td></tr></tbody></table>Time trial stages do not typically award KOM points. The polka-dot jerseys earned by a rider after Stage 5, in this year's Tour of California, will be worn at the start of Stage 7 in Santa Rosa.<br /><br />Yes, all classification jerseys are worn during the time trial (with special skinsuits often made for the riders.<br /><br />BIB NUMBERS<br /><br />We call them race numbers here in the United States. Bike racers know them as bib numbers, European bike racers as dossard. They are the numbers identifying a racer worn on his or her jersey and on their bike.<br /><br />There is a meaning to the bib numbers (dossards) worn by each rider on a team: read more about the bib number at <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2011/04/word-of-day-dossard.html"> Word of the Day: Dossard </a>, By Pedal Dancer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KMGZnGHiYI/VzKs22mw9wI/AAAAAAAC-Kw/Hjn-zTqOd3A4wr7zgDUB_Q4TIRkXowtCwCLcB/s1600/Riccardo%2BZoidl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KMGZnGHiYI/VzKs22mw9wI/AAAAAAAC-Kw/Hjn-zTqOd3A4wr7zgDUB_Q4TIRkXowtCwCLcB/s640/Riccardo%2BZoidl.jpg" width="394" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #415161; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "montserrat" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Riccardo Zoidl of Trek - showing he was the 1st rider on the 5th team at ATOC in 2015. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>WHO WILL WEAR BIB #1 IN 2016?<br /><br />It is tradition that the previous year's overall stage winner, if returning to the race in the current year, wear the #1 on his jersey. His team being recognized as the first team, thus his teammates wear #2-8. The other teams are ordered according to race organizers preference; eighteen teams total with eight riders each. At the Tour of California, as is usual, you will see the WorldTour teams listed before the Pro Continental or Continental teams wearing lower bib numbers. <br /><br />The 2016 startlist should be announced (hopefully) within 2-48 hours. Anticipation!<br /><br />See the <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/team-jerseys-atoc.html" target="_blank">team jerseys</a> for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California at TourChaser.com<br />See the <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/team-bikes-atoc.html" target="_blank">team bikes and equipmen</a>t for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California at TourChaser.com<br />More <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/fan-education-atoc.html" target="_blank">Fan Education</a> provided by Pedal Dancer®.<br /><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-43105818678127772062016-05-10T19:04:00.000-06:002017-01-13T08:56:26.938-07:00Taking photos at the race, and being Media<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">On race photography, and being credentialed Media/Photo</span></b><br /><br />Over the years my race photography has improved with a <u>lot</u> of practice. What I have learned is that great photos are more about the eye, and the opportunity, than the equipment. When it comes to equipment I use it all from an iphone, a compact Sony camera, to my large Pentax with numerous lenses.<br /><br />I like getting the unusual shot, taking close-ups(zoom), and capturing a moment between fans, riders, coaches, reactions, exhaustion, excitement. Go broad to capture the mood and setting, but zoom into capture human subjects.<br /><br />My biggest tip is to see the race with your own eyes. Get as many photos as you can of yourself and your family and friends at the race. Take a sweeping video of you enjoying the scene at the race. And share those on social media. But when the race actually comes, put down the camera and WATCH IT. Peter Sagan or Taylor Phinney might only pass you once and you will miss looking into their faces if you are looking into your camera.<br /><br />It also pays to know how to move around at a bike race. I often arrive early to map out how to get to and from different key areas of the race. Good shots can be gotten near the teams buses, near the sign-in stage before the start, at the start ramp of time trials or on the corners, or in the area just past the finish line where riders stop to meet their soigneurs post race. Or out on the road at KOM markers where the riders slow down slightly at the passes and the atmosphere is fun.<br /><br />At race starts, I admit I sometimes set the camera on auto and use the zoom extensively. Because I spin constantly to react to riders approaching and leaving, taking in different light and length in shots, I let the camera do its thing and put my time into recognizing the riders and who I want to capture: who I think might be in the break, might win, might be the next big thing, or of interest to the fans.<br /><br />At other times I experiment with focal length and either bring the whole picture into view or blur out the background to highlight the subject. I take lots of photos, most aren't so great, but plenty are fine. I have learned it is all about the light in fast bike racing, especially in Colorado where I like the northwest facing corners. I use all the settings when capturing cyclocross races to get a variety of shots. I do not like standing in the same place for long. Cyclocross races are excellent for practicing cycling photography - your subjects come by repeatedly and the whole scene is fantastic atmosphere. <br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2014/09/my-photography.html">My Photography</a> - how I get the shots, by Pedal Dancer®.<br /><br />Also read: <a href="http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/features/darrell-parks-2016-cycling-calendar/#.VzIMyj_aZNQ">Photog’s View: Darrell Parks 2016 Cycling Calendar</a>, by Darrel Parks in PezCycling News, about photos he captured at the Tour of California for his annual calendar.<br /><br />Also read: Jim Fryer and Iri Greco of Brake Through Media who write a fantastic series for VeloNews titled <a href="http://velonews.competitor.com/search?q=the+shot"> The Shot</a> about how they achieve iconic images of the races in Europe.<br /><br /><br /><b>How did I get this shot?</b> I sat on the ground, on the dirty pavement, and watched the winner of the 2015 Tour of California pass by as I pushed the shutter button. My work was easy, Peter Sagan's hard work won him the race! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNdf-NCFN6s/VzKCsmBw1kI/AAAAAAAC-KA/EiwGkZ_64qsnPZMSaeKQgFRxzHLGFJo8wCLcB/s1600/Peter%2BSagan%2BTime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNdf-NCFN6s/VzKCsmBw1kI/AAAAAAAC-KA/EiwGkZ_64qsnPZMSaeKQgFRxzHLGFJo8wCLcB/s640/Peter%2BSagan%2BTime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magnificent Peter Sagan. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>What is it like being a credentialed photographer at the race?</b><br /><br />I get to wear a fancy PHOTO badge that flips and spins in the wind and gets tangled up in my camera straps. I also get to wear the most unbecoming numbered blue vest (if I am deemed worthy in the great pecking order of photographers) that many a photographer has sweated in prior to my own wearing of the vest. There is an unspoken dress code among photographers that we wear black or khaki, which gets really hot on sunny days and appears so boring in the midst of all the colorful fans. I think we wear black because we are not supposed to stand out (as if the camera focuses in on us anyway). There are other norms I had to learn, like who stands where in the pack at finish lines or podium presentations. The yellow bib photographers are like mini-gods, I must give respect to the yellow-bibs, those who are more 'accomplished' and arrive late to the pack at the finish line on the back of motorcycles (really they are just bigger than me ... and more serious).<br /><br />Basically photographing a pro bike race is juggling a series of implied laws yet trying to be unique within the boundaries. The pressure is intense, the fun is great, the reward is memorable.<br /><br />In response to the intensity, I introduced the smile.<br /><br />I can say it took me five years to melt the ice with that smile. Five years of smiling and getting to know people, making friends, not stepping on toes and being really really nice. All while moving around the venue like a banshee set on discovering the next great photograph or story. At times I feel intrusive by snapping photos of strangers, but I have enjoyed recognizing the riders and seeing their growth throughout their careers. For me, it really is about discovering what makes a particular competition excellent. Finding the stories in the people, discovering a new perspective and sharing my enthusiasm by participating in a sport I love.<br /><br />Without the fans the sport of cycling would be so dull. If the riders do not notice the beautiful scenery they race through, they certainly remember which towns had huge crowds. My purpose in conjunction with the race is to help the crowds gather. To tell the story of the fan.<br /><br />I look forward to attending the 11th Amgen Tour of California.<br /><br /><b>How did I become Media?</b><br /><br />I had to apply through an application form for media. I had to prove I worked for a publication which shone a positive light on the event and reached a community of old and new followers. I first got up the nerve to apply in 2011 when I realized, hey I am already promoting this race (for free), I want better access. I later discovered that a "photo" badge would get me into far more places than a "media" badge (there is a difference and it is printed on the badge). I can always do the job of media while photographing a story, but since I started as a writer I had to up my game in photography. Pictures might be worth a thousand words, but I have come back to the truth that the story matters. The story is the race. And the fans and sponsors who support the race by showing up.<br /><br /><b>What it is like being Media at the race?</b><br /><br />Firstly, I had to drop my old habits of jumping barriers, hanging out with family and asking anybody the silliest questions. I had to remind myself not to ask Mark Cavendish, who was standing right in front of me, for an autograph, because 'Media' persons don't that. I do however have a tradition of asking the overall winner to sign my badge after the last press conference. I keep them, hanging in my bike room, which is covered with cycling memorabilia.<br /><br />I have had the experience, on a number of occasions, of riding inside the Media car during the race along the race route. Let me tell you, it is true what they say - it is crazy out there on the road with motos zipping this way and that and the race radio reporting in multiple languages. But most of the people in motion following the peloton have a history together; they are experienced and they know the procedures and roads. Steve and Terry who have driven the two Media cars for many years in the major American Tour races are excellent drivers (Terry being an ex-racer himself).<br /><br />Life on the road as one of the many photojournalists chasing the race, is a series of very long days of scouting out the stage, planning on the map where to get shots, capturing 1000s of photos, being severely dehydrated, rushing to the podium, maybe to the post-stage press conference, downloading, editing, posting, writing, finding food somewhere,driving to the next town, unpacking, packing and trying desperately to keep up with what is happening in the real race. The race becomes what is happening in front of my square footage view unless I read social media or other news reports. It is exhausting, but everyone stays in good mood knowing we need each other to get through the week, stage after stage.<br /><br />Ideally I think it takes a crew of three to really cover a stage race well. A driver, a navigator, a planner/reader of race happenings. And definitely two out of three need an excellent sense of humor, patience and a love of adventure; maybe all three. <br /><br />The type of stories I write need a light-hearted human and humorous approach. I try not to let the physical exhaustion over-power the pure giddy excitement I feel about being at a bike race. I love pro cycling, I love that there are so many moving parts and so much more to learn about the sport. I love that the competition is so unknown and yet the best riders, who often know each other well, and perhaps have been teammates on other teams, put all aside and try their very best to win the race, because each race is a new chance to prove themselves as a champion.<br /><br />Read more specific <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/spectator-tips-atoc.html" target="_blank">Spectator Tips</a>, <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/spectator-tips-atoc.html" target="_blank">Fans Education</a> and <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/how-to-watch-atoc.html" target="_blank">How to Watch</a> the Amgen Tour of California, starting in San Diego this Sunday!<br /><br />Remember my new website Tour Chaser (<a href="http://tourchaser.com/">TourChaser.com</a>).<br /><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016 Amgen Tour of California:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/list-of-riders-amgen-tour-of-california.html">List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li><li>Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-46450802902727968382016-05-09T18:20:00.002-06:002016-05-12T11:46:42.840-06:00Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">SPECTATOR TIPS<br /><br />Top 22 spectator tips for seeing the Amgen Tour of California, by Pedal Dancer®:<br /><ul></ul><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Print this <a href="http://amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016cities/2016AmgenTOC_MainMap_0505_V14.pdf" target="_blank">one single page with all the facts</a> created by AmgenTourofCalifornia.com</li><li>Study the team rosters (startlist) and team websites to better recognize the racers (<a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/teams--riders-atoc.html" target="_blank">Teams</a>)</li><li>Attend the Team Presentation if possible (<a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/events--vip-atoc.html" target="_blank">Events & VIP</a>)</li><li>Check for road closures and allow for time to park (always park where it is easiest to get out)</li><li>Know the start and finish times of the stage you are attending (see <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/stages-atoc.html" target="_blank">Stages</a>) </li><li>Arrive 2 hours before any start or finish (<a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/stages-atoc.html" target="_blank">stages</a>)</li><li>Allow time to watch the women's race before the men's race.</li><li>Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and a rain jacket</li><li>Ride your bike up a mountain! </li><li>Ride your bike into the city: use bike valets or bring a good bike lock </li><li>Visit the team buses at the start of a stage and ask the mechanics a question</li><li>Use Tour Tracker app to watch while you wait, or watch the jumbo-trons in the Lifestyle Festival near the finish (<a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/how-to-watch-atoc.html" target="_blank">How to watch</a>)</li><li>Enjoy the festival and sponsor booths at every finish area while you wait </li><li>Bring a rider startlist to the time trial, or use your Tour Tracker app to check the order of rider start times</li><li>Buy a VIP ticket in San Diego, Monterey, Santa Rosa, or Sacramento</li><li>Put down the phone and watch the race with your eyes - look for the yellow jersey</li><li>Stay overnight in a host city and dine locally</li><li>Go to more than one stage: see a start, a finish, a mountain top, a sprint, a KOM, a feed zone (feed zone locations are marked on route profile maps) (<a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/routes--maps-atoc.html" target="_blank">Routes and Maps)</a></li><li>Wear your Tour of California tshirts, hats or gear (<a href="http://amgentourofcaliforniastore.com/" target="_blank">ATOC shop</a>), or wear blue and yellow. </li><li>Bring 3 sharpie pens for autographs (just in case you loose one, or two) (<a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/spectator-tips-atoc.html" target="_blank">Spectator Tips</a>)</li><li>Always carry something to autograph, just in case you see your favorite racer before or after a stage, or while walking around town.</li><li>Come back again next year!</li></ol><b>Read more by Pedal Dancer at TourChaser.com:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/spectator-tips-atoc.html" target="_blank">spectator tips</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/fan-education-atoc.html" target="_blank">fan education</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/news-atoc.html" target="_blank">stories of interest for fans</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-details-atoc.html" target="_blank">race details</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/team-bikes-atoc.html" target="_blank">team bikes</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/team-jerseys-atoc.html" target="_blank">team and classification jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/routes--maps-atoc.html" target="_blank">routes and maps</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/how-to-watch-atoc.html" target="_blank">how to watch the ATOC race</a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/events--vip-atoc.html" target="_blank">special events and VIP</a> </li></ul>Recommended Read: Ted's blog post <a href="http://www.iamtedking.com/2013/08/goooooooooooooooooo-team/">GooOOOOoooOOooOOooo Team</a>! Ex-pro American Ted King explains to fans what it sounds like from the saddle inside the peloton - <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2013/08/recommended-reading-ted-king-on-what.html">TED King on what not to say</a> - the riders hear what you say.<br /><br /><b>A bike race is coming to town:</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSwwEATAZSw/VzEhaRkv_YI/AAAAAAAC-I4/WdMtdhwRn3EZ0c_-v22hAhCtHcTuKRVzgCKgB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSwwEATAZSw/VzEhaRkv_YI/AAAAAAAC-I4/WdMtdhwRn3EZ0c_-v22hAhCtHcTuKRVzgCKgB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-80.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">Servais Knaven of Team Sky<i> probably </i>using Tour Tracker to check the stage start time (and why does this Team Sky car have New Jersey plates?). </span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXXROJhqHkQ/VzEginCHa_I/AAAAAAAC-Iw/FZkMVRwDV3IvsJGdsiBCtenvbZ8fNGAUQCLcB/s1600/Dombrowski%2Bwaits%2Bfor%2BTT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXXROJhqHkQ/VzEginCHa_I/AAAAAAAC-Iw/FZkMVRwDV3IvsJGdsiBCtenvbZ8fNGAUQCLcB/s640/Dombrowski%2Bwaits%2Bfor%2BTT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Dombrowski was deep in concentration pre ITT in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_c16VkPXks/VzEjS-5BikI/AAAAAAAC-JE/BpMrKkoYTPwJUi6-gD3ACaOOktdrBcylgCLcB/s1600/SKY%2BStaff%2Bmember%2Bwait%2Bat%2Bfinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_c16VkPXks/VzEjS-5BikI/AAAAAAAC-JE/BpMrKkoYTPwJUi6-gD3ACaOOktdrBcylgCLcB/s640/SKY%2BStaff%2Bmember%2Bwait%2Bat%2Bfinish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Sky staff members wait at the finish line at Mt Baldy KOM in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lMz0dcIntE/VzEjsM34oxI/AAAAAAAC-JI/6ENfV4-9-UMl9_1f0qfMT9NYGiqbJ7YRwCLcB/s1600/UHC%2BStaff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lMz0dcIntE/VzEjsM34oxI/AAAAAAAC-JI/6ENfV4-9-UMl9_1f0qfMT9NYGiqbJ7YRwCLcB/s640/UHC%2BStaff.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United Healthcare staff members in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEIRcYah9F0/VzEkfSsHEYI/AAAAAAAC-JY/hHhiYHChtvIX6kzWGNt5L-yaL2m7rG54ACLcB/s1600/IMGP0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEIRcYah9F0/VzEkfSsHEYI/AAAAAAAC-JY/hHhiYHChtvIX6kzWGNt5L-yaL2m7rG54ACLcB/s640/IMGP0574.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEJFvysRUCo/VzEkwU9RqAI/AAAAAAAC-Jc/NgU6pTIJKhYkxslnIfm4w0LU8rRFFEdxwCLcB/s1600/time%2Btrial%2Bstart%2Bramp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEJFvysRUCo/VzEkwU9RqAI/AAAAAAAC-Jc/NgU6pTIJKhYkxslnIfm4w0LU8rRFFEdxwCLcB/s640/time%2Btrial%2Bstart%2Bramp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfuJFq_y5SI/VzEooaSuiMI/AAAAAAAC-Js/hriGenR8C8gWkz9a6FyPq41E3S-CDpylgCLcB/s1600/Taylor%2Bautographs%2Bfor%2Bfana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfuJFq_y5SI/VzEooaSuiMI/AAAAAAAC-Js/hriGenR8C8gWkz9a6FyPq41E3S-CDpylgCLcB/s640/Taylor%2Bautographs%2Bfor%2Bfana.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Phinney signs an autograph for a fan. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016 Amgen Tour of California:</b><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/list-of-riders-amgen-tour-of-california.html">List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li><li>Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-65577317094028169952016-05-03T12:29:00.002-06:002016-05-12T11:47:05.213-06:00Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Stage profiles, stage sponsors and city websites.</span></b><br /><br />Profile maps have been provided for each stage of the upcoming Tour of California (May15-22, 2016). The route will cover nearly 800 miles and almost 16,000ft of climbing. Each stage is sponsored by a major race supporter. Below are the profile maps with start / finish locations, distance, sprint locations, KOM locations (with climb rating) and feed stations.<br /><br /><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: medium;">2016 Amgen Tour of California </span><br /><br />Stage 1 profile map Tour of California - 106 mi/170.5 km <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HoFizEGy74/VyjSmcXFP0I/AAAAAAAC-E8/i52-ZTiYAb0n1Iu5W_vPIE-IBsf4KV3XgCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B1%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 1 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HoFizEGy74/VyjSmcXFP0I/AAAAAAAC-E8/i52-ZTiYAb0n1Iu5W_vPIE-IBsf4KV3XgCLcB/s640/Stage%2B1%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Stage 1 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 1 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table>Stage 2 profile map Tour of California - 92 mi/148 km<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l13za8djHTM/VyjTihSOBkI/AAAAAAAC-FE/Pz08x1tcv8MqFkLfP8nssuy0WcB9uj20gCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B2%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 2 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l13za8djHTM/VyjTihSOBkI/AAAAAAAC-FE/Pz08x1tcv8MqFkLfP8nssuy0WcB9uj20gCLcB/s640/Stage%2B2%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Stage 2 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 2 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table>Stage 3 profile map Tour of California - 104.1 mi/167.5 km<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_4_9VKYlJM/VyjT21TKjZI/AAAAAAAC-FI/H3elaqJ-04QuguGXliXwsUonKMzr31rpACLcB/s1600/Stage%2B3%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 3 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="452" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_4_9VKYlJM/VyjT21TKjZI/AAAAAAAC-FI/H3elaqJ-04QuguGXliXwsUonKMzr31rpACLcB/s640/Stage%2B3%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Stage 3 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 3 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table>Stage 4 profile map Tour of California - 133.6 mi/215 km<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O31bD2X91s/VyjUfO44_YI/AAAAAAAC-FQ/FcLAIZTQ0WEJ33i9fUI0FI1lDsyvmGdGACLcB/s1600/%2BStage%2B4%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Stage 4 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O31bD2X91s/VyjUfO44_YI/AAAAAAAC-FQ/FcLAIZTQ0WEJ33i9fUI0FI1lDsyvmGdGACLcB/s640/%2BStage%2B4%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title=" Stage 4 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Stage 4 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table>Stage 5 profile map Tour of California - 132.4 mi/213 km (men)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncEYIsVr2uQ/VyjUw2KiZ2I/AAAAAAAC-FY/PKgNfoAFXrYV_QY4fecQJ16bgnqM-vH3gCLcB/s1600/%2B%2BStage%2B5%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 5 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncEYIsVr2uQ/VyjUw2KiZ2I/AAAAAAAC-FY/PKgNfoAFXrYV_QY4fecQJ16bgnqM-vH3gCLcB/s640/%2B%2BStage%2B5%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Stage 5 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Stage 5 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table>Stage 6 profile map Tour of California - 12.6 mi/20.3 km<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCY7KMTNsmE/VyjVYBo_BXI/AAAAAAAC-Fg/R76JyfweRHQxs67Sx6jGbgZLQqM9GnipgCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B6%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 6 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCY7KMTNsmE/VyjVYBo_BXI/AAAAAAAC-Fg/R76JyfweRHQxs67Sx6jGbgZLQqM9GnipgCLcB/s640/Stage%2B6%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Stage 6 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 6 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table> Stage 7 profile map Tour of California - 109 mi/175.5 km (men)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dvB2Mkktbo/VyjWGwPspwI/AAAAAAAC-Fs/FfGn7H7XZE8ZvicKzZ4F6ohiYn2I7jDkQCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B7%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 7 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dvB2Mkktbo/VyjWGwPspwI/AAAAAAAC-Fs/FfGn7H7XZE8ZvicKzZ4F6ohiYn2I7jDkQCLcB/s640/Stage%2B7%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Stage 7 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 7 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table> Stage 8 profile map Tour of California - 84.8 mi/136.5 km (men)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FljlQnw5vbw/VyjWdsyZFVI/AAAAAAAC-Fw/5_gHWZydUnYPE6eT41p3awhie0563v00QCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B8%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 8 profile map Tour of California" border="0" height="412" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FljlQnw5vbw/VyjWdsyZFVI/AAAAAAAC-Fw/5_gHWZydUnYPE6eT41p3awhie0563v00QCLcB/s640/Stage%2B8%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Stage 8 profile map Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 8 profile map Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">Tour of California Stage Sponsors and Host Cities</span></b><br /><br />Stage 1 - Sponsor: <a href="http://amgentourofcalifornia.com/amgen" target="_blank">Breakaway from Heart Disease</a><br />Stage 1 - Host City - San Diego<br />Stage 1 - May 15, 2016<br /><br />Stage 2 - Sponsor: <a href="https://www.sram.com/" target="_blank">SRAM</a> <br />Stage 2 - South Pasadena and Santa Clarita<br />Stage 2 - May 16, 2016 <br /><br />Stage 3 - Sponsor: <a href="http://amgentourofcalifornia.com/amgen" target="_blank">Breakaway from Cancer</a><br />Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks and Santa Barbara County<br />Stage 3 - May 17, 2016 <br /><br />Stage 4 - Sponsor: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a><br />Stage 4 - Morro Bay and Monterey County<br />Stage 4 - May 18, 2016<br /><br />Stage 5 - Sponsor: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a><br />Stage 5 - Lodi and South Lake Tahoe<br />Stage 5 - May 19, 2016<br /><br />Stage 6 - Sponsor: <a href="https://www.sram.com/" target="_blank">SRAM</a><br />Stage 6 - Folsom<br />Stage 6 - May 20, 2016<br /><br />Stage 7 - Sponsor: <a href="https://www.sram.com/" target="_blank">SRAM</a><br />Stage 7 - Santa Rosa<br />Stage 7 - May 21, 2016 <br /><br />Stage 8 - Sponsor: <a href="http://www.lexus.com/" target="_blank">Lexus</a><br />Stage 8 - Sacramento<br />Stage 8 - May 22, 2016 <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Tour of California - route maps, start and finish times, Host City information websites</span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stage 1 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage01.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 1</a> | Start <b><span style="color: #990000;">11:30</span></b> AM, Finish 3:40 PM | <a href="http://www.sd2015loc.com/" target="_blank">San Diego ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 2 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage02.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 2</a> | Start 12:05 PM, Finish 3:46 PM | <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/" target="_blank">Santa Clarita ATOC</a> </li><li>Stage 3 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage03.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 3</a> | Start 11:10 AM, Finish 3:48 PM | <a href="http://santabarbaraca.com/amgen-tour-of-california/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 4 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 4</a> | Start 10:10 AM, Finish 3:43 PM | <a href="http://www.morrobay.org/events/amgen-tour-of-california" target="_blank">Morro Bay ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 5 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage05.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 5</a> | Start 10:00 AM, Finish 3:46 PM | <a href="http://amgentoclodi.com/" target="_blank">Lodi ATOC </a></li><li>Stage 6 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage06.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 6</a> | Start 1:04 PM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.folsom.ca.us/visitors/things_to_do/amgen_tour_of_california.asp" target="_blank">Folsom ATOC </a></li><li>Stage 7 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage07.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 7</a> | Start 11:55 AM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.tourrosa.com/" target="_blank">Santa Rosa ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 8 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage08.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 8</a> | Start 11:55 AM, Finish 3"45 PM | <a href="http://www.sacsports.com/amgentoc/" target="_blank">Sacramento ATOC</a></li></ul><span style="color: #073763;">See the stage route maps, here: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></span><b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></b><br /><br />Visit California offers tips on where to see the race and local businesses of cycling significance, here: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California Tour of California page</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Official Race Website</a> - Amgen Tour of California<br /><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016 Amgen Tour of California:</b><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/list-of-riders-amgen-tour-of-california.html">List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li><li>Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-17235101604721418442016-04-27T17:27:00.001-06:002016-05-12T11:47:18.307-06:00News and stories of interest for Fans - Tour of California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>STORIES OF INTEREST at the 2016 Tour of California</b></span><br /><br />Did you know that <b>Jelly Belly</b> Racing Team has been together for seventeen years and is the only Pro Team based near San Diego, California, in San Marcus. <a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sponsored/2016/apr/15/jelly-belly-cycling-team/" target="_blank">Read more.</a><br /><br /><b>Peter Sagan</b>, the current Slovakian National Champion and current World Champion Road, will sign a new team contract next year and is reported to be seeking a salary of over 6 million. Considering that the entire Jelly Belly team operates under a budget of 1.5 million (and gives out free jelly beans), that is a lot of money for riding a bike. In the words of Bob Roll, "Is he worth it? I think he is absolutely worth it. He is the best thing that has happened to professional cycling in a long while. He is a phenomenal rider." Peter will wear bib #1 as the defending champion of the Tour of California.<br /><br />Legendary basketball player <b>Bill Walton</b> is a familiar face at the Tour of California. He loves riding a bike. Read more <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/bill-walton-is-all-about-the-bike-1461191925" target="_blank">Bill Walton Is All About the Bike</a>, By Jason Gay at The Wall Street Journal.<br /><br />You might notice some <b>changes in team names</b> this year. Holowesko-Citadel is the old team Hincapie Racing. Rally is the old Optum. Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka is the old MTN-Qhubeka. Direct Énergie is the old Europcar team. Axeon Hagens Berman cycling team morphed out of Bissell Development Team. Note that the names have changed but not every sponsor or rider on these new teams is the same.<br /><br />Did you know pro cyclist Taylor Phinney (BMC) is also an artist? And you have a chance to win a <b>BMC bike custom painted by Taylor</b>, <a href="http://velonews.competitor.com/winthisbike" target="_blank">enter bike contest on VeloNews</a>. You might have known that Taylor's dad Davis Phinney works with the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's, did you know Taylor's mom Connie Carpenter Phinney is also a former Olympian cyclist and speed-skater, and a race stage announcer for women's pro cycling? Taylor's painted bikes look a bit like a Dario Pegoretti bike, read: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2012/02/handmade-pegoretti-bike.html" target="_blank">A handmade Pegoretti bike</a>, By Pedal Dancer®.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYLTWGmr4qM/VyE6sSXdz7I/AAAAAAAC-CM/yIcyoueIK241GES-ZTLQJgUbQvzveZUfgCLcB/s1600/Fans%2Bat%2Bthe%2Brace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYLTWGmr4qM/VyE6sSXdz7I/AAAAAAAC-CM/yIcyoueIK241GES-ZTLQJgUbQvzveZUfgCLcB/s640/Fans%2Bat%2Bthe%2Brace.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fans gather to watch the stage start in Santa Barbara in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Spectators at the women's race in northern California, are up for a real treat in watching Great Britain racer <b>Lizzie Armistead</b> (Boels Dolmans Cycling Team). Cycling News reports that <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/armitstead-back-in-the-womens-worldtour-lead-after-tour-of-flanders-victory/" target="_blank">Armistead is indeed heading to California to race</a>. US road champion Megan Guarnier, women's UCI Hour Record holder Evelyn Stevens, and two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong will also compete in the women's race.<br /><br />We actually have another Host City for the Tour of California this year that should be acknowledged and appreciated - Modesto. Teams will be staying in hotels in <b>Modesto</b> between Stages 4 and 5 on May 18th. According to <a href="http://m.lodinews.com/news/article_3acf3ee0-e825-11e5-960f-ef3d43663a40.html?mode=jqm" target="_blank">Lodinews.com</a>, Modesto City Council voted to enter into an agreement (that agreement equaling a $75,000 cost in hotels and restaurants for teams and staff) with Amgen to host the riders over the one night, having finished the stage in Monterey, the teams will then travel to Lodi the next morning for the stage start.<br /><br />The Directeur Sportif for the <a href="http://2016.axeoncycling.com/" target="_blank">Axeon Hagens Berman</a> (USA) team is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonkheer" title="Jonkheer">Jonkheer</a> ("The Honourable") <b>Axel Merckx</b>, son of Eddy Merckx who has been made a baron in Belgium. The team's bike sponsor is not Merckx bikes, instead they race on Specialized bikes. Keep your eyes open at the race because Eddy Merckx has been known to visit looking like any other fan in the crowd. I have returned home only to look through photographs to realize "What? I was standing next to Eddy!"<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38EIumiGaSs/VyFGknwVsnI/AAAAAAAC-Co/x8BeDHC5B2oi71WPgUG_E7J4-PF8e3ElwCLcB/s1600/IMGP9984.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38EIumiGaSs/VyFGknwVsnI/AAAAAAAC-Co/x8BeDHC5B2oi71WPgUG_E7J4-PF8e3ElwCLcB/s640/IMGP9984.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riders come and go to the sign-in stage at a stage start; lots of activity to watch for fans. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Stage 1 start time</b> is <span style="color: #990000;">11:30 AM</span> (the San Diego Local Organizing Committee has wrongly printed the start time as 10:30 am, this is incorrect). As at every other UCI race, riders must sign-in on the sign-in stage at least one hour before the stage start (some sign in with 10 minutes to go). There is also a customary singing of the national anthem before the start; these proceedings are not considered the official race start. The start time is solid (when the gun sounds), affecting road closures and TV coverage. So, show up early, but the race starts at <u>11:30</u> a.m. <br /><br /><b>Tourism</b> is real business. Host cities pay large sums to Amgen Tour of California to host a stage start or finish. Their motivation is to increase tourism by being seen on TV, and boosting visitors on race day and repeat customers. <a href="http://m.lodinews.com/">Lodinews.com</a> reports encouraging statistics overall from 2015, with the Tour of California one of their biggest events of the year, "Lodi Wine and Visitors Center has seen a 21 percent uptick in walk-in customers, and the number of visitors to the Visit Lodi webpage have increased by 163 percent. Hotels are reporting as high as 85 to 92 percent occupancy rates."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fz4241nonHs/VyFF0sky1uI/AAAAAAAC-Cc/tcpRFDyJaPMmAr-onBGBoERuSnBzSpMwACLcB/s1600/IMGP1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fz4241nonHs/VyFF0sky1uI/AAAAAAAC-Cc/tcpRFDyJaPMmAr-onBGBoERuSnBzSpMwACLcB/s640/IMGP1409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fans huddle around a TV at a mountain top finish on Mt Baldy last year. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Team Novo-Nordisk</b> deserves your attention. They are not only a team sponsored by a manufacturer of medications for diabetes, they are a team of riders who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Not only inspirational but educational for young athletes wanting to understand the potential of their disease and being an elite athlete. Read more in an interview out of the U.K.: <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/blog/2016/04/former-team-novo-nordisk-cyclist-joe-eldridge-talks-type-1-diabetes-retirement-and-sharing-his-story/" target="_blank">Former Team Novo Nordisk cyclist Joe Eldridge discusses his type 1 diabetes management.</a> Also read <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Type I Training Tips from a National Champion</a> (track), written by Mandy Marquardt of team Novo Nordisk.<br /><br />Not only did ex-pro <b>Jens Voigt</b> participate in this year's L'Etape California, the day when amateur cyclists took on Stage 3 of the Amgen Tour of California (from Thousand Oaks up Gibralter Rd to La Cumbre Peak in Santa Barbara), but you are guaranteed to meet and get a signed autograph from Jens during two Meet and Greets, with a limited number of fans, in conjunction with V.I.P. Passes purchased in Santa Clarita or Monterey, by paying $65 extra for a 1-on-1 with Jens. Go to this page select <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/vipaccess/vip-experiences" target="_blank">more info</a> to ask about meeting Jensie. Or complete <a href="https://aegsports.formstack.com/forms/meet_jens?utm_source=Santa+Rosa+Spotlight+%2811+of+13%29+4.25.16&utm_campaign=Santa+Rosa+Spotlight&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">this form.</a><br /><br />This year citizens who are cancer survivors, caretakers or those affected by the disease will have the opportunity to participate in the <b> Breakaway Mile</b> (walk) in three host cities: San Diego, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento. <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/breakawaymile" target="_blank">Register</a> for the Breakaway Mile.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zH_zQ5YfZAQ/VyFHVrdWWcI/AAAAAAAC-C4/DgrtgePOSrEoxISNeSDxhnG0eh0wpcbZQCLcB/s1600/IMGP0415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zH_zQ5YfZAQ/VyFHVrdWWcI/AAAAAAAC-C4/DgrtgePOSrEoxISNeSDxhnG0eh0wpcbZQCLcB/s640/IMGP0415.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Giant-Alpecin team waits for an espresso outside the Rapha espresso trailer in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>There are some <b>firsts for the 2016</b> version of the Tour of California. This will be the first time the race has finished up Gibralter Rd to La Cumbre Peak in Santa Barbara, the first time Morro Bay has hosted a stage start, and the first time the race has ridden on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey County. This will also be the longest distance (almost 800 miles) covered in the race with the most climbing (about 65,000ft).<br /><br />In this old piece on Bike Forums, Eric Smith, now Race Technical Director for Amgen Tour of California, Eric explains the <b>process for creating the race route</b> well in advance. <a href="http://www.bikeforums.net/southern-california/500879-tour-ca-how-eric-smith.html" target="_blank">Tour of CA "How-To" by Eric Smith</a>.<br /><br />For fans of the <b>Spring Classics</b> in Belgium and France, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) recently won both Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields and Ronde van Vlaanderen / Tour des Flandres. While young Logan Owen (Axeon Hagens Berman) won the Under-23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège title and Jon Dibben (Team Wiggins) won the 2016 U23 Tour of Flanders version. Huge victories. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSTTBotDkQw/VyFHuX2K2tI/AAAAAAAC-DA/pJT1USb-yQECtBt3Z_7Q2_EGL6QJwvf6wCLcB/s1600/IMGP0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSTTBotDkQw/VyFHuX2K2tI/AAAAAAAC-DA/pJT1USb-yQECtBt3Z_7Q2_EGL6QJwvf6wCLcB/s640/IMGP0740.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun to watch the riders warm up before the time trial (here are Mark Cavendish and Julian Alaphilippe). <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Sponsors</b>: According to the bike blog <a href="http://inrng.com/2016/01/team-sponsors-what-do-they-do/" target="_blank">The Inner Ring</a>, Katusha's team name "is an abbreviated version of Ekaterina, Catherine in English and a famous Soviet wartime folk song in Russia." They are also the only WorldTour team at the Tour of California to be using SRAM components. Did you know Segafredo is one company making up the MZB group based in Italy, the group is the world's largest coffee producers. Did you know team Tinkoff gets its name from Oleg Tinkoff who built his business fortune brewing upscale beers for young professionals in Russia. Did you know the South African team Dimension Data is also sponsored by Deloitte, based in New York City, the company is the largest international professional services network in the world by revenue. And I am grateful they like cycling. <br /><br />The city and county of <b>San Diego</b> have gone all out as the start host city for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California. Engaging businesses and local community support, they have many pre-race and Stage 1 activities planned for locals and visitors, including a celebration for the team presentation. More information: <a href="http://www.sd2015loc.com/" target="_blank">San Diego ATOC.</a><br /><br />The annual Luther Burbank <b>Rose Parade</b> will take place from 12:15-2:15 p.m. in Santa Rosa on the same day as Stage 7, while the peloton is out on course. Joan Lunden, a breast cancer survivor, will be Grand Marshall of the parade in Santa Rosa, <a href="http://roseparadefestival.com/" target="_blank">more information.</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tva8xsFo-GE/VyFG8oZwgwI/AAAAAAAC-Cw/Cngn0AS0hxM1S5O1Qhm7M5LFNvwsVJq1QCLcB/s1600/IMGP9885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tva8xsFo-GE/VyFG8oZwgwI/AAAAAAAC-Cw/Cngn0AS0hxM1S5O1Qhm7M5LFNvwsVJq1QCLcB/s640/IMGP9885.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan wait in the VIP tent. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>A particularly good deal is the <b>VIP Hospitality Pass</b> in San Diego ($209). The start line and finish line are not in the same place, but there will be VIP tents at both locations. I was told by the VIP Experience salesperson that a purchase of the Finish VIP pass in San Diego will get you into both places at the start and finish. Start VIP Hours will be from 10:00AM - 12:00 PM. Finish VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Stage 7 in Santa Rosa will be another long day in the comfort of the VIP tent. <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/vipaccess/vip-hospitality-passes" target="_blank">Buy VIP tickets.</a> <br /><br />This year, Stage 3 up Gibralter Road to La Cumbre Peak KOM is the <b><i>Queen Stage</i></b> of the Tour of California. Stage <i>7</i> in Santa Rosa is calling itself the <i>King Stage</i>, but is also the <b><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2011/01/word-of-day-penultimate.html" target="_blank"><i>Penulitimate</i></a></b> stage.<br /><br />While many America pros are now living in Girona, Spain, or Nice, France - Dutch pro rider <b>Laurens ten Dam</b> (Giant-Alepcin team) now lives in Santa Cruz, CA with his family. Americans Andrew Talansky and Peter Stetina live in the Santa Rosa area of California. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuJ-0ra_gns/VyFIWdJB-MI/AAAAAAAC-DI/-gVcb0kjOVgooxjntXJVTrOqtouQNPB8wCLcB/s1600/IMGP1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuJ-0ra_gns/VyFIWdJB-MI/AAAAAAAC-DI/-gVcb0kjOVgooxjntXJVTrOqtouQNPB8wCLcB/s640/IMGP1233.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freddie Rodriguez and his son checking out the Jelly Belly swag in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Tour of California - maps, start and finish times, city website:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stage 1 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage01.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 1</a> | Start <b><span style="color: #990000;">11:30</span></b> AM, Finish 3:40 PM | <a href="http://www.sd2015loc.com/" target="_blank">San Diego ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 2 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage02.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 2</a> | Start 12:05 PM, Finish 3:46 PM | <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/" target="_blank">Santa Clarita ATOC</a> </li><li>Stage 3 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage03.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 3</a> | Start 11:10 AM, Finish 3:48 PM | <a href="http://santabarbaraca.com/amgen-tour-of-california/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 4 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 4</a> | Start 10:10 AM, Finish 3:43 PM | <a href="http://www.morrobay.org/events/amgen-tour-of-california" target="_blank">Morro Bay ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 5 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage05.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 5</a> | Start 10:00 AM, Finish 3:46 PM | <a href="http://amgentoclodi.com/" target="_blank">Lodi ATOC </a></li><li>Stage 6 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage06.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 6</a> | Start 1:04 PM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.folsom.ca.us/visitors/things_to_do/amgen_tour_of_california.asp" target="_blank">Folsom ATOC </a></li><li>Stage 7 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage07.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 7</a> | Start 11:55 AM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.tourrosa.com/" target="_blank">Santa Rosa ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 8 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage08.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 8</a> | Start 11:55 AM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.sacsports.com/amgentoc/" target="_blank">Sacramento ATOC</a></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fl_En_1Qp8/VyFN_0s0DgI/AAAAAAAC-Dk/5NNZAQJUWoUqiaYYMm7tUeJc5ygtfO8lACLcB/s1600/IMGP0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fl_En_1Qp8/VyFN_0s0DgI/AAAAAAAC-Dk/5NNZAQJUWoUqiaYYMm7tUeJc5ygtfO8lACLcB/s640/IMGP0400.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The communications and TV crew live in trucks on pavement for a week, here they share a meal before the action starts. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Deep on the <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">TOUR OF CALIFORNIA GUIDE PAGE</a> for fans at PedalDancer.com, original content has been compiled with great care to help the spectator learn more about the sport of professional cycling and have an enjoyable day at the race based on good information; leaving you free to have fun!<br /><br />On the <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Guide Page</a> you can find more information and tips on the race including:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pre-race activities in San Diego</li><li>Team Presentation </li><li>How to watch the tour of California on TV and online live</li><li>Stage routes and maps for each stage of the Tour of California</li><li>The teams</li><li>VIP Passes and Experiences</li><li>Breakaway from Cancer Mile walk </li><li>L'Etape California</li><li>Blog Posts from Pedal Dancer®</li><li>Stories of Interest to fans</li><li>Tips on how to get an autograph </li><li>Team jerseys</li><li>Classification jerseys</li><li>About the priority of jerseys</li><li>Jerseys at time trials</li><li>Who will wear bib #1</li><li>Who to follow on Twitter</li><li>Bikes and Equipment at the Tour of California</li><li>Tips on viewing a time trial as a fan</li><li>Tips on Photography</li><li>Race Organization</li><li>What Host Cities do </li><li>Fan Education </li><li>Terminology for the race</li><li>Tips for spectators</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1-IVjrkyHc/VyFItCj0H8I/AAAAAAAC-DQ/yqElGYRFHng6LtOnZ3loG_Z5o5lo6RoAACLcB/s1600/IMGP1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1-IVjrkyHc/VyFItCj0H8I/AAAAAAAC-DQ/yqElGYRFHng6LtOnZ3loG_Z5o5lo6RoAACLcB/s640/IMGP1396.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mist on the mountain obscures the giant TV screen as fans peruse the expo on Mt Baldy. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016 Amgen Tour of California:</b><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/list-of-riders-amgen-tour-of-california.html">List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li><li>Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-14698653224243852582016-04-23T15:27:00.000-06:002016-05-20T18:20:37.083-06:00Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Leaders jersey, podium presentations and a guess at who will win ATOC in 2016.</span></b><br /><br />The symbol of success.<br /><br />Only the best in a field get to wear one of the four classification jerseys, plus the Tour of California's specific Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous jersey. Read more <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/competition/jerseys" target="_blank">about the jerseys</a> including the blue Breakaway jersey awarded to the rider on each stage who "best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer." The blue jersey is not a running tally of the<i> best of classification</i> but rather an acknowledgement given to one special rider after each of the eight Tour of California stages.<br /><br />CLASSIFICATION JERSEYS<br /><br />Classification Jerseys for the Amgen Tour of California 2016 are awarded for best type of rider in a field. This year the Tour of California will feature 5 classifications: Leader (fastest overall time, yellow jersey), Mountain (climber, red polka dot jersey), Sprint (faster sprinter, also called points classification, green jersey), Best Young Rider (under age 25, white jersey), Most Courageous (most combative/competitive, blue Breakaway from Cancer jersey). As the stage race progresses the overall classification winner is presented with his jersey after each stage and will wear the jersey at the start of the next day's stage. (An <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/competition/jerseys" target="_blank">explanation of the jerseys</a> at the official tour website).<br /><br />The designs have changed for 2016.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGJqOxLYnBk/VxVT5ZtiqGI/AAAAAAAC9xg/4mvYfxWJweg7HfPSqdDKad0itCGb17uSACLcB/s1600/Classification%2Bjerseys%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Classification jerseys of the Tour of California " border="0" height="134" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGJqOxLYnBk/VxVT5ZtiqGI/AAAAAAAC9xg/4mvYfxWJweg7HfPSqdDKad0itCGb17uSACLcB/s640/Classification%2Bjerseys%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Classification jerseys of the Tour of California " width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classification jerseys of the Tour of California 2016: Leader, Sprinter, Climber, Young, Courageous</td></tr></tbody></table>You can buy these jerseys at the <a href="http://amgentourofcaliforniastore.com/collections/jerseys" target="_blank">ATOC shop</a>. Did you know some races call it Most Aggressive and some call it Courageous or Combative (Read a blog post on the topic: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2013/08/aggressively-couragious-and-combative.html" target="_blank">Aggressively Courageous and Combative</a> By Pedal Dancer®). <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69jYrUGAt6k/VxvSTIACylI/AAAAAAAC968/1EySWXKZ64gy6hRVDAbLs5ffIfzmWyDGwCLcB/s1600/Podium%2B2015%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Podium 2015 Tour of California" border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69jYrUGAt6k/VxvSTIACylI/AAAAAAAC968/1EySWXKZ64gy6hRVDAbLs5ffIfzmWyDGwCLcB/s640/Podium%2B2015%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.JPG" title="Podium 2015 Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium after Stage 6 of the 2015 Tour of California. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Podium presentations</b><br /><br />For a fan, watching a podium presentation might be the best way to glimpse your favorite riders close-up and standing still. I recommend heading to the finish line area for the podium presentation, usually 15-minutes after the end of a stage.<br /><br />Within those 15 minutes a lot happens: a designated team soigneur provides quick food and drink to the rider once they have crossed the finish line; congratulations are given and received; a sample is given at the drug screening tent; a quick interview or two might happen; the rider often changes clothes or shoes and replaces his helmet with a hat; and then they are led in a state of great confusion and exhaustion to the location of the podium. Where they sometimes have to climb up metal stairs to the stage in cycling shoes! <br /><br />Before his heart rate has barely recovered the winner gets flowers, a bear and podium kisses. Like a celebrity at the academy awards, photographers call out his name in hopes of getting a gaze straight into the camera's lens. All of this takes practice and training to master, including avoiding blinking, smiling a lot and opening those champagne bottles. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwypioQJwxw/VxvvAZzUX0I/AAAAAAAC98g/TxdP0VUkWlEBcX9Rowa6yELQdyfjZjSAACLcB/s1600/Peter%2Bbear%2Band%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwypioQJwxw/VxvvAZzUX0I/AAAAAAAC98g/TxdP0VUkWlEBcX9Rowa6yELQdyfjZjSAACLcB/s640/Peter%2Bbear%2Band%2Bflowers.jpg" width="578" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter! Peter! over here Peter! Peter Sagan with Joanna and Allison in 2015.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>You would think every podium presentation would be the same, but a rider never knows that his destination is the stage until after his win or placement has sunk in, approximately 15-minutes prior to the podium presentations. The organization of the athletes, jersey presenters and the flow on stage is the job of the podium girls.<br /><br />Champion Systems is the jersey sponsor for the classification jerseys at the Tour of California. Did you know they quickly iron on those team names patches to the back of a fresh classification jersey after the stage finishes. They know the riders' general jersey sizes and rush the prepared jerseys to the podium where the podium girls and a special presenter, zip the rider into their new classification jersey - backwards. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzh3PT_iJkU/VxvTwgXW2MI/AAAAAAAC97I/tuLntrChuhA0oy9VJQISMAXZCXAAA5ObwCLcB/s1600/Mark%2BCavendish%2Band%2BPeter%2BSagan.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mark Cavendish (green jersey) and Peter Sagan (yellow jersey)" border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzh3PT_iJkU/VxvTwgXW2MI/AAAAAAAC97I/tuLntrChuhA0oy9VJQISMAXZCXAAA5ObwCLcB/s640/Mark%2BCavendish%2Band%2BPeter%2BSagan.JPG" title="Mark Cavendish (green jersey) and Peter Sagan (yellow jersey)" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No zippers in the front - Mark Cavendish (green jersey) and Peter Sagan (yellow jersey) in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>As you can see (below) the back of the jersey, where the zipper is located, is blank. These podium ceremonial jerseys are not the ones worn the next day. Typically they are kept, or are autographed and given as a souvenir. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmrKF-mDjbw/Vxveeg6xKZI/AAAAAAAC97k/VKhnRZ_LjRgkGquc17P1aIA2cy9QlZwvwCLcB/s1600/Backwards%2Bclassification%2Bjerseys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Backwards blank classification jersey" border="0" height="418" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmrKF-mDjbw/Vxveeg6xKZI/AAAAAAAC97k/VKhnRZ_LjRgkGquc17P1aIA2cy9QlZwvwCLcB/s640/Backwards%2Bclassification%2Bjerseys.jpg" title="Backwards blank classification jersey" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backwards blank classification jersey. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>By the stage start of the next day, the 2016 jersey sponsor <a href="http://champ-sys.com/" target="_blank">Champion Systems</a> will nicely print the team logo onto the front of each classification jersey for the day's stage.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcuVlt3Voe0/VxvgZXqgbDI/AAAAAAAC97w/LVCbXHbtRQokewl3K5IH0RyCODKM0vCxQCLcB/s1600/Mark%2BCavendish%2Band%2BJulian.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcuVlt3Voe0/VxvgZXqgbDI/AAAAAAAC97w/LVCbXHbtRQokewl3K5IH0RyCODKM0vCxQCLcB/s640/Mark%2BCavendish%2Band%2BJulian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No iron-on patch. Team logo on the classification jersey, zipper in front, ready to race. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>The team logo is also printed on the back of the jersey along with the rider's name.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggl_zt2vEMU/Vx2G-647uXI/AAAAAAAC990/rFMvoDUTaNYG5nsvUTMHbDkYDrWoi0bJQCLcB/s1600/Mark%2527s%2Bjersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggl_zt2vEMU/Vx2G-647uXI/AAAAAAAC990/rFMvoDUTaNYG5nsvUTMHbDkYDrWoi0bJQCLcB/s640/Mark%2527s%2Bjersey.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Cavendish's jersey professionally labeled front and back with his dossard (bib number) attached, ready for the stage. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Who won in 2015?</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>General Classification Leader (yellow jersey): Peter Sagan (then with Tinkoff-Saxo, now with Tinkoff)</li><li>Point Classification Leader (green jersey): Mark Canvendish (then with Etixx-Quickstep, now with Dimension Data).</li><li>KOM Classification (red and white polka-dot jersey): Daniel Oss (BMC)</li><li>Best Young Classification Leader (white jersey): Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep)</li><li>Team Classification (best team): Team SKY </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDKGY8pKzzk/VxvaYX4vuNI/AAAAAAAC97Y/IMnsJBKnihYr8HvdwEdENFJcoe69FIteACLcB/s1600/Julian%2BAlaphilippe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Julian Alaphilippe" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDKGY8pKzzk/VxvaYX4vuNI/AAAAAAAC97Y/IMnsJBKnihYr8HvdwEdENFJcoe69FIteACLcB/s640/Julian%2BAlaphilippe.jpg" title="Julian Alaphilippe" width="422" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young and happy (and looking like he wears a size extra-small) Julian Alaphilippe in the white jersey in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Who will win the Amgen Tour of California in 2016?</b><br /><i>The start list of riders for the Tour of California should be announced within the next two weeks.</i><b> </b><br /><br />The caliber of riders in 2016 will be very high. This is going to be an exciting race in all categories as well as for the overall race win. Race Organizers (AEG) and Race Director Eric Smith were challenged this year by ASO to create a stellar route and race, and I believe they have done so. (<a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">ATOC route and maps</a>)<br /><br />Who will win?<br /><br />No one can foresee the future of a bike race but the fun of being a fan is equal parts anticipation of the great riders who will compete and investing yourself through picking who you think will win. It is what makes sport fun. You might notice many race previews are the same, that is because we are all guessing. All that matters as fans is that over time we learn who is a GC contender, who is a sprinter and who is a climber. And that we dare to participate by guessing. <br /><br />What makes the Amgen Tour of California race so special is that it is preparation for many riders heading to the Tour de France in July, it is also a chance for Pro Continental and Conti riders to strut their stuff against the best WorldTour riders in the world (and thus hoping for a continued or improved team contract). The short eight stage format over a mixed route with sprinting, time trial and climbing also lends itself to an exciting overall winner and attracts world-renowned racers. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRPbyOpI_gY/VxvlwRmBTzI/AAAAAAAC98E/U0HP0gli8sgQRjoJNOAv5WoLHsEP7gevwCLcB/s1600/yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRPbyOpI_gY/VxvlwRmBTzI/AAAAAAAC98E/U0HP0gli8sgQRjoJNOAv5WoLHsEP7gevwCLcB/s320/yellow.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new design for 2016. </td></tr></tbody></table>Who will wear yellow in 2016?<br /><br />That is the great unknown, but I am looking at Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) who won the race in 2015, Rohan Dennis (BMC), Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Andrew Talansky (Cannondale), Lawson Craddock (Cannondale), Laurens ten Dam (Giant-Alpecin), or possible past winners Robert Gesink (LottoNL-Jumbo) or Bradley Wiggins (Team Wiggins).<br /><br />American Peter Stetina is leading the Trek-Segafreda team, and crowd favorite (and social media wizard) American Taylor Phinney (BMC) will be back to animate the race in 2016. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how Lawson Craddock (Cannondale) performs.<br /><br /> Who will wear green in 2016?<br /><br />The race for the green jersey (points classification) will be very interesting this year and hotly contested. Watch out for Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data), Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), Rob Britton (Rally), John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin), Robin Carpenter (Holowesko-Citadel), Tyler Farrar (Dimension Data), Wouter Wippert (Cannondale), John Murphy (UHC) and many others <b>once we know the true startlist</b>.<br /><br />Who will wear the King of the Mountains jersey in 2016?<br /><br />Possibly Toms Skujiņ (Cannondale), Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep), Alex Braico or Lachlan Morton (Jelly Belly).<br /><br />Who will be the Best Young Rider in 2016:<br /><br />Keep your eye on Logan Owen (Axeon Hagens Berman) recent winner of the U23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep) winner of the white jersey at the 2015 ATOC, Lachlan Morton (Jelly Belly), Lawson Craddock (Cannondale), Toms Skujiņš (Cannondale), Robin Carpenter (Holowesko-Citadel), Danny van Poppel (SKY), Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafreda), and Jon Dibben (Team Wiggins) who recently won the U23 Tour of Flanders.<br /><br /><b>Who will be at the Giro d' Italia and NOT in California?</b><br /><br />We know the competition at the Tour of California will be high because the line up of <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html" target="_blank">18 teams for the 2016 Tour of California</a> is very impressive.<br /><br />Every year the Giro d'Italia conflicts on the calendar with the Amgen Tour of California. The startlist for the Giro is the earliest indication of who will <u>not</u> be coming to California. Although Fabian Cancellara has not appeared at the ATOC in many years, I was certainly wishing he would be there in his final year of racing before retirement; he will not. <br /><br />King of the Mountain classification winner in 2015 Daniel Oss (BMC) will be racing in Italy at the Giro d'Italia and thus not in the Tour of California to defend his polka-dot jersey. Joe Dombrowski and Michael Woods of Cannondale will both be racing at the Giro. Marcel Kittel (Etixx-Quickstep) will not be in California to join the strong group of sprinters racing for the green jersey. Ryder Hesjedal, Fabian Cancellara, Boy Van Poppel, and Ricardo Zoidl will be representing Trek-Segrafreda in Italy. And American Ian Boswell will be racing the Giro for Team SKY, along with teammate Elia Viviani. Procyclingstats.com has the complete <a href="http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=163693&c=3" target="_blank">startlist for the 2016 Giro d' Italia</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfXmJyLDryQ/VxvhcQ834hI/AAAAAAAC974/sstBczlBOCkhXtkdeowNoUxAi7PSLDpXgCLcB/s1600/Brad%2BShohner%2Band%2BPeter%2BSagan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brad Shohner and Peter Sagan" border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfXmJyLDryQ/VxvhcQ834hI/AAAAAAAC974/sstBczlBOCkhXtkdeowNoUxAi7PSLDpXgCLcB/s640/Brad%2BShohner%2Band%2BPeter%2BSagan.JPG" title="Brad Shohner and Peter Sagan" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad Sohner interviewing Peter Sagan on the podium in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Read an interview with Tour of California Stage Announcer Brad Sohner: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2012/05/who-is-that-voice-on-stage.html" target="_blank">Who is that voice on stage</a>? By Pedal Dancer®. Read about Joanna and Allison who have been podium girls at the Tour of California for many years <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2012/05/fans-want-podium-girls.html" target="_blank">The Fans want Podium Girls?</a><br /><br />To see all the team jerseys and bikes that will be at the Tour of California: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a><br /><br /><b>Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/list-of-riders-amgen-tour-of-california.html">List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li><li>Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-67124238388589588612016-04-22T11:25:00.001-06:002017-06-22T09:04:32.485-06:00Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">The best bikes and clothing at the Amgen Tour of California</span></b><br /><br /><i>This is a repeat of my blog post on Team bike and team jerseys at the Amgen tour of California. Somehow I posted two versions, so in this version I have elaborated on clothing and equipment sponsors for each team.</i><br /><br />"You look so<i> pro</i>!"<br /><br />The look is called <i>pro</i>, but being pro requires a legion of support staff and dedicated sponsors and partners. I know the riders work hard but they get to race on the best bike equipment in the industry. Sponsors give huge amounts of equipment or support to the teams in hopes that the spectators will see the high level of performance and want it for themselves. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eqqGbtkcHk/VyJbyj0rfDI/AAAAAAAC-Es/0PjQIxZvykU2nnHPOHA2sIkfEWX_mVkwACLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eqqGbtkcHk/VyJbyj0rfDI/AAAAAAAC-Es/0PjQIxZvykU2nnHPOHA2sIkfEWX_mVkwACLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Sagan, the perfect model for promoting cycling apparel. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span><b></b></td></tr></tbody></table><u>UCI WorldTour</u><br /><br />Equipment on the bike and on the rider:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>BMC Racing Team (USA) - BMC bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Garmin, FSA, Rock Tape, fi’zi:k. Pearl Izumi clothing, Giro helmets, Oakley glasses.</li><li>Cannondale Pro Cycling Team (USA) - Cannondale bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Garmin, FSA, Rock Tape, fi’zi:k. Castelli clothing, POC helmets and glasses.</li><li>Dimension Data (South Africa) - Cervélo bikes, Roto Uno / Shimano, ENVE, Continental, fi’zi:k, Speedplay, Rotor, Lizard Skins. Met helmets, Oakley glasses.</li><li>Etixx – Quick-Step (Belgium) - Specialized bikes, Shimano, HED, Rovel, FSA. Vermarc clothing, Specialized helmet and glasses.</li><li>Giant – Alpecin (Germany) - Giant bikes, Shimano, Vittoria, Pro, Pioneer, Polar. Exteondo clothing, Giant helmets, Oakley glasses.</li><li>Katusha (Russia) - Canyon bikes, SRAM, Zipp, Quarq. Katusha clothing, Giro helmets.</li><li>LottoNL – Jumbo (Netherlands) - Bianche bikes, Shimano, FSA, Selle San Marco, Vittoria. SMS Santini clothing, Bell helmets, New Balance apparel.</li><li>Sky (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes, Shimano, PRO, Stages, fi’zi:k. Rapha clothing, Kask helmets, Oakley glasses, Asics apparel.</li><li>Tinkoff (Russia) - Specialized bikes, Shimano, FSA, Roval, HED, Look, Prologo, SRM. Sportful clothing, Oakley glasses.</li><li>Trek – Segafredo (USA) - Trek bikes, Shimano, Bontrager, SRM. Bontrager helmets, Oakley glasses.</li></ul>Did you know Segafredo is one company making up the MZB group based in Italy, they are the world's largest coffee producers. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgrhyegbZG8/VyJSljIBckI/AAAAAAAC-EE/BKLdvz8zA7Ir-yEdvP5nYeig9ycYbayLQCLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgrhyegbZG8/VyJSljIBckI/AAAAAAAC-EE/BKLdvz8zA7Ir-yEdvP5nYeig9ycYbayLQCLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-93.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trek bikes ready to race. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><u>UCI Professional Continental</u><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Direct Énergie (France) - BH bikes, Shimano / FSA</li><li>Novo Nordisk (USA) - Colnago bikes</li><li>United Healthcare (USA) - Wilier bikes, Shimano</li></ul><u>UCI Continental</u><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Axeon Hagens Berman (USA) - Specialized bikes, SRAM</li><li>Holowesko – Citadel Racing Team (USA) - Felt bikes, Shimano</li><li>Jelly Belly – Maxxis (USA) - Argon bikes</li><li>Rally Cycling (USA) - Diamond Back bikes, SRAM</li><li>Team Wiggins (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes, SRAM</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HXBY7NATdM/VxqOHfLtU3I/AAAAAAAC96M/vv_0WQhxdTc_YAghlP1EY5oChAdIw05QwCLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-79.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HXBY7NATdM/VxqOHfLtU3I/AAAAAAAC96M/vv_0WQhxdTc_YAghlP1EY5oChAdIw05QwCLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-79.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes lined up before the stage at ATOC in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>The staff our outfitted in team clothing as well.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BccFTNNZINM/VxqOfWCtY8I/AAAAAAAC96Q/njslYic4sIwCMO5ZrWr6j3DI5CehrUirACLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BccFTNNZINM/VxqOfWCtY8I/AAAAAAAC96Q/njslYic4sIwCMO5ZrWr6j3DI5CehrUirACLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-90.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the bikes ready. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Buy Apparel</b><br /><br />You can buy Amgen Tour of California apparel and classification jerseys at the <a href="http://amgentourofcaliforniastore.com/" target="_blank">ATOC Shop</a>. Champion Systems is the jersey sponsor for the classification jerseys at the Tour of California. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUxW4DAFcVE/VyJTAYiJBgI/AAAAAAAC-EI/66mUGQTkvSI9UAxy8PdMgvhqIheAG-DzgCLcB/s1600/Classification%2Bjerseys%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Classification jerseys for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California" border="0" height="134" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUxW4DAFcVE/VyJTAYiJBgI/AAAAAAAC-EI/66mUGQTkvSI9UAxy8PdMgvhqIheAG-DzgCLcB/s640/Classification%2Bjerseys%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Classification jerseys for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table>You can buy some of the ProTour team jerseys at <a href="http://www.probikekit.com/teams.list">www.probikekit.com</a> or at <a href="http://boutique.letour.fr/stores/letour/en/c/shop-by-team">boutique.letour.fr</a> or find some of the old kits at <a href="http://www.cyclingbox.com/">www.cyclingbox.com.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9DVlCUI47k/VyJXiBhDc0I/AAAAAAAC-EY/8REnvQc5itgnrr0ZGHDTXz7Zibq9whQjwCLcB/s1600/PRO%2BJERSEYS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9DVlCUI47k/VyJXiBhDc0I/AAAAAAAC-EY/8REnvQc5itgnrr0ZGHDTXz7Zibq9whQjwCLcB/s640/PRO%2BJERSEYS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Need a bike?</b><br /><br />Of particular interest to the amateur cyclist's price point (depending on the build) would be the bikes of Team Katusha, Team Giant-Alpecin, Novo-Nordisk, Holowesko-Citadel, Direct Energie, Trek-Segafredo and Rally.<br /><br />If you have no budget (or just want to drool over extravagant bikes) check out the bikes of Team SKY, Tinkoff, BMC, Etixx-Quickstep, United Healthcare, Axeon Hagens Berman, Dimension Data or the magnificent Team Wiggins team bike.<br /><br /><b>Win a BMC bike</b><br /><br />You have a chance to win a BMC bike custom painted by Taylor Phinney, <a href="http://velonews.competitor.com/winthisbike" target="_blank">enter bike contest on VeloNews</a>. <br />Guess whose bike this is? You will see it at the Tour of California in May (but you can't have it).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogv3C5svXgY/VxkGtt4YsDI/AAAAAAAC93k/zrmGgg1QJt8f58oRaimfn8qd2TJIunrCwCLcB/s1600/Specialized%2BVenge%2BPeter%2BSagan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Peter Sagan's bikes" border="0" height="394" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogv3C5svXgY/VxkGtt4YsDI/AAAAAAAC93k/zrmGgg1QJt8f58oRaimfn8qd2TJIunrCwCLcB/s640/Specialized%2BVenge%2BPeter%2BSagan.jpg" title="Peter Sagan's bikes" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of Peter Sagan's bikes. A very colorful Specialized Venge. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via tinkoffteam.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Eighteen men's teams will compete in the 2016 Amgen Tour of California. These are the team jerseys and bikes, listed by: team website, country, jerseys, bikes and some of the equipment used on the bikes. Each team has a large group of equipment, goods and service suppliers (including cars!) which can be found on their team websites.<br /><br />Read more about the WorldTour sponsors: <a href="http://inrng.com/2016/01/team-sponsors-what-do-they-do/" target="_blank">Pro Team Sponsors – What Do They Do</a>? By Inner Ring (descriptions of the products sponsors make).<br /><br />One of my favorite sponsor combos: A Mini Cooper with Giant Bikes.<br /><br />Let's take a look at what you will see as fans out on the road during the upcoming eight stages of the Amgen Tour of California. If you attend a start of any stage, be sure to walk by the team buses and check out the bikes lined up securely outside. <br /><br />MEN'S TEAMS<br /><br /><b>UCI WorldTour Teams</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bmc-switzerland.com/us-en/experience/racing-teams/bmc-racing-team/" target="_blank">BMC Racing Team</a> (USA) <br /><br />BMC team equipment on the bike: BMC bikes, Shimano, fi’zi:k, SRM, Continental. Pearl Izumi clothing, Giro helmets, Oakley glasses.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQHeQmkFTQQ/VxfREG8bT_I/AAAAAAAC91o/GNIk-T1rVdwet1icOjt2nCGyHc0Bch5cgCLcB/s1600/BMC%2BTeammachine%2BSLR01%2BDura%2BAce%2BDi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="BMC team BMC Teammachine SLR01 Dura Ace Di2" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQHeQmkFTQQ/VxfREG8bT_I/AAAAAAAC91o/GNIk-T1rVdwet1icOjt2nCGyHc0Bch5cgCLcB/s640/BMC%2BTeammachine%2BSLR01%2BDura%2BAce%2BDi2.jpg" title="BMC team BMC Teammachine SLR01 Dura Ace Di2" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMC team BMC Teammachine SLR01 Dura Ace Di2. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.bmc-switzerland.com/">bmc-switzerland.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://slipstreamsports.com/" target="_blank">Cannondale Pro Cycling Team</a> (USA) <br /><br />Cannondale team equipment on the bike: Cannondale bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Garmin, FSA, Rock Tape, fi’zi:k. Castelli clothing, POC helmets and glasses.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-fCFAGn1wY/VxfNbkwD86I/AAAAAAAC91Q/tyyvdlQi4e0x4vpytA5bLqDsFyQB6D1IACLcB/s1600/%2BSuperSix%2BEvo%2BHi-MOD%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cannondale team Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-MOD" border="0" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-fCFAGn1wY/VxfNbkwD86I/AAAAAAAC91Q/tyyvdlQi4e0x4vpytA5bLqDsFyQB6D1IACLcB/s640/%2BSuperSix%2BEvo%2BHi-MOD%2B.jpg" title="Cannondale team Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-MOD" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannondale team Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-MOD. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.cannondale.com/">www.cannondale.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://africasteam.com/" target="_blank">Dimension Data</a> (South Africa) <br /><br />Dimension Data team equipment on the bike: Cervelo bikes, Roto Uno / Shimano, ENVE, Continental, fi’zi:k, Speedplay, Rotor, Lizard Skins. Oakley glasses, Met helmets.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etixx-quickstep.com/" target="_blank">Etixx – Quick-Step</a> (Belgium)<br /><br />Etixx-Quickstep team equipment on the bike: Specialized bikes, Shimano, HED, Rovel, FSA. Vermarc clothing, Specialized helmet and glasses.<br /><br /><a href="http://teamgiantalpecin.com/" target="_blank">Giant – Alpecin</a> (Germany) <br /><br />Giant-Alpecin team equipment on the bike: Giant bikes, Liv, Shimano, Vittoria, Pro, Pioneer, Polar. Exteondo clothing, Giant helmets, Oakley glasses.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamkatusha.com/" target="_blank">Katusha</a> (Russia) <br /><br />Katusha team equipment on the bike: Canyon bikes, SRAM, Zipp, Quarq. Katusha clothing, Giro helmets.<br /><br />Katusha swapped from Shimano to SRAM this year, and from Mavic to Zipp wheels this years, they also ride Canyon bikes, all products continuing to grow in tremendous popularity in the United States among amateur cyclists. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamlottojumbo.com/Cycling" target="_blank">LottoNL- Jumbo</a> (Netherlands)<br /><br />LottoNL-Jumbo team equipment on the bike: Bianche bikes, Shimano, FSA, Selle San Marco, Vittoria. SMS Santini clothing, Bell helmets, New Balance apparel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home" target="_blank">Sky</a> (Great Britain) <br /><br />SKY team equipment on the bike: Pinarello bikes, Shimano, PRO, Stages, fi’zi:k. Rapha clothing, Kask helmets, Oakley glasses, Asics apparel.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrS08Tp5gGM/Vxfh06QaiSI/AAAAAAAC93A/B_pTn_9tLbUfl4AmINbWn-zZKOPEm35BgCLcB/s1600/Pinarello%2BDogma%2BF8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="SKY team Pinarello Dogma F8" border="0" height="530" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrS08Tp5gGM/Vxfh06QaiSI/AAAAAAAC93A/B_pTn_9tLbUfl4AmINbWn-zZKOPEm35BgCLcB/s640/Pinarello%2BDogma%2BF8.jpg" title="SKY team Pinarello Dogma F8" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SKY team Pinarello Dogma F8. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <span class="_r3"><a class="_ZR irc_hol i3724" data-noload="" data-ved="0ahUKEwi_qM-2gp7MAhWsvoMKHbtJChUQjB0IBg" href="http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2016/road/dogma-f8/878-team-sky-2016" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr">pinarello.com</span></a></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.tinkoffteam.com/" target="_blank">Tinkoff</a> (Russia)<br /><br />Tinkoff team equipment on the bike: Specialized bikes, Shimano, FSA, Roval, HED, Look, Prologo, SRM. Sportful clothing, Oakley glasses.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcYMrr8suNs/VxkGcuX4lEI/AAAAAAAC93g/rXwHUuVuH-o-z185cEsoYBBQShOkj8z0ACLcB/s1600/Specialized%2BTarmac%2BTinkoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tinkoff team Specialized Tarmac" border="0" height="386" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcYMrr8suNs/VxkGcuX4lEI/AAAAAAAC93g/rXwHUuVuH-o-z185cEsoYBBQShOkj8z0ACLcB/s640/Specialized%2BTarmac%2BTinkoff.jpg" title="Tinkoff team Specialized Tarmac" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinkoff team Specialized Tarmac. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via tinkoffteam.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.treksegafredo.com/" target="_blank">Trek - Segafredo</a> (USA)<br /><br />Trek-Segafredo team equipment on the bike: Trek bikes, Shimano, Bontrager wheels and parts, SRM. Bontrager helmets, Oakley glasses.<br /><br />Did you know Segafredo is one company making up the MZB group based in Italy, they are the world's largest coffee producers. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLarrZBYCe8/VxkHvzAuyvI/AAAAAAAC930/Snv0UC-s1aEfCGDcb9Iv2rkpj4SztSr5QCLcB/s1600/Trek%2BMadone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trek-Segafredo team Trek Madone" border="0" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLarrZBYCe8/VxkHvzAuyvI/AAAAAAAC930/Snv0UC-s1aEfCGDcb9Iv2rkpj4SztSr5QCLcB/s640/Trek%2BMadone.jpg" title="Trek-Segafredo team Trek Madone" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trek-Segafredo team Trek Madone. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.treksegafredo.com/">treksegafredo.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>UCI Professional Continental Teams</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamdirectenergie.com/" target="_blank">Direct Énergie</a> (France)<br /><br />Direct Énergie team equipment on the bike: BH bikes, Sigma, Shimano, FSA, Vision, Prologo, Hutchinson, Look. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamnovonordisk.com/" target="_blank">Novo Nordisk</a> (USA)<br /><br />Novo Nordisk team equipment on the bike: Colnago bikes, Maxxis, Selle Italia, Stages, Pioneer, Catlilke helmets. <br /><br /><a href="http://uhcprocycling.com/" target="_blank">UnitedHealthcare</a> (USA)<br /><br />United Healthcare team equipment on the bike: Wilier bikes, Shimano, Maxxis, Pioneer, Deda, San Marco, Rocktape. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmtmuVHVsU/Vxkp_CAsBUI/AAAAAAAC94k/VICqP16rizMwKM_9p8P4RbeEDAXNoPPTgCLcB/s1600/Wilier%2BTriestina%2BCento1%2BSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="United Healthcare team Wilier Trestina" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmtmuVHVsU/Vxkp_CAsBUI/AAAAAAAC94k/VICqP16rizMwKM_9p8P4RbeEDAXNoPPTgCLcB/s640/Wilier%2BTriestina%2BCento1%2BSR.jpg" title="United Healthcare team Wilier Trestina" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United Healthcare team Wilier Trestina</td></tr></tbody></table><b>UCI Continental Teams</b><br /><br /><a href="http://2016.axeoncycling.com/" target="_blank">Axeon Hagens Berman</a> (USA) <br />The Directeur Sportif for the team is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonkheer" title="Jonkheer">Jonkheer</a> ("The Honourable") Axel Merckx, son of Eddy Merckx who has been made a baron in Belgium. <br /><br />Axeon-Hagens Berman team equipment on the bike: Specialized bikes, SRAM, Quarq, Zipp, Speedplay.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0ZPxYIqnDU/VxpLeiMulGI/AAAAAAAC940/Hqwe-V3RipkFdEBgxEk2BNrPct7Jch_awCLcB/s1600/Specialized%2BTarmac%2BAxeon%2Bbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Axeon-Hagens Berman team Specialized Tarmac" border="0" height="386" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0ZPxYIqnDU/VxpLeiMulGI/AAAAAAAC940/Hqwe-V3RipkFdEBgxEk2BNrPct7Jch_awCLcB/s640/Specialized%2BTarmac%2BAxeon%2Bbike.jpg" title="Axeon-Hagens Berman team Specialized Tarmac" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Axeon-Hagens Berman team Specialized Tarmac. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://2016.axeoncycling.com/">2016.axeoncycling.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.hincapieracing.com/holowesko-citadel-racing-team-announces-2016-roster/" target="_blank">Holowesko – Citadel Racing Team</a> (USA)<br /><br />Holowesko - Citadel team equipment on the bike: Felt bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Michelin, Pro, Prologo.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCw9O8pEf9U/VxpV15nRwjI/AAAAAAAC95M/tVaxHrIM0-AQNNBPS6kxM05XZjMHzKMPACLcB/s1600/Felt%2Bbikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holowesko - Citadel team Felt bikes" border="0" height="420" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCw9O8pEf9U/VxpV15nRwjI/AAAAAAAC95M/tVaxHrIM0-AQNNBPS6kxM05XZjMHzKMPACLcB/s640/Felt%2Bbikes.jpg" title="Holowesko - Citadel team Felt bikes" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holowesko - Citadel team Felt bikes. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamHincapie/">twitter.com/TeamHincapie/</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.jellybellycycling.com/" target="_blank">Jelly Belly – Maxxis</a> (USA)<br /><br />Jelly Belly-Maxxis team equipment on the bike: Argon bikes, Maxxis, FSA, Prologo, Speedplay, Tocktape, Cateye and <a href="http://www.jellybelly.com/" target="_blank">Jelly Beans</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FcFng7Vd1A/VxpcTp8jzkI/AAAAAAAC95c/GsTQYM7NH5YnKW6C1_2JKwMAHpZrvf2cQCLcB/s1600/Argon%2B18%2Bbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jelly Belly-Maxxis Argon 18" border="0" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FcFng7Vd1A/VxpcTp8jzkI/AAAAAAAC95c/GsTQYM7NH5YnKW6C1_2JKwMAHpZrvf2cQCLcB/s640/Argon%2B18%2Bbike.jpg" title="Jelly Belly-Maxxis Argon 18" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly Belly-Maxxis Argon 18. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a class="ProfileCardMini-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav u-dir" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/JellyBellyTeam">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">JellyBellyTeam</span></a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.rallycycling.com/" target="_blank">Rally Cycling</a> (USA) <br /><br />Rally Cycling team equipment on the bike: Diamond Back bikes, SRAM, Mavic, HED, Kenda, Speedplay.<br /><br /><a href="http://teamwiggins.co/" target="_blank">Team Wiggins</a> (Great Britain) (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WIGGINS" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)<br /><br />Team Wiggins team equipment on the bike: Pinarello bikes, SRAM, Zipp, fi’zi:k.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCZzBsbsSsE/Vxphb1dEDcI/AAAAAAAC958/aFpSonM4H5cODFeIdAZr0N1Y0V66--6RgCLcB/s1600/Pinarello%2BDogma%2BWiggins%2Bteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pinarello Dogma Wiggins team" border="0" height="370" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCZzBsbsSsE/Vxphb1dEDcI/AAAAAAAC958/aFpSonM4H5cODFeIdAZr0N1Y0V66--6RgCLcB/s640/Pinarello%2BDogma%2BWiggins%2Bteam.jpg" title="Pinarello Dogma Wiggins team" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinarello Dogma Wiggins team. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialWIGGINS">twitter.com/OfficialWIGGINS</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul>Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016; National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.</div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-84939591539617360522016-04-22T11:25:00.000-06:002017-06-22T09:09:00.565-06:00Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">The best bikes and clothing at the Amgen Tour of California</span></b><br /><br />When the speed is so great, a team jersey is the recognizable symbol that lets us know instantly which rider won by an inch over the finish line. When combined in mass, team jerseys create a blur of color symbolic of the pro peloton in movement. Together with the clatter of bikes on rough pavement and the sound of wheels slicing through the air, the colorful jerseys create the atmosphere of professional bike racing. <br /><br />Inside that blur of color is a dynamic mental struggle and physical fight to stay at the front of the race. From the fan's perspective the jersey, helmet, sunglasses, socks, shoes, and particularly the bike of a professional cyclists gives the impression of a calm, well trained, well equipped, well prepared athlete. <br /><br />The look is called <i>pro</i>, but being pro requires a legion of support staff and dedicated sponsors and partners. Team jerseys are the symbol of this sport. Team bikes make it all happen in a display of dream machines. <br /><br />Let's take a look at what you will see as fans out on the road during the upcoming eight stages of the Amgen Tour of California. If you attend a start of any stage, be sure to walk by the team buses and check out the bikes lined up securely outside.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BccFTNNZINM/VxqOfWCtY8I/AAAAAAAC96Q/njslYic4sIwCMO5ZrWr6j3DI5CehrUirACLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BccFTNNZINM/VxqOfWCtY8I/AAAAAAAC96Q/njslYic4sIwCMO5ZrWr6j3DI5CehrUirACLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-90.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the bikes ready. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Of particular interest to the amateur cyclist's price point (depending on the build) would be the bikes of Team Katusha, Team Giant-Alpecin, Novo-Nordisk, Holowesko-Citadel, Direct Energie, Trek-Segafredo and Rally. If you have no budget (or just want to drool over extravagant bikes) check out the bikes of Team SKY, Tinkoff, BMC, Etixx-Quickstep, United Healthcare, Axeon Hagens Berman, Dimension Data or the magnificent Team Wiggins team bike.<br /><br />Guess whose bike this is? You will see it at the Tour of California in May. Peter Sagan's bikes. A very colorful Specialized Venge. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.tinkoffteam.com/">tinkoffteam.com</a></span><br /><br />Eighteen men's teams will compete in the 2016 Amgen Tour of California. These are the team jerseys and bikes, listed by: team website, country, jerseys, bikes and some of the equipment used on the bikes. Each team has a large group of equipment, goods and service suppliers (including cars!) which can be found on their team websites. Read more about the WorldTour sponsors: <a href="http://inrng.com/2016/01/team-sponsors-what-do-they-do/" target="_blank">Pro Team Sponsors – What Do They Do</a>? By Inner Ring (descriptions of the products sponsors make).<br /><br />MEN'S TEAMS<br /><br /><b>UCI WorldTour Teams</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bmc-switzerland.com/us-en/experience/racing-teams/bmc-racing-team/" target="_blank">BMC Racing Team</a> (USA) - BMC bikes<br /><br />BMC team equipment on the bike: BMC, Shimano, fi’zi:k, SRM, Continental.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQHeQmkFTQQ/VxfREG8bT_I/AAAAAAAC91o/GNIk-T1rVdwet1icOjt2nCGyHc0Bch5cgCLcB/s1600/BMC%2BTeammachine%2BSLR01%2BDura%2BAce%2BDi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="BMC team BMC Teammachine SLR01 Dura Ace Di2" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQHeQmkFTQQ/VxfREG8bT_I/AAAAAAAC91o/GNIk-T1rVdwet1icOjt2nCGyHc0Bch5cgCLcB/s640/BMC%2BTeammachine%2BSLR01%2BDura%2BAce%2BDi2.jpg" title="BMC team BMC Teammachine SLR01 Dura Ace Di2" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMC team BMC Teammachine SLR01 Dura Ace Di2. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.bmc-switzerland.com/">bmc-switzerland.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://slipstreamsports.com/" target="_blank">Cannondale Pro Cycling Team</a> (USA) - Cannondale bikes<br /><br />Cannondale team equipment on the bike: Cannondale, Shimano, Mavic, Garmin, FSA, Rock Tape, fi’zi:k.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-fCFAGn1wY/VxfNbkwD86I/AAAAAAAC91Q/tyyvdlQi4e0x4vpytA5bLqDsFyQB6D1IACLcB/s1600/%2BSuperSix%2BEvo%2BHi-MOD%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cannondale team Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-MOD" border="0" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-fCFAGn1wY/VxfNbkwD86I/AAAAAAAC91Q/tyyvdlQi4e0x4vpytA5bLqDsFyQB6D1IACLcB/s640/%2BSuperSix%2BEvo%2BHi-MOD%2B.jpg" title="Cannondale team Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-MOD" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannondale team Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-MOD. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.cannondale.com/">www.cannondale.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://africasteam.com/" target="_blank">Dimension Data</a> (South Africa) - Cervélo bikes<br /><br />Dimension Data team equipment on the bike: Cervelo, Roto Uno / Shimano, ENVE, Continental, fi’zi:k, Speedplay, Rotor, Lizard Skins.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etixx-quickstep.com/" target="_blank">Etixx – Quick-Step</a> (Belgium) - Specialized bikes<br /><br />Etixx-Quickstep team equipment on the bike: Specialized, Shimano, HED, Rovel, FSA.<br /><br /><a href="http://teamgiantalpecin.com/" target="_blank">Giant – Alpecin</a> (Germany) - Giant bikes<br /><br />Giant-Alpecin team equipment on the bike: Giant Liv, Shimano, Vittoria, Pro, Pioneer, Polar. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamkatusha.com/" target="_blank">Katusha</a> (Russia) - Canyon bikes<br /><br />Katusha team equipment on the bike: Canyon, SRAM, Zipp, Quarq. Katusha swapped from Shimano to SRAM this year, and from Mavic to Zipp wheels this years, they also ride Canyon bikes, all products continuing to grow in tremendous popularity in the United States among amateur cyclists. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamlottojumbo.com/Cycling" target="_blank">LottoNL- Jumbo</a> (Netherlands) - Bianche bikes<br /><br />LottoNL-Jumbo team equipment on the bike: Bianche bikes, Shimano, FSA, Selle San Marco, Vittoria. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home" target="_blank">Sky</a> (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes<br /><br />SKY team equipment on the bike: Pinarello, Shimano, PRO, Stages, fi’zi:k.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrS08Tp5gGM/Vxfh06QaiSI/AAAAAAAC93A/B_pTn_9tLbUfl4AmINbWn-zZKOPEm35BgCLcB/s1600/Pinarello%2BDogma%2BF8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="SKY team Pinarello Dogma F8" border="0" height="530" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrS08Tp5gGM/Vxfh06QaiSI/AAAAAAAC93A/B_pTn_9tLbUfl4AmINbWn-zZKOPEm35BgCLcB/s640/Pinarello%2BDogma%2BF8.jpg" title="SKY team Pinarello Dogma F8" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SKY team Pinarello Dogma F8. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <span class="_r3"><a class="_ZR irc_hol i3724" data-noload="" data-ved="0ahUKEwi_qM-2gp7MAhWsvoMKHbtJChUQjB0IBg" href="http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2016/road/dogma-f8/878-team-sky-2016" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr">pinarello.com</span></a></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><u>Tinkoff (Russia)</u> - Specialized bikes<br /><br />Tinkoff team equipment on the bike: Specialized, Shimano, FSA, Roval, HED, Look, Prologo, SRM.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.treksegafredo.com/" target="_blank">Trek - Segafredo</a> (USA) - Trek bikes<br /><br />Trek-Segafredo team equipment on the bike: Trek, Shimano, Bontrager, SRM<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLarrZBYCe8/VxkHvzAuyvI/AAAAAAAC930/Snv0UC-s1aEfCGDcb9Iv2rkpj4SztSr5QCLcB/s1600/Trek%2BMadone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trek-Segafredo team Trek Madone" border="0" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLarrZBYCe8/VxkHvzAuyvI/AAAAAAAC930/Snv0UC-s1aEfCGDcb9Iv2rkpj4SztSr5QCLcB/s640/Trek%2BMadone.jpg" title="Trek-Segafredo team Trek Madone" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trek-Segafredo team Trek Madone. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://www.treksegafredo.com/">treksegafredo.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>UCI Professional Continental Teams</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamdirectenergie.com/" target="_blank">Direct Énergie</a> (France) - BH bikes<br /><br />Direct Énergie team equipment on the bike: BH bikes, Sigma, Shimano, FSA, Vision, Prologo, Hutchinson, Look. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamnovonordisk.com/" target="_blank">Novo Nordisk</a> (USA) - Orbea bikes<br /><br />Novo Nordisk team equipment on the bike: Colnago, Maxxis, Selle Italia, Stages, Pioneer. Catlike helmets. <br /><br /><a href="http://uhcprocycling.com/" target="_blank">UnitedHealthcare</a> (USA) - Wilier bikes<br /><br />United Healthcare team equipment on the bike: Wilier, Shimano, Maxxis, Pioneer, Deda, San Marco, Rocktape. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmtmuVHVsU/Vxkp_CAsBUI/AAAAAAAC94k/VICqP16rizMwKM_9p8P4RbeEDAXNoPPTgCLcB/s1600/Wilier%2BTriestina%2BCento1%2BSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="United Healthcare team Wilier Trestina" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmtmuVHVsU/Vxkp_CAsBUI/AAAAAAAC94k/VICqP16rizMwKM_9p8P4RbeEDAXNoPPTgCLcB/s640/Wilier%2BTriestina%2BCento1%2BSR.jpg" title="United Healthcare team Wilier Trestina" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United Healthcare team Wilier Trestina</td></tr></tbody></table><b>UCI Continental Teams</b><br /><br /><a href="http://2016.axeoncycling.com/" target="_blank">Axeon Hagens Berman</a> (USA) - Specialized bikes<br />The Directeur Sportif for the team is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonkheer" title="Jonkheer">Jonkheer</a> ("The Honourable") Axel Merckx, son of Eddy Merckx who has been made a baron in Belgium. <br /><br />Axeon-Hagens Berman team equipment on the bike: Specialized, SRAM, Quarq, Zipp, Speedplay.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0ZPxYIqnDU/VxpLeiMulGI/AAAAAAAC940/Hqwe-V3RipkFdEBgxEk2BNrPct7Jch_awCLcB/s1600/Specialized%2BTarmac%2BAxeon%2Bbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Axeon-Hagens Berman team Specialized Tarmac" border="0" height="386" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0ZPxYIqnDU/VxpLeiMulGI/AAAAAAAC940/Hqwe-V3RipkFdEBgxEk2BNrPct7Jch_awCLcB/s640/Specialized%2BTarmac%2BAxeon%2Bbike.jpg" title="Axeon-Hagens Berman team Specialized Tarmac" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Axeon-Hagens Berman team Specialized Tarmac. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="http://2016.axeoncycling.com/">2016.axeoncycling.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.hincapieracing.com/holowesko-citadel-racing-team-announces-2016-roster/" target="_blank">Holowesko – Citadel Racing Team</a> (USA) - felt bikes<br /><br />Holowesko - Citadel team equipment on the bike: Felt, Shimano, Mavic, Michelin, Pro, Prologo.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCw9O8pEf9U/VxpV15nRwjI/AAAAAAAC95M/tVaxHrIM0-AQNNBPS6kxM05XZjMHzKMPACLcB/s1600/Felt%2Bbikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holowesko - Citadel team Felt bikes" border="0" height="420" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCw9O8pEf9U/VxpV15nRwjI/AAAAAAAC95M/tVaxHrIM0-AQNNBPS6kxM05XZjMHzKMPACLcB/s640/Felt%2Bbikes.jpg" title="Holowesko - Citadel team Felt bikes" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holowesko - Citadel team Felt bikes. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamHincapie/">twitter.com/TeamHincapie/</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.jellybellycycling.com/" target="_blank">Jelly Belly – Maxxis</a> (USA) - Argon bikes<br /><br />Jelly Belly-Maxxis team equipment on the bike: Argon, Maxxis, FSA, Prologo, Speedplay, Tocktape, Cateye and <a href="http://www.jellybelly.com/" target="_blank">Jelly Beans</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FcFng7Vd1A/VxpcTp8jzkI/AAAAAAAC95c/GsTQYM7NH5YnKW6C1_2JKwMAHpZrvf2cQCLcB/s1600/Argon%2B18%2Bbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jelly Belly-Maxxis Argon 18" border="0" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FcFng7Vd1A/VxpcTp8jzkI/AAAAAAAC95c/GsTQYM7NH5YnKW6C1_2JKwMAHpZrvf2cQCLcB/s640/Argon%2B18%2Bbike.jpg" title="Jelly Belly-Maxxis Argon 18" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly Belly-Maxxis Argon 18. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <a class="ProfileCardMini-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav u-dir" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/JellyBellyTeam">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">JellyBellyTeam</span></a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.rallycycling.com/" target="_blank">Rally Cycling</a> (USA) - Diamond Back bikes<br /><br />Rally Cycling team equipment on the bike: Diamond Back, SRAM, Mavic, HED, Kenda, Speedplay.<br /><br /><a href="http://teamwiggins.co/" target="_blank">Team Wiggins</a> (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WIGGINS" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)<br /><br />Team Wiggins team equipment on the bike: Pinarello, SRAM, Zipp, fi’zi:k<br /><br />Oh, and wait until you see the team cars and buses at Tour of California!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>One of my favorite sponsor combos:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><u>UCI WorldTour</u><br />BMC Racing Team (USA) - BMC bikes, Shimano<br />Cannondale Pro Cycling Team (USA) - Cannondale bikes, Shimano<br />Dimension Data (South Africa) - Cervélo bikes, Roto Uno / Shimano<br />Etixx – Quick-Step (Belgium) - Specialized bikes, Shimano<br />Giant – Alpecin (Germany) - Giant bikes, Shimano<br />Katusha (Russia) - Canyon bikes, SRAM<br />LottoNL – Jumbo (Netherlands) - Bianche bikes, Shimano<br />Sky (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes, Shimano<br />Tinkoff (Russia) - Specialized bikes, Shimano<br />Trek – Segafredo (USA) - Trek bikes, Shimano<br /><br /><u>UCI Professional Continental</u><br />Direct Énergie (France) - BH bikes, Shimano / FSA<br />Novo Nordisk (USA) - Colnago bikes<br />UnitedHealthcare (USA) - Wilier bikes, Shimano<br /><br /><u>UCI Continental</u><br />Axeon Hagens Berman (USA) - Specialized bikes, SRAM<br />Holowesko – Citadel Racing Team (USA) - Felt bikes, Shimano<br />Jelly Belly – Maxxis (USA) - Argon bikes<br />Rally Cycling (USA) - Diamond Back bikes, SRAM<br />Team Wiggins (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes, SRAM <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HXBY7NATdM/VxqOHfLtU3I/AAAAAAAC96M/vv_0WQhxdTc_YAghlP1EY5oChAdIw05QwCLcB/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-79.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HXBY7NATdM/VxqOHfLtU3I/AAAAAAAC96M/vv_0WQhxdTc_YAghlP1EY5oChAdIw05QwCLcB/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-79.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes lined up before the stage at ATOC in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul>Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016; National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.</div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-2023414029539818152016-04-20T11:49:00.003-06:002016-04-26T11:57:55.993-06:00Recommended Reading: The agony of cheap flights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">25 thoughts people have while flying on budget airlines</span></b><br /><br />An entertaining and funny recommended read today about the pitfalls of what we all thought was a really good deal on a cheap flight but turned out to be annoying sixteen steps along the way. I confess after my last "cheap" flight on Frontier to California, I swore, "I am never doing this again."<br /><br />Read: <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2016/04/18/a-6-am-flight-will-be-totally-fine-25-thoughts-people-have-while-flying-on-budget-airlines/#ixzz46NzKUWfg" target="_blank"> “A 6am flight will be totally fine,” 25 thoughts people have while flying on budget airlines</a>. By Lonely Planet's Travel News section.<br /><br /><b>Airlines</b><br /><br />Say the words travel, vacation or adventure and I get excited for new possibilities. Say the words flying, airport or airlines and a not so pleasant feeling creeps through my body. Is it fear or is it experience? What ever it is, the game to control the outcome of a bad day in an airport and on an airplane is a balance of preparation, luck and a lot of patience. The act of traveling can be exhausting, so I want the airline to help me out, <i>give a sista a hand</i>; don't make it anymore difficult than my already low expectations.<br /><br />The Wall Street Journal released their ratings of top airlines in the U.S.A. in January 2016. Of course I was most interested in delayed flights (missed connections) and mishandled baggage (bikes!). Focus on Alaska, Delta, Virgin America. And maybe <u>not</u> Spirit, American or United (which ... I am flying on to California next month for the Tour of California).<br /><br />Read: <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-and-worst-airlines-of-2015-1452709957" target="_blank">The Best and Worst Airlines of 2015</a><br />The annual scorecard of the nine biggest U.S. carriers shows surprising progress in air travel. By Scott McCartney of The Wall Street Journal and Middle Seat.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwsL1kk4QhY/Vxe8Crr5ICI/AAAAAAAC904/YAh8Qoo9PngcW4OXxxuYHlLmsifG8LzTwCLcB/s1600/Best%2Bworst%2Bairlines%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwsL1kk4QhY/Vxe8Crr5ICI/AAAAAAAC904/YAh8Qoo9PngcW4OXxxuYHlLmsifG8LzTwCLcB/s640/Best%2Bworst%2Bairlines%2B2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best and worst airlines, rated.</td></tr></tbody></table>Update 04/26/16: Today from CBS come this list of <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/media/the-5-most-hated-and-liked-u-s-airlines/" target="_blank">The 5 most hated and liked U.S. airlines</a>.<br /> <br /><br /><b>Bikes on planes - an update</b><br /><br />A heads up on traveling with bikes on airplanes. A reader recently tipped me off that some airlines are now requiring you to pre-approve your bike to determine if they have space.<br /><br />Rob Sabel wrote in: "I was checking the KLM website today and found they, and many other airlines, are requiring pre-approval for bikes. I called KLM and was informed we need to request the bikes to be added to our tickets. They could NOT confirm this could be done and we need to call back Monday to make sure our request was approved! WTF!! Just letting you know, you should check your flights to find out if you need to add a bike to your reservation." Thanks for the update Rob.<br /><br />Today's advice: check with your airline about bike policy, cost, weight limits, loss coverage, and now - possible pre-approval.<br /><br />In reading over some airline baggage requirements today, I learned that the eccentric Antler Guy, Dore Holte, the aircraft mechanic from Seattle, who runs along side the peloton with the enormous antler helmet on his head, pays as much to fly that set of moose antlers as us commons folk do to fly our bikes. Maybe his ram ears cost less to fly?<br /><br /></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-1770941167537225302016-04-17T18:03:00.003-06:002016-05-23T10:14:56.321-06:00How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">How to watch the Amgen Tour of California live anywhere:</span></b><br /><br />Time to head to California for the Tour of California. At the race, in the office, or at home, the Microsoft Tour Tracker app will come in very handy to keep track of live action and results. The Tour Tracker app is also the only way to watch the women's race recaps this year, until the final women's race recap wrap up show which will air on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN).<br /><br />The men's race will be featured daily on NBCSN, with race commentators Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen returning to give play by play commentary. The final Stage 8, in Sacramento, will appear live on the main NBC network. There will also be evening highlight recaps of each stage on NBCSN.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VASaWwP_zZI/VxQd2SGQ5AI/AAAAAAAC9wE/Etr45CVVyD0Uj92mcFDJvddhpvQuUTxIQCLcB/s1600/Phil%2Band%2BPaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Phil and Paul" border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VASaWwP_zZI/VxQd2SGQ5AI/AAAAAAAC9wE/Etr45CVVyD0Uj92mcFDJvddhpvQuUTxIQCLcB/s640/Phil%2Band%2BPaul.jpg" title="Phil and Paul" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the 11th edition of the Tour of California and Phil and Paul are back! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table>Securing TV coverage is a really big deal for any bike race. In its 11th year, we should be pleased that NBC continues to cover the Tour of California.<br /><br />You will notice regardless of the length or type of route, each stage always finishes around the same time each day. This is specifically for TV coverage. Live coverage often will not cover the beginning of each stage, but will always be there for the stage finish. The evening recap shows will summarize the entire day's action on the road.<br /><br /><b>Methods to watch the 2016 Tour of California</b><br /><br />MICROSOFT TOUR TRACKER<br /><br />Follow the Amgen Tour of California Men's Race and the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women's Race live on <b>Microsoft Tour Tracker</b>, the app that gives you in depth access and analysis of America's Greatest Race via the web or your mobile device. Whether you are out on the road, waiting at the finish line, or watching at home, you can keep track of the race <a href="http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Download the app.</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SAVfPPP4Dw/Vw1EQ5f3izI/AAAAAAAC9ok/R1ilBM2JO5EmQb2ehPvoSaPleljIYzdeACLcB/s1600/Tourtracker%2Bapp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker" border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SAVfPPP4Dw/Vw1EQ5f3izI/AAAAAAAC9ok/R1ilBM2JO5EmQb2ehPvoSaPleljIYzdeACLcB/s320/Tourtracker%2Bapp.jpg" title="Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft Tour Tracker ATOC. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>ONLINE<br /><br />You can watch TourTracker on the <a href="http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">web</a>. For international fans, to view the Tour of California in Europe, please visit <a href="http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/">Steephill.TV</a> and the list of live or recorded links. Last year the Tour of California was shown on Eurosport and on SBS in Australia. International links to coverage (bottom of page): <a href="http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/">http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/</a> (1 mile = 1.60934km).<br /><br />TV<br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">How to watch the Amgen Tour of California on TV</span><br /><br />NBS Sports Network has committed to providing a preview show, as well as daily highlights of Stages 1-8, in addition to airing 2-hours of the final stage LIVE on their primary NBC station. TV Schedule (coming as soon as officially announced).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xMXfLkyCG8/VxQWYdgl1lI/AAAAAAAC9vc/eVdhmaW2-EsQ_C5aEQLutHMK4tV4g25gACLcB/s1600/Phil%2BLigget%2Band%2BPaul%2BSherwen%2BNBC%2Brace%2Bannouncers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwen NBC" border="0" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xMXfLkyCG8/VxQWYdgl1lI/AAAAAAAC9vc/eVdhmaW2-EsQ_C5aEQLutHMK4tV4g25gACLcB/s640/Phil%2BLigget%2Band%2BPaul%2BSherwen%2BNBC%2Brace%2Bannouncers.jpg" title="Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwen NBC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Men's race TV coverage Amgen Tour of California</span> - mostly on NBCSN with the final stage on NBC - TV Schedule for the Tour of California. Find your local NBC Sports Network Channel <a href="http://www.nbcsports.com/tv-listings">HERE</a><br /><br />MEN's RACE COVERAGE<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sunday 5/8/16 Amgen Tour of California Preview Show*<b> </b><b>5:00PM</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Sunday 5/15/16 Men's Stage 1 presented by Breakaway From Heart Disease <b>2-4 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Monday 5/16/16 Men's Stage 2 presented by SRAM <b>2-4 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Tuesday 5/17/16 Men's Stage 3 presented by Breakaway From Cancer <b>2-4 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Wednesday 5/18/16 Men's Stage 4 presented by Visit California <b>2-4 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Thursday 5/19/16 Men's Stage 5 presented by Visit California <b>2-4 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Friday 5/20/16 Men's Stage 6 presented by SRAM<b> 2-4 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Saturday 5/21/16 Men's Stage 7 presented by Lexus <b>1:30-3:30 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Sunday 5/22/16 Men's Stage 8 presented by Lexus <b>1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.</b> PDT on <b><span style="color: #990000;">NBC</span></b></li></ul><i>*All times are subject to change / Times Tentative due to NHL Playoffs</i><br /><br />MEN's RECAP SHOWS<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sunday 5/15/16 Men's Stage 1 Recap Show <b>11:00 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Monday 5/16/16 Men's Stage 2 Men's Stage 2 Recap Show <b>10:00 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>>Tuesday 5/17/16 Men's Stage 3 Men's Stage 3 Recap Show <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Wednesday 5/18/16 Men's Stage 4 Men's Stage 4 Recap Show <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Thursday 5/19/16 Men's Stage 5 Men's Stage 5 Recap Show <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Friday 5/20/16 Men's Stage 6 Recap Show <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Saturday 5/21/16 Men's Stage 7 Recap Show <b>10:00 p.m.</b> PDT on NBCSN</li><li>Sunday 5/22/16 Men's Stage 8 Recap Show <b>11:00 p.m.</b> PDT on <span style="color: #990000;"><b>NBC</b></span></li></ul><span style="color: #073763;">Women's race TV coverage Amgen Tour of California</span> - available only on the Microsoft Tour Tracker app. You may follow the women's race by reading the Live Updates on Microsoft Tour Tracker (no video), otherwise race highlights will be available in the evening. <br /><br />WOMEN's RACE COVERAGE<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Thursday 5/19/16 Stage 1 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only </li><li>Friday 5/20/16 Stage 2 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only</li><li>Saturday 5/21/16 Stage 3 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only</li><li>Sunday 5/22/16 Stage 4 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight <b>9:00 p.m.</b> PDT On Tour Tracker app only</li></ul>WOMEN's RECAP SHOWS<br /><ul><li>Thursday 5/26/16 AmgenBreakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Recap Show <b>10:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.</b> PDT on <span style="color: #990000;"><b>NBCSN </b></span></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL50Fx_uKvg/VxQeUQQMBzI/AAAAAAAC9wI/BW0Yi2TqfuEBOxF_CaIwcJMZxb5wwyS8ACLcB/s1600/Christian%2BVV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL50Fx_uKvg/VxQeUQQMBzI/AAAAAAAC9wI/BW0Yi2TqfuEBOxF_CaIwcJMZxb5wwyS8ACLcB/s640/Christian%2BVV.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian Vande Velde conveys his racing knowledge during coverage. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>WHO TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER<br /><br />People, riders and teams actively tweeting on Twitter during the Tour of California race:<br /><br />Tour of California: <a href="https://twitter.com/AmgenTOC">@AmgenTOC</a><br />ATOC San Diego: <a href="https://twitter.com/sdtocloc">@sdtocloc</a><br />Phil Liggett: <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilLiggett">@PhilLiggett</a><br />Paul Sherwen: <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulSherwen">@PaulSherwen</a><br />Christian Vande Velde: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianVDV">@ChristianVDV</a><br />Peter Sagan: <a href="https://twitter.com/petosagan">@petosagan</a><br />Mark Cavendish: <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkCavendish">@MarkCavendish</a><br />Rohan Dennis: <a href="https://twitter.com/RohanDennis">@RohanDennis</a><br />Taylor Phinney: <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorphinney">@taylorphinney</a><br />Dimension Data: <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamDiData">@TeamDiData</a><br />Orica GreenEdge: <a href="https://twitter.com/ORICA_GreenEDGE">@ORICA_GreenEDGE</a><br />BMC: <a href="https://twitter.com/BMCProTeam">@BMCProTeam</a><br />Trek-Segafredo: <a href="https://twitter.com/TrekSegafredo">@TrekSegafredo</a><br />Axeon Hagens Berman: <a href="https://twitter.com/axeonhb">@axeonhb</a><br />Rally Cycling: <a href="https://twitter.com/Rally_Cycling">@Rally_Cycling</a><br />UHC: <a href="https://twitter.com/UHCprocycling">@UHCprocycling</a><br />Novo Norkisk: <a href="https://twitter.com/teamnovonordisk">@teamnovonordisk</a><br />Wiggins: <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialWIGGINS">@OfficialWIGGINS</a><br />Etixx-Quickstep: <a href="https://twitter.com/Etixx_QuickStep">@Etixx_QuickStep</a><br />Cannondale: <a href="https://twitter.com/Ride_Argyle">@Ride_Argyle</a><br />Oran Kelly (Photographer): <a href="https://twitter.com/Eibhir">@Eibhir</a><br />Darrell Parks (Photographer): <a href="https://twitter.com/darrellparks">@darrellparks</a><br />Brian Hodes (Photographer Veloimages): <a href="https://twitter.com/veloimages">@veloimages</a><br />Kim Hull (Photographer Cycling Perspective): <a href="https://twitter.com/KimberliHull">@KimberliHull</a><br />Neal Rogers: <a href="https://twitter.com/nealrogers">@nealrogers</a><br />Global Cycling Network: <a href="https://twitter.com/gcntweet">@gcntweet</a><br />Bike Radar: <a href="https://twitter.com/bikeradar">@bikeradar</a><br />CyclingNews: <a href="https://twitter.com/Cyclingnewsfeed">@Cyclingnewsfeed</a><br />VeloNews: <a href="https://twitter.com/velonews">@velonews</a><br />Steephill: <a href="https://twitter.com/steephill">@steephill</a><br />Race Radio: <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRaceRadio">@TheRaceRadio</a><br />Manual for Speed: <a href="https://twitter.com/manualforspeed">@manualforspeed</a><br />Broom Wagon Sarah: <a href="https://twitter.com/broomwagon">@broomwagon</a><br />Pedal Dancer: <a href="https://twitter.com/karenrake">@karenrake</a><br /><br />STAGES<br /><br />Stages of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California:<br /><br />Stage 1 - San Diego, May 15, 2016 <br />Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, May 16, 2016<br />Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, May 17, 2016<br />Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, May 18, 2016<br />Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, May 19, 2016<br />Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial & Women's Team Time Trial, May 20, 2016<br />Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016<br />Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016<br /><br /><br /><b>Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><br />Visit the new <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Tour Chaser</span></b> website for fans created by Pedal Dancer® specifically for spectators who chase the races: <a href="http://tourchaser.com/">TourChaser.com</a><b> </b><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul>Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016; National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.</div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-59104800632356581322016-04-16T16:20:00.000-06:002016-04-17T18:28:04.039-06:00Recommended Reading: Tro-Bro Léon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Spotlight on a race in Brittany, France</span></b><br /><br />This week I really enjoyed reading Caley Fretz's piece on Tro-Bro Léon, the bike race in Brittany (Bretagne), France, which awards the first Breton to cross the line with a piglet. Yes, a baby pig. <br /><br />Read: <a href="http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/04/news/hell-west-tro-bro-leon_402428" target="_blank">Hell of the west: Tro-Bro Leon</a>, By Caley Fretz of VeloNews. He'll make you feel like you are at the race. <br /><br />More about the race on the official race website (in French!): <a href="http://trobroleon.jimdo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">trobroleon.jimdo.com.</a> Or follow on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/trobroleon">@trobroleon</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8_C_MSR8g/VxK4frKZZzI/AAAAAAAC9sI/EoVZuyDxnUMqcMz3GHgF-NC15mmJxFMQACLcB/s1600/tro%2Bbro%2Bleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8_C_MSR8g/VxK4frKZZzI/AAAAAAAC9sI/EoVZuyDxnUMqcMz3GHgF-NC15mmJxFMQACLcB/s640/tro%2Bbro%2Bleon.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congratulations you get a piglet! </td></tr></tbody></table>The land where piglets are awarded on the podium!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FBtZgJa3B4/VxK5sLm34_I/AAAAAAAC9sU/QcD4iOwovn406u-pJluoeLkgX-4uhO0wwCLcB/s1600/Brittany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FBtZgJa3B4/VxK5sLm34_I/AAAAAAAC9sU/QcD4iOwovn406u-pJluoeLkgX-4uhO0wwCLcB/s400/Brittany.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />By the looks of things, anyone who doesn't get lost out on course deserves an award! Maybe a chicken. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8QZTGIxVtA/VxK5KFAM8iI/AAAAAAAC9sM/vH1e1NL3LaceCz2VcQiGfBM585DwmDeOgCLcB/s1600/Tro%2Bbro%2Bleon%2Bparcours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8QZTGIxVtA/VxK5KFAM8iI/AAAAAAAC9sM/vH1e1NL3LaceCz2VcQiGfBM585DwmDeOgCLcB/s640/Tro%2Bbro%2Bleon%2Bparcours.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tro-Bro Leon parcours</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-65051614799091743542016-04-09T13:29:00.002-06:002017-06-21T19:32:20.495-06:00Hello to the Hell of the North<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">The best Sunday in April is tomorrow - Paris Roubaix!</span></b><br /><br />Set your alarm clocks this evening for an early morning rise because you will not want to miss the cobbles of the Paris-Roubaix bike race tomorrow, Sunday, April 10th!<br /><br />Although most of us traditionally wish for harsh weather conditions on race day, rain is expected to heavily soak the cobbles and the earth around their irregular shapes the day before the race, with clearing skies on race day. Whether the slippery moss growing over the cobbles will remain wet enough to cause crashes and added nervousness on race day, or whether the typically hard-packed dirt troughs along the side where riders attempt to seek refuge will instead be a muddy quagmire, is unknown. And exactly what makes this race such a spectacular competition in sport. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5f4Up2eOiE8/Vwkvfi4B3mI/AAAAAAAC9kU/n7MCpP9W8icPQgkJ8hCgkgFR0J03PRMeA/s1600/Paris-Roubaix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5f4Up2eOiE8/Vwkvfi4B3mI/AAAAAAAC9kU/n7MCpP9W8icPQgkJ8hCgkgFR0J03PRMeA/s640/Paris-Roubaix.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Paris-Roubaix in the Arenberg Forest. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>I was driving home last night and happened to hear a piece about the Paris-Roubaix on National Public Radio (NPS). I have become so accustomed to the notion of cycling as a niche sport that I was quite surprised, "They are talking about cycling on the radio." A columnist from the New York Times was describing the race in laymans terms; trying to explain how riders can hate it and love it at the same time. I smiled at the truthful statement.<br /><br />What attracts most fans to the Paris-Roubaix was not mentioned on the radio. The Paris-Roubaix makes and breaks legends of the sport. The Paris-Roubaix is so tough on bikes that the bikes are nearly redesigned for this one specific race. The Paris-Roubais is so tough on men that handlebars are specifically wrapped to avoid the unavoidable painful hand blisters from miles of jarring roughness over stone. Men arrive at the finish line visibly caked in mud, or dust, while others are left strewn on the side of the road in tears, or broken in pain. The Paris-Roubaix is epic cycling. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUwU4rHLUHI/VS1kEX3kglI/AAAAAAAC60g/smhVFEL1MP8/s1600/grass%2Bon%2Bcobbles%2Bof%2Barenberg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUwU4rHLUHI/VS1kEX3kglI/AAAAAAAC60g/smhVFEL1MP8/s1600/grass%2Bon%2Bcobbles%2Bof%2Barenberg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The green grass in the irregular cobbles of the Paris-Roubaix. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Although I am a huge fan of the Tour of Flanders (and thrilled at last weekend's win by Peter Sagan), the Paris-Roubaix race is the best example of a one-day Spring Classic. It comes down to one man on one day under one sky, and a lot of luck. You never know what will happen at the Paris-Roubaix. Never. And that is why you can save your time and not read all those quickly compiled predictions on who will win the race and instead use that time to get an extra hour of sleep. Because we will be getting up very early in the morning (4:35-10:00AM ET).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEmf6VZtWjY/VwkzPb6MTwI/AAAAAAAC9kk/OZLbQETmG7QtsSu_Oq7ZlS_V7d2uuSmLg/s1600/Paris-Roubaix%2BRoute%2BMap%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEmf6VZtWjY/VwkzPb6MTwI/AAAAAAAC9kk/OZLbQETmG7QtsSu_Oq7ZlS_V7d2uuSmLg/s640/Paris-Roubaix%2BRoute%2BMap%2B2016.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris-Roubaix Route Map 2016.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CXOAgzUYrY/Vwkz1PnnvlI/AAAAAAAC9ko/CYTtVaGBl8I4lT2cfJii1JUf4dKmFUjGQ/s1600/Pave%2Bsectors%2Bof%2BParis%2BRoubaix%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CXOAgzUYrY/Vwkz1PnnvlI/AAAAAAAC9ko/CYTtVaGBl8I4lT2cfJii1JUf4dKmFUjGQ/s640/Pave%2Bsectors%2Bof%2BParis%2BRoubaix%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pave sectors of Paris Roubaix 2016.</td></tr></tbody></table>Let's get straight to the facts on how to watch the Paris-Roubaix in the United States:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Watch it on TV: Thank you <a href="http://www.nbcsports.com/cycling-schedule" target="_blank">NBC Sports</a>! (4:35-10:00AM ET). Or NBC Sports Live Extra on Roku / Apple TV, etc. </li><li>Watch it online: Thank you <a href="http://www.cyclinghub.tv/livestream" target="_blank">CyclingHub.TV</a> (good picture clarity), and <a href="http://www.steephill.tv/classics/paris-roubaix/" target="_blank">Steephill.TV</a> (offers many choices), and <a href="http://www.cyclingfans.com/paris-roubaix/live" target="_blank">CyclingFans.com.</a></li><li>Read the live <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/" target="_blank">written coverage by Cycling News</a> (live link will be provided at the top on race day) on your phone while your screen is occupied with race coverage. I read the text to really find out what is happening out on the road.</li><li>Find a friend you can text with during the race (commenting on the race in progress is fun!)</li><li>Get together with friends. In Denver, Colorado, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/denverbikecafe" target="_blank">The Bicycle Cafe</a> is hosting a Paris-Roubaix viewing party at 6:00am at their bike shop/cafe.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adi6Ro3r1jQ/T3t9Fy-ZHDI/AAAAAAAAHQA/NJXF05MLelM/s1600/Pave+Roubaix.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adi6Ro3r1jQ/T3t9Fy-ZHDI/AAAAAAAAHQA/NJXF05MLelM/s320/Pave+Roubaix.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are on pavé. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Facts about Paris-Roubaix:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sunday, April 10th </li><li>Official race website: <a href="http://www.letour.fr/indexPRX_fr.html" target="_blank">Le Tour Paris-Roubaix</a>, <a class="ProfileHeaderCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/Paris_Roubaix">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">Paris_Roubaix</span></a><span class="u-linkComplex-target">, </span><span class="u-linkComplex-target"><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParisRoubaix?src=hash"><s>#</s>ParisRoubaix</a> </span></li><li><span class="u-linkComplex-target"><a href="http://www.letour.fr/paris-roubaix/2016/us/race.html" target="_blank">Official timetable</a> (and debut of cobble sections). </span> </li><li>Route details: 257.5km, 27 secteurs pavés, 204.7 kilometers of pavement and 52.8 kilometers of stone. </li><li>114th Edition</li><li>25 teams, 8 riders each, 200 riders <a href="http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/Paris_-_Roubaix_2016_Startlist" target="_blank">Paris-Roubaix Startlist or riders</a>. Last year's winner John Degenkolb will not be riding in 2016. <a href="http://www.letour.fr/paris-roubaix/2016/fr/histoire/" target="_blank">List of previous winners.</a></li><li>★★★★★ 27 cobble sections (sectors). Only three 5-star sections, which are: #18 Trouée d’Arenberg (at km 162, 2400m in length); #10 Mons-en-Pévèle (at km 209, 3000m in length); and #4 (closest to the finish) Le Carrefour de l’Arbre (at km 240.5, 2100m in length). <br /></li><li>Race starts in Compiegne, France at 12:00 CEST, and finishes inside the old Velodrome in Roubaix. </li><li>Nicknames: Paris-Roubaix = Queen of the Classics (La Reine), The Hell of the North, or La Pascale.</li><li>The Paris-Roubaix is considered a <i>Cobbled Classic</i>. The Paris-Roubaix is also one of the 5 cycling <i>Monuments</i> and the only one in France. </li></ul>What time do you really need to get up?<br /><br />Well, the lead riders should hit the first 5-star cobble section - Arenberg Forest (Début de secteur pavé de la Trouée d'Arenberg. secteur #18) at 14h31 in France, or 6:31am Mountain Time in Colorado (8:31 EDT). You won't want to miss it. From this point on, watch for crashes to take out a few of the top contenders. Then expect real race action to happen at about 40km to go, and all the way to the finish!<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJvDhDIUciY/VwlMfGEgzJI/AAAAAAAC9lY/RabjA-qqu_8JvlQXPjqSf51qAZEeb8b0w/s1600/Paris%2BRoubaix%2Bfinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJvDhDIUciY/VwlMfGEgzJI/AAAAAAAC9lY/RabjA-qqu_8JvlQXPjqSf51qAZEeb8b0w/s640/Paris%2BRoubaix%2Bfinish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish line in the Velodrome of the Paris Roubaix. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Words of the day:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>tranchée: trench</li><li>trouée: gap</li><li>le parcours: route</li><li>carrefour: crossroads</li><li>le secteurs pavé: cobblestone sections (sectors)</li><li>velodrome: velodrome!</li></ul>Recommended to watch before the race tomorrow: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Check out Tom Boonen's bike for the race: <a href="http://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/gear/article/tom-boonens-specialized-s-works-roubaix-sl4-46794/" target="_blank">Tom Boonen's Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL4</a> reviewed by Bike Radar.</li><li>Watch GCN <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb8X8P4LvrM" target="_blank">bike tech coverage for the Classics</a>. </li><li><a href="http://www.steephill.tv/players/720/twitter/?title=1st-person+recon+clip+from+Jasper+Stuyven+in+the+Arenberg+Forest&dashboard=paris-roubaix&id=TrekSegafredo/status/718074195402473472&yr=2016" target="_blank">Jasper Stuyven gives the perspective of the cobbles</a> and what the riders will eperience for 52 kilometers of the race on Sunday in this video. No wonder so much pressure is on the mechanics!</li><li>Watch this very short video of the Lotto-Jumbo team <a href="http://www.steephill.tv/players/720/twitter/?title=Drone+footage+of+the+Arenberg+Forest+recon&dashboard=paris-roubaix&id=LottoJumbo_road/status/718184392405876736&yr=2016" target="_blank">going under the train trellis in the Arenberg Forest</a>. </li><li>Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWIjW8jWlnE&nohtml5=False" target="_blank">GCN's fun as they get out and ride on the cobbles</a> for their 2016 Paris-Roubaix.</li><li>If you want to know about the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYH_vTHpGwk" target="_blank">top-10 hopefuls to win Paris-Roubaix</a> watch this boring video by Cycling News. </li><li>Watch this emotional classic video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PadVQq53h3I&nohtml5=False" target="_blank">slow-mo over the cobbles</a>. </li><li>View the photography of Sirotti for Steephill.TV. Wonderful Photography of the teams <a href="http://www.steephill.tv/2016/paris-roubaix/photos/page-02/" target="_blank">pre-riding the Paris-Roubaix in the Arenberg Forest</a>. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YEbXrHuWGrY/VS1bMIHyYQI/AAAAAAAC6x4/zeyHpkkroIQ/s1600/Jupi%2Bon%2BParis-Roubaix%2Bday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YEbXrHuWGrY/VS1bMIHyYQI/AAAAAAAC6x4/zeyHpkkroIQ/s1600/Jupi%2Bon%2BParis-Roubaix%2Bday.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting in the mood with some Jupi (Jupiter beer - the locals favorite). ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Past blog posts by <i>moi</i>:<br /><br />Apparently I have memory problems with two things: pain and remembering how much fun I had doing something. The best part about blogging is recording when I go to bike races. I recorded that I REALLY liked the Paris-Roubaix. And I took a lot of pictures.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2015/04/i-woke-up-at-500am-to-watch-paris.html">I woke up at 5:00AM to watch the Paris-Roubaix</a> (lots of photos!) </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2012/04/i-was-fan-at-paris-roubaix.html">I was a fan at the Paris-Roubaix</a> including <span class="st" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>My Paris-Roubaix driving instructions</b> (viewing in Arenberg Forest and Carrefour l'arbre).</span> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2014/04/i-went-to-belgium-and-took-picures-of.html">I went to Belgium and took pictures of cobbles</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2012/04/day-of-pave-in-france-and-belgium.html">A day of pave in France and Belgium</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2012/04/images-from-paris-roubaix.html">Images from Paris-Roubaix</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/02/spring-is-in-air-routes-and-guide-for.html">Spring is in the air - routes and guide for The Classics</a> </li></ul>In an effort to make the race very difficult, the route links up sections of cobblestones strung out along northern France. These huge stone paths are often in the backyard of homes or passages through farm fields used by locals. You need to know the terrain and route very well to find the start and finish of each pave section. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnKPghMQDz4/U0n-TksrQvI/AAAAAAAB77o/GLdqFdNFwLo/s1600/Carrefour+de+l%27Abre+cobbles+in+France.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnKPghMQDz4/U0n-TksrQvI/AAAAAAAB77o/GLdqFdNFwLo/s640/Carrefour+de+l'Abre+cobbles+in+France.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an aerial view of the infamous Le Carrefour de l’Arbre section of pave. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_Z1e5wVkzQ/U0oQDCsprNI/AAAAAAAB79Q/V3sJ1QrH5sg/s1600/Carrefour+de+l%27Abre+pave.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_Z1e5wVkzQ/U0oQDCsprNI/AAAAAAAB79Q/V3sJ1QrH5sg/s640/Carrefour+de+l'Abre+pave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the condition of the cobbles on the very key section of the race at the Le Carrefour de l’Arbre corner. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table>Who do I want to win? Of course I pick the legends Boonen or Cancellara!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-8894558198310775532016-04-07T20:31:00.000-06:002016-05-24T13:31:45.834-06:00Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1 to 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Tourist activities near the Amgen Tour of California in Southern California: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4. </span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">WHAT TO DO IN CALIFORNIA - STAGE BY STAGE TOURIST IDEAS NEAR THE RACE</span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tips on how to watch the Tour of California</li><li>Start and finish times of the Tour of California</li><li>VIP tickets and hours and Festival information at the Tour of California</li><li>California tourist ideas near the Tour of California</li><li>Route maps for stages 1, 2, 3, 4, of the Tour of California</li></ul>As in life, balance in travel is a particularly good thing. The Amgen Tour of California covers some of the best tourists towns in California all within one-week. Enjoy the sea, mountains, beach towns, high mountain lakes, the beautiful wine country and the dramatic California coast. The stage race begins in San Diego and finishes in the state capital of Sacramento. Ride, hike, eat, stroll, relax, road trip and cheer on the best cyclists in the world including World Champion Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins (<a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html" target="_blank">read more about the riders attending</a>).<br /><br />Did you know that <i>Visit California</i> is a major sponsor of the Amgen Tour of California? Intentionally playing tourist on the sidelines of the Tour of California is a great idea. Take the day off of work or school, plan a short or long vacation, get together with friends or family or go alone (you won't truly be alone). If you are planning to see the bike race, why not take time to see other sights before or after the stage, dine and stay locally. Think of it as the best way to say thanks to the businesses and host cities who support bike racing.<br /><br />Transfer to this page to see ideas on: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8.</a><br /><br />2016 Tour of California Schedule: <br /><br />Stage 1 - San Diego, May 15, 201, Sunday <br />Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, May 16, 2016 <br />Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, May 17, 2016 <br />Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, May 18, 2016 <br />Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, May 19, 2016 <br />Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial & Women's Team Time Trial, May 20, 2016<br />Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016 <br />Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016, Sunday<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPAqByH3lIM/VvQSKpjiDJI/AAAAAAAC9cE/pX4v3Qwk1jsjVzwmIG-Pchgcx3-sMuB0Q/s1600/Amgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Blogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPAqByH3lIM/VvQSKpjiDJI/AAAAAAAC9cE/pX4v3Qwk1jsjVzwmIG-Pchgcx3-sMuB0Q/s1600/Amgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Blogo.jpg" /></a></div><br />Please read the details of each stage at: Pedal Dancer® <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">TOUR OF CALIFORNIA GUIDE PAGE</a> for spectators.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps for Tour of California 2016</a> by Pedal Dancer®.</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a> by Pedal Dancer® </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSnCMkLCb0Y/VvQTKVRSb8I/AAAAAAAC9cM/21GAMa2h3XkiQbVycwxbusUt53To3bv9Q/s1600/Amgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Bstart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSnCMkLCb0Y/VvQTKVRSb8I/AAAAAAAC9cM/21GAMa2h3XkiQbVycwxbusUt53To3bv9Q/s640/Amgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Bstart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the race begin. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuFgWk9_Ae0/Vquw8653GSI/AAAAAAAC9Rc/b5MFqnRu1yw/s1600/visit%2Bcalifornia%2Bregional%2Bmap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuFgWk9_Ae0/Vquw8653GSI/AAAAAAAC9Rc/b5MFqnRu1yw/s400/visit%2Bcalifornia%2Bregional%2Bmap.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be a tourist in California. It is a 9-hour drive from San Diego to San Francisco. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">VisitCalifornia.com regional map</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05z03lzXAR0/Vw1N1MU-NvI/AAAAAAAC9pE/AyDrTPl5iQ0AATQW7zQ5pdqi-c6nzG3lACLcB/s1600/Mission%2BBay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05z03lzXAR0/Vw1N1MU-NvI/AAAAAAAC9pE/AyDrTPl5iQ0AATQW7zQ5pdqi-c6nzG3lACLcB/s640/Mission%2BBay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission Bay, California - Home to the start of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California. Photo from ali.sdsu.edu/blog</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">SAN DIEGO </span></b><b>Stage 1 - San Diego to San Diego, Sunday, May 15, 2016</b> - <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0k35stspiY/VvQMrF14elI/AAAAAAAC9b4/sWmSiBIIJl4wcWV4k2Z9ks_tIsnaEJ0_w/s1600/Old%2BTown%2BMexican%2BSan%2BDiego.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0k35stspiY/VvQMrF14elI/AAAAAAAC9b4/sWmSiBIIJl4wcWV4k2Z9ks_tIsnaEJ0_w/s400/Old%2BTown%2BMexican%2BSan%2BDiego.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Mexican food! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from oldtownmexcafe.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table>The race begins in San Diego, the state's second largest city, on Sunday! Stage 1 centers in Mission Bay area near Sea World Theme Park (which recently stated <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/17/seaworld-says-its-current-generation-of-killer-whales-will-be-the-last/" target="_blank">the killer whales in captivity will be their last</a>). The race starts at 11:30am and finishes around 3:40pm. Show up early to enjoy the area for the entire weekend. It thrilling to see the pro riders out training on the local roads, where most will test the KOM climb on the days before the race begins.<br /><br />What to do in San Diego:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>See the official Team Presentation, tickets $100 each, on Friday evening, <a href="https://challengedathletes.ejoinme.org/ticketpackages" target="_blank">About Tickets</a>, <a href="https://challengedathletes.ejoinme.org/SDTOC2016registration" target="_blank">Registration</a>). </li><li>About <a href="http://m.sandiego.org/listingDetail.aspx?CNM=Beaches&listID=69ca2f5c-2d9f-4441-b2b2-7c6cd2e7b250&member=Mission+Bay&DFPID=undefined" target="_blank">Mission Bay</a>. </li><li>Rent a bike and pedal around Mission Bay: <a href="http://cheap-rentals.com/">cheap-rentals.com</a> (also rents kayaks and paddle boards), or <a href="http://www.rays-rentals.com/">Rays-rentals.com</a>, or <a href="http://www.missionbeachbikeandsurfrentals.com/" target="_blank">Radd Action Sports</a>. Ride the Mission Bay <a href="http://obrag.org/?p=72933" target="_blank">bike path full loop</a>. Detailed bike path loop with <a href="http://www.sk8.org/other/mission.html" target="_blank">sights along the way</a>. Other <a href="http://www.sandiegosuncoast.com/activities/bicycling" target="_blank">San Diego Bike path routes</a> in the area. </li><li>Get out and see the ocean. Take a boat trip: <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60750-Activities-San_Diego_California.html" target="_blank">tripadvisor list</a>; personally I am a big fan of Duffy boats (booze cruises) and sailboats.</li><li>Take a stroll along the beach on one of these <a href="http://blog.sandiego.org/2013/04/scenic-waterfront-walks/" target="_blank">5 of San Diego’s Best Scenic Waterfront Walks</a>.</li><li>See one of the big tourist sights like the <a href="http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/" target="_blank">San Diego Zoo</a> or the <a href="http://www.midway.org/" target="_blank">USS Midway Museum</a>; good with kids.</li><li>Venture north to La Jolla for a hybrid electric bike tour given by San Diego Fly Rides. <a href="http://sandiegoflyrides.com/san-diego-tours/electric-bike-tours/" target="_blank">Variety of guided tours offered</a>. Or take a kayak tour in the ocean through the caves with <a href="https://www.lajollakayak.com/tours/original_kayak_cave_tour.html" target="_blank">LaJollaKayak.com</a>.</li><li>Visit California offers ideas on <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/attraction/where-watch-la-jolla-sunset" target="_blank">where to watch a sunset view in La Jolla</a>.</li><li>Bring your own bike and take a bike ride. Here is the interactive <a href="http://www.icommutesd.com/Bike/BikeMap.aspx" target="_blank">bike route map of San Diego area</a>. Or take the decadent <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/709-stay-chocolatey-san-diego" target="_blank">Stay Chocolatey San Diego</a> Ride following the GPS Ambassador bike ride, 13-miles around San Diego.</li><li>Before or after the stage, take a stroll through old town and try casual Mexican food at <a href="http://oldtownmexcafe.com/" target="_blank">Old Town Mexican Cafe</a>, nearby <a href="http://cafecoyoteoldtown.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Cayote</a>, or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/el-agave?rid=847&ref=1068" target="_blank">El Agave Tequilaria</a>. Or other Mexican restaurants in Old Town: <a href="http://casaguadalajara.com/" target="_blank">Casa Guadalajara</a>, or <a href="http://fiestadereyes.com/" target="_blank">Fiesta de Reyes</a> with their <a href="http://fiestadereyes.com/entertainment-at-fiesta-de-reyes/" target="_blank">daily musical entertainment</a>!</li><li>Or if you are coming and going from the north side via Mission Blvd, try the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60750-d3195612-Reviews-La_Playa_Taco_Shop-San_Diego_California.html" target="_blank">La Playa Taco Shop</a>, combined with a sandy beach walk on the inner bay or outer ocean.</li><li>After the stage, make a reservation to enjoy the beautiful inner north Mission Bay setting at the <a href="http://www.catamaranresort.com/dining-entertainment/oceana-san-diego-restaurant" target="_blank">Oceana Coastal Kitchen</a>.</li><li>Visit California offers a 5-7 day Classic <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/trip/highway-one-classic" target="_blank">Hwy 1 Road Trip Tour of California</a>. This year's Tour of California will pass through many of the spots highlighted on their tour.</li><li>On race day, join a Watch Party on route: 9 different watch parties are planned along the route of Stage 1, <a href="http://www.sd2015loc.com/behind-the-scene-events.html" target="_blank">find a party</a>.</li><li>There will be a watch party gathering at Veteren's Corner on route at Civita Bouldevard from 1:00-4:00pm </li><li>There will be a gathering, on route, in El Cajon on Main Steet, between 12:00-4:00 p.m. to watch the race.</li><li>There will be a gathering, on route, at the Sprints points segment in Imperial Beach, along Palm Avenue and Seacoast Drive between 11:30- 4:00 p.m..</li><li>Find your favorite spot anywhere along the route on race day, arrive early to avoid traffic and road closures: <a href="http://amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage01.pdf" target="_blank">Stage 1 route map.</a></li><li>Check road closures and drive or ride your bike out to one of the sprint of KOM markers: Sprint locations: 1) Imperial Beach, 2) Navajo Road; KOM location: Honey Springs Road.</li><li>Ride your bike to the start/finish area: secure valet bike parking offered by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlindStokersClub/" target="_blank">Blind Stokers Club.</a></li><li>If you want to see the riders pre-race, find the team buses near the start area, or be near the sign-in stage (near the start line) by 10:00am. Riders must sign in 1-hour prior to start (11:30am).</li><li>Enjoy the Expo/Festival area between the start and finish. Fun free swag and vendors.</li><li>Participate in the Breakaway Mile: <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/breakawaymile" target="_blank">Register</a> for the San Diego Breakaway Mile for cancer survivors and caretakers (prior to the men's race finish).</li><li>Stage 1 Festival Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM near the finish area: exposition and live music.</li><li>About the stage: Stage 1 starts starts at <b><span style="color: #990000;">11:30am</span></b> and finishes around 3:40pm; Stage 1 VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30. Yes, VIP will be worth it in San Diego as VIP pass holders will have access to a VIP area at both the start and finish areas. Cost of VIP tickets in San Diego $209: <a href="http://www.axs.com/events/299413/amgen-tour-of-california-stage-1-san-diego-vip-access-pass-finish-tickets?skin=atoc" target="_blank">Buy VIP Pass</a>; Stage <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/city-san-diego" target="_blank">sponsors</a></li><li>Stage 1 start time is <u><b><span style="color: #990000;">11:30 AM</span></b></u> (the San Diego Local Organizing Committee has wrongly printed the start time as 10:30am, this is incorrect). As at every other UCI race, riders must sign-in on the sign-in stage, at least one hour before the stage start. There is also a customary singing of the national anthem before the start; these proceedings are not considered the race start (affecting road closures).</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dW4JhErmjLY/VwgJ8sItIJI/AAAAAAAC9i0/3YQApjBW_oYHalz9P-fudBV_Frh7xnF5w/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dW4JhErmjLY/VwgJ8sItIJI/AAAAAAAC9i0/3YQApjBW_oYHalz9P-fudBV_Frh7xnF5w/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-10.jpg" width="404" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fan favorite, Mark Cavendish will be racing in California again this year. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">SOUTH PASADENA </span></b><b>Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, Monday, May 16, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage02.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 2 Mens PDF">Stage 2 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLWlv10CwZk/Vv7YY53uWRI/AAAAAAAC9eY/vlsd0APo2McEtMGPRZDTevOhMFM6J7U-g/s1600/Hunintgton%2Blibrary.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLWlv10CwZk/Vv7YY53uWRI/AAAAAAAC9eY/vlsd0APo2McEtMGPRZDTevOhMFM6J7U-g/s400/Hunintgton%2Blibrary.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Huntington Library & Gardens</td></tr></tbody></table>There are a number of key tourist sights on the drive between San Diego and Los Angeles County. Visit any of these places after watching the start of Stage 2 at 12:05pm in South Pasadena.<br /><br />What to do near Pasadena: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ride (or drive) up Angeles Crest Highway to Big Tujunga Canyon to 1 of the 2 KOM markers. Or ride/drive up to the KOMs in Little Tujunga Canyon (closer to the finish in Santa Clarita).</li><li>You are in the land of museums - take the time to visit one of the many excellent art museums near Pasadena: <a href="http://www.nortonsimon.org/" target="_blank">Norton-Simon Museum</a>: 10-minute drive from South Pasadena; <a href="http://www.huntington.org/" target="_blank">Huntington Library (art and gardens too):</a> 10-minute drive from South Pasadena; <a href="http://www.getty.edu/" target="_blank">The Getty Museum of Art</a>: 45-minute drive from South Pasadena; <a href="http://www.lacma.org/" target="_blank">Los Angeles County Museum of Art</a>: 35-minute drive from South Pasadena.</li><li>Visit the famous landmarks of Los Angeles for a fantastic view: <a href="http://hollywoodsign.org/seeing-the-sign/" target="_blank">Hollywood sign</a> a 30-minute drive from South Pasadena. Or <a href="http://griffithobservatory.org/" target="_blank">Griffith Observatory and park</a> a 30-minute drive from South Pasadena (near the Hollywood sign).</li><li>Join <a href="http://biketourshollywood.com/" target="_blank">BeSpoke bike tours</a> for a guided bike and hike to the Hollywood Sign.</li><li>Cruise the infamous <a href="http://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/" target="_blank">Rodeo Drive</a> a 40-minute drive from South Pasadena. </li><li>Visit <a href="http://www.santamonica.com/" target="_blank">Santa Monica</a> - the Peir and beach, the shops of Third St Promenade, or bag your berries alongside A-list celebs and lauded chefs at the Santa Monica <a href="http://www.santamonica.com/restaurants/santa-monica-farmers-market/" target="_blank">Farmer's Market</a> on Wed, Sat, Sun. </li><li>Ride the Griffith Park - La Tuna Canyon loop, 33.12 miles in Los Angeles near Pasadena. <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/us/north-glendale-ca/griffith-park-la-tuna-canyon-ride-route-690044" target="_blank">Map My Ride route map</a>. </li><li>Ride your bike: <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2370202" target="_blank">cycle Mulholland Drive</a> in Los Angeles. </li><li>Or <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2015/04/letape-california-2015.html" target="_blank">Climb Mt Baldy</a> less than an hour's drive from Pasadena, starting point for the climb in Claremont or Glendora.</li><li>You can join a Trek Travel Tour that will guide your through Stage 2 and 3, take you on some of the best bike rides in the Los Angles area and set up great hotel and meals for you with experienced guides. <a href="http://trektravel.com/trip/tour-california-bike-tour/" target="_blank">TrekTravel Tour of California</a>.</li><li>About the stage: Stage 2 starts in South Pasadena at 12:05pm; Stage 2 start line VIP Hours in Pasadena: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM.</li><li>City websites: <a href="http://www.southpasadenaca.gov/AmgenTour" target="_blank">South Pasadena</a></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCBwtpi8NHU/VwgIWdUrGwI/AAAAAAAC9ic/MeiAXBWVBYwV4APn_8w4LPiSu5TMHbuZQ/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCBwtpi8NHU/VwgIWdUrGwI/AAAAAAAC9ic/MeiAXBWVBYwV4APn_8w4LPiSu5TMHbuZQ/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-97.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fans wait at the VIP tent. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">SANTA CLARITA </span></b><b>Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, Monday, May 16, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage02.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 2 Mens PDF">Stage 2 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmYFVn41zCY/VwLYetdaAaI/AAAAAAAC9fc/-u5RfIdxz8QPQVuXgDnc_z9YCrL-I_fpw/s1600/Little%2BTujunga%2BCanyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmYFVn41zCY/VwLYetdaAaI/AAAAAAAC9fc/-u5RfIdxz8QPQVuXgDnc_z9YCrL-I_fpw/s400/Little%2BTujunga%2BCanyon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Tujunga Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table>What to do near Santa Clarita:<br /><br />Santa Clarita is a good location to find a hotel for the night (plentiful and lower cost than in Thousand Oaks). You can drive to Thousand Oaks or Santa Barbara the next morning for the start or finish of Stage 3. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Visit Santa Clarita list of Things to Do: <a href="http://visitsantaclarita.com/things-to-do/" target="_blank">visitsantaclarita.com</a> </li><li>Enjoy the festival in Santa Clarita (and the beer tent) before the finish.</li><li>About the stage: Stage 2 finishes in Santa Clarita at approximately 3:46pm; Stage 2 festival hours in Santa Clarita at the Finish: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Stage 2 finish line VIP Hours in Santa Clarita: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.</li><li>City websites: <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/" target="_blank">Santa Clarita ATOC</a>, <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/traffic-updates/" target="_blank">Santa Clarita traffic and closures</a></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-galkHJYfiJI/VwgI4PbhxnI/AAAAAAAC9ik/n5jyysJjks4BQINc9KKCBqiJDH4oecXWw/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-galkHJYfiJI/VwgI4PbhxnI/AAAAAAAC9ik/n5jyysJjks4BQINc9KKCBqiJDH4oecXWw/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-79.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fans can openly walk around the team bikes and team buses. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">THOUSAND OAKS </span></b><b>Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, Tuesday, May 17, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage03.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 3 Mens PDF">Stage 3 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYOm547CeOM/Vv7cf9YNIFI/AAAAAAAC9ew/offAwdmyI_wASbadkucRGrluZbhamP2Uw/s1600/rock%2Bstore%2Bmalibu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYOm547CeOM/Vv7cf9YNIFI/AAAAAAAC9ew/offAwdmyI_wASbadkucRGrluZbhamP2Uw/s400/rock%2Bstore%2Bmalibu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Store landmark</td></tr></tbody></table>What to do near Thousand Oaks: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Thousand Oaks is home to title sponsor Amgen.</li><li>A good area for advanced cycling. Ride your bike over Old Tapanga, Mulholland, Dry Canyon and Cold Creek: many choices on <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/find#search/0/search[offset]=0&search[start_distance]=50&search[start_location]=&search[keywords]=old+tapanga&search[length_min]=0&search[length_max]=500&search[elevation_min]=0&search[elevation_max]=10000&search[sort_by]=" target="_blank">Ride with GPS Malibu area</a>. Did you know local pro bike rider Phil Gaimon recently joined in the effort to <a href="http://www.la-bike.org/clean_up_mulholland_with_phil_gaimon" target="_blank">clean up Mulholland Drive</a>, and Dave Zabriskie (owner of DZNuts) lives in these hills.</li><li>Ride the paths on the Thousand Oaks <a href="http://ci.thousand-oaks.ca.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=12311" target="_blank">bike route map</a> to Stage 3.</li><li>Visit <a href="http://www.reaganfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Reagan Library</a> in Semi Valley, 20-minute drive from Thousand Oaks</li><li>Fifteen minutes north of Thousand Oaks (on your way to Santa Barbara) visit my families favorite airport restaurant where you can dine outside while watching small private planes take off and land. Located in the farm fields in Ventura County in Camarillo: <a href="http://www.thewaypointcafe.com/" target="_blank">The Waypoint Cafe</a> and the nearby <a href="https://www.cafsocal.com/museum/" target="_blank">Commemorative Air Force Museum.</a></li><li>Definitely hang out by the sign-in stage to see all your favorite riders sign-in beginning at 10:00am.</li><li>Ride to one of the 4! King of the Mountain (KOM) points along the route of Stage 3: KOM locations: 1) Potroro Road, 2) Westlake Blvd, 3) Casitas Pass Road, 4) Gibraltar Road Finish! </li><li>About the stage: Stage 3 starts at 11:10am in Thousand Oaks; Stage 3 start line VIP Hours: 9:30 AM - 11:45 AM. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9hAcuxgmy4/VwaXbocqz0I/AAAAAAAC9hI/yJliFLEtkUg1nwMuKX2opNal9wVhMeQkw/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-91.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9hAcuxgmy4/VwaXbocqz0I/AAAAAAAC9hI/yJliFLEtkUg1nwMuKX2opNal9wVhMeQkw/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-91.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cannondale Team bus, cars and bikes at the start in Santa Barbara in 2015.</span> ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">SANTA BARBARA </span></b><b>Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, Tuesday, May 17, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage03.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 3 Mens PDF">Stage 3 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DELawf6VNIg/Vv7ZyASDccI/AAAAAAAC9ek/9bDjBFqw7TosvMk3HNMcPo9XtLJIv6AKg/s1600/Santa%2BBarbara.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DELawf6VNIg/Vv7ZyASDccI/AAAAAAAC9ek/9bDjBFqw7TosvMk3HNMcPo9XtLJIv6AKg/s400/Santa%2BBarbara.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pier in Santa Barbara</td></tr></tbody></table>An excellent city to visit for the day or three days, Santa Barbara has colorful culture, good food, local wineries and coastal scenery.<br /><br />What to do near Santa Barbara:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2013/05/california-here-i-come.html" target="_blank">Pedal Dancer's Santa Barbara guide from the 2013 Tour of California</a> is still a valuable guide for local food, wine touring, surfing, trolleys and more.</li><li>Ride the <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/letape-course" target="_blank">route of the 2016 L'Etape California</a> in Santa Barbara to the top of Gibralter Rd at La Cumbre Peak to see the stage finish (start very early because you will have a pro peloton on your tail). [Register for the real <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/letapecalifornia-register" target="_blank">L'Etape California</a> on April 24th].</li><li>Ride to one of the 4! King of the Mountain (KOM) points along the route of Stage 3: KOM locations: 1) Potroro Road, 2) Westlake Blvd, 3) Casitas Pass Road, 4) Gibraltar Road Finish! </li><li>Enjoy <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/1940489" target="_blank">Mixed terrain biking</a>: follow the route on Ride with GPS in and around Santa Barbara.</li><li>Visit the <a href="http://www.santabarbaramission.org/" target="_blank">Old Mission in Santa Barbara.</a></li><li>Have an early lunch at <i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/69/740374/restaurant/Eastside/La-Super-Rica-Taqueria-Santa-Barbara"><span id="post_content_1936732_in_place_editor">La Super Rica Taqueria</span></a></i><span class="street-address"> (622 N Milpas St</span>, open 11am, <u>CLOSED WEDNESDAYS</u>), good Mexican food, selecting any small dish specials from the chalk board (cash only). Some claim that <i><a href="https://plus.google.com/113063683489251647131/about?gl=us&hl=en">Los Agaves Restaurant</a></i> is even better (larger portions) with a nice atmosphere and food, one block down from La Super Rica (at <span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr">600 N Milpas St). I like both places a lot. </span></li><li>Visit the <a href="http://www.sbcountywines.com/wineries.html" target="_blank">wineries in Santa Barbara</a>.</li><li>On your way to Morro Bay, north of Santa Barbara, stop in Solvang to enjoy local wines and a great bike ride along Foxen Canyon (one of my favorite rides anywhere!). Follow this do-it-yourself *free <a href="http://www.bike-santabarbara.org/rides/DIY/PDF/Sideways-Los-Olivos.pdf" target="_blank">Sideways Movie Bike Tour map</a>, stopping at wineries along the way or grabbing a coffee in Los Olivos.</li><li>About the stage: Stage 3 finishes in Santa Barbara at approximately 3:48pm.; Stage 3 finish line VIP Hours: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM; Stage 3 festival hours at the finish: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh1lvtBGM_c/VwgK3UpVUqI/AAAAAAAC9jE/Pxv6lGT20x8ppIscbTexmDd1Fu_LZiVgw/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh1lvtBGM_c/VwgK3UpVUqI/AAAAAAAC9jE/Pxv6lGT20x8ppIscbTexmDd1Fu_LZiVgw/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-82.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMC bikes. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">MORRO BAY </span></b><b>Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, Wednesday, May 18, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 4 Mens PDF">Stage 4 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBDAr5Zstw/Vv7epa6doQI/AAAAAAAC9e8/nRgLGBOlHmQfGtkoyVftabukeiRZ6K85A/s1600/Elephant%2Bseal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBDAr5Zstw/Vv7epa6doQI/AAAAAAAC9e8/nRgLGBOlHmQfGtkoyVftabukeiRZ6K85A/s400/Elephant%2Bseal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seal</td></tr></tbody></table>The drive from Morro Bay to Monterey along California Hwy 1 is one of the most scenic drives in the United States.<br /><br />What to do near Morro Bay:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This would be a very good town to give your business to local stores and restaurants. Arrive early and enjoy a meal.</li><li>Hike <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=594" target="_blank">Morro Bay State Park</a>.</li><li>Visit the nearby college town of San Luis Obispo.</li><li>Ride your bike: I like to follow the guidance of the Ambassador's listed on Ride with GPS; There is a local Ambassador based out of nearby Paso Robles: see the routes by <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/ambassadors/108-jardine-ranch-s-country-nut-house" target="_blank">Jardine Ranch's Country Nut House</a></li><li><a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/california-pacific-coast-road-trip/#/motorcycle-pacific-coast-highway_89956_600x450.jpg" target="_blank">Road Trip: California's Pacific Coast Highway</a> with National Geographic (reverse this trip).</li><li>Stop in for lunch in the quaint town of Cambria along the coast (2 hr drive north of Santa Barbara).</li><li>See the huge <a href="http://traveltips.usatoday.com/time-visit-elephant-seals-san-simeon-ca-106680.html" target="_blank">Elephant Seals</a> at San Simeon (2'22" north of Santa Barbara)</li><li><a href="http://hearstcastle.org/" target="_blank">Hearst Castle</a>: one of the most popular tourist sights in California, Hearst Castle is a 55-minute drive north up Hwy 1 from Morro Bay. (2'23" north of Santa Barbara).</li><li>About the stage: Stage 4 starts in Morro Bay at 10:10am (it will be a long day in the saddle); Start line VIP Hours : 8:30 AM - 10:45AM</li><li>Find a spot near the start line sign-in stage to see all your favorite riders sign-in 1 hour before the start.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqWIOLiSVLo/VwgKPXZckZI/AAAAAAAC9i8/u-WpDSpWMKUFIQDMD3PcnTz8NhV3_keUA/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqWIOLiSVLo/VwgKPXZckZI/AAAAAAAC9i8/u-WpDSpWMKUFIQDMD3PcnTz8NhV3_keUA/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-51.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling closures as the breakaway group rides down the road in California in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">MONTEREY </span></b><b>Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, Wednesday, May 18, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 4 Mens PDF">Stage 4 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKvwjBRkdHU/Vv7gU_i2aJI/AAAAAAAC9fI/ztrh38SO8_ob6dwr0jPVNpY7OCJSF7neQ/s1600/Julia%2BPfeiffer%2BBurns%2BState%2BPark%252C.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKvwjBRkdHU/Vv7gU_i2aJI/AAAAAAAC9fI/ztrh38SO8_ob6dwr0jPVNpY7OCJSF7neQ/s400/Julia%2BPfeiffer%2BBurns%2BState%2BPark%252C.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park</td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul>PART II: To read <b>tourist ideas for stages 4-8 in northern California</b>, please transfer to: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8.</a><br /><br />More information about the race on the Pedal Dancer® <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a>. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-5KPnczgkc/VwaW2dBZDpI/AAAAAAAC9hE/e5S4DJ16uI0VH4cQ3GSvDFk8W6mTlM9Yg/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-5KPnczgkc/VwaW2dBZDpI/AAAAAAAC9hE/e5S4DJ16uI0VH4cQ3GSvDFk8W6mTlM9Yg/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The peloton at call up waiting for the National Anthen at the start line. </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>See you at the race in 2016!<br /><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul>Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016; National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.<br /><br /></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-21967401575451611092016-04-07T15:41:00.001-06:002016-05-24T14:38:27.818-06:00Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4 to 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Tourist ideas at the Amgen Tour of California in Northern California: Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7 and Stage 8. </span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">WHAT TO DO IN CALIFORNIA - STAGE BY STAGE TOURIST IDEAS NEAR THE RACE</span><br /><br />Did you know <i>Visit California</i> is a major sponsor of the Amgen Tour of California? Intentionally playing tourist on the sidelines of the Tour of California is a great idea. As in life, balance in travel is a particularly good thing. The Amgen Tour of California covers some of the best tourists towns in California all within one-week. Enjoy the sea, mountains, beach towns, high mountain lakes, the beautiful wine country and the dramatic California coast. The stage race begins in San Diego and finishes in the state capital of Sacramento.<br /><br />Ride, hike, eat, stroll, relax, road trip and cheer on the best cyclists in the world including World Champion Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins (<a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html" target="_blank">read more about the riders attending</a>).<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tips on how to watch the Tour of California</li><li>Start and finish times of the Tour of California</li><li>VIP tickets and hours and Festival information at the Tour of California</li><li>California tourist ideas near the Tour of California</li><li>Route maps for stages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the Tour of California</li></ul>If you are planning to see the bike race, why not take time to see other sights before or after the stage, dine and stay locally. Think of it as the best way to say thanks to the businesses and host cities who support bike racing. Here I offer ideas for Stage 4-8 in northern California. <br /><br />PART I: Tourist ideas for stages 1 through 4 in <b>southern California</b>: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages1-4</a>.<br /><br />Please read the details for each stage at the Pedal Dancer® <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">TOUR OF CALIFORNIA GUIDE PAGE</a> for spectators.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CemEBs8oI8/VwaVUBZuEbI/AAAAAAAC9g4/fGcuiOi1Qh8ZlZkh_E_5_DUpha_R5nffA/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CemEBs8oI8/VwaVUBZuEbI/AAAAAAAC9g4/fGcuiOi1Qh8ZlZkh_E_5_DUpha_R5nffA/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">See the best cyclists in the world compete! </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>2016 Tour of California Schedule: <br /><br />Stage 1 - San Diego, May 15, 201, Sunday<br />Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, May 16, 2016<br />Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, May 17, 2016<br />Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, May 18, 2016<br />Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, May 19, 2016<br />Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial & Women's Team Time Trial, May 20, 2016<br />Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016<br />Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016, Sunday<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps for Tour of California 2016</a> by Pedal Dancer®.</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a> by Pedal Dancer® </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPAqByH3lIM/VvQSKpjiDJI/AAAAAAAC9cE/pX4v3Qwk1jsjVzwmIG-Pchgcx3-sMuB0Q/s1600/Amgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Blogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPAqByH3lIM/VvQSKpjiDJI/AAAAAAAC9cE/pX4v3Qwk1jsjVzwmIG-Pchgcx3-sMuB0Q/s1600/Amgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Blogo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">MORRO BAY </span></b><b>Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, Wednesday, May 18, 2016 </b>- <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 4 Mens PDF">Stage 4 Map Link</a> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBDAr5Zstw/Vv7epa6doQI/AAAAAAAC9e8/nRgLGBOlHmQfGtkoyVftabukeiRZ6K85A/s1600/Elephant%2Bseal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KBDAr5Zstw/Vv7epa6doQI/AAAAAAAC9e8/nRgLGBOlHmQfGtkoyVftabukeiRZ6K85A/s400/Elephant%2Bseal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant Seal</td></tr></tbody></table>The drive from Morro Bay to Monterey along California Hwy 1 is one of the most scenic drives in the United States.<br /><br />What to do near Morro Bay:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This would be a very good town to give your business to local stores and restaurants. Arrive early and enjoy a meal.</li><li>Hike <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=594" target="_blank">Morro Bay State Park</a>.</li><li>Visit the nearby college town of San Luis Obispo.</li><li>Ride your bike: I like to follow the guidance of the Ambassador's listed on Ride with GPS; There is a local Ambassador based out of nearby Paso Robles: see the routes by <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/ambassadors/108-jardine-ranch-s-country-nut-house" target="_blank">Jardine Ranch's Country Nut House</a> </li><li>Ride to either of the first two KOM points at KOM locations: 1) Pacific Highway 1 Summit #1, 2) Pacific Highway 1 Summit #2 (see the route map: <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 4 Mens PDF">Stage 4 Map Link</a>). </li><li><a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/california-pacific-coast-road-trip/#/motorcycle-pacific-coast-highway_89956_600x450.jpg" target="_blank">Road Trip: California's Pacific Coast Highway</a> with National Geographic (reverse this trip).</li><li>Stop in for lunch in the quaint town of Cambria along the coast (2 hr drive north of Santa Barbara).</li><li>See the huge <a href="http://traveltips.usatoday.com/time-visit-elephant-seals-san-simeon-ca-106680.html" target="_blank">Elephant Seals</a> at San Simeon (2'22" north of Santa Barbara)</li><li><a href="http://hearstcastle.org/" target="_blank">Hearst Castle</a>: one of the most popular tourist sights in California, Hearst Castle is a 55-minute drive north up Hwy 1 from Morrow Bay. (2'23" north of Santa Barbara).</li><li>About the stage: Stage 4 starts in Morro Bay at 10:10am (it will be a long day in the saddle); Start line VIP Hours : 8:30 AM - 10:45AM</li><li>Find a spot near the start line sign-in stage to see all your favorite riders sign-in 1 hour before the start.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QtJb2NVk2o/VwgNlCsr4pI/AAAAAAAC9jg/OYC-FXdA3mY0L_ylal_ZbeUa2SKG0JD4g/s1600/Julian%2BAlaphilippe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QtJb2NVk2o/VwgNlCsr4pI/AAAAAAAC9jg/OYC-FXdA3mY0L_ylal_ZbeUa2SKG0JD4g/s640/Julian%2BAlaphilippe.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julian Alaphilippe wore the best young rider jersey in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">MONTEREY </span></b><b>Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, Wednesday, May 18, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 4 Mens PDF">Stage 4 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKvwjBRkdHU/Vv7gU_i2aJI/AAAAAAAC9fI/ztrh38SO8_ob6dwr0jPVNpY7OCJSF7neQ/s1600/Julia%2BPfeiffer%2BBurns%2BState%2BPark%252C.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKvwjBRkdHU/Vv7gU_i2aJI/AAAAAAAC9fI/ztrh38SO8_ob6dwr0jPVNpY7OCJSF7neQ/s400/Julia%2BPfeiffer%2BBurns%2BState%2BPark%252C.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park</td></tr></tbody></table>Cue arguably the most spectacularly scenic area in California. This chunk of California coastline will have you peering at listings in the windows of local real estate offices yearning to move here. <br /><br />What to do near Monterey:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/california-pacific-coast-road-trip/#/motorcycle-pacific-coast-highway_89956_600x450.jpg" target="_blank">Road Trip: California's Pacific Coast Highway</a> with National Geographic (reverse this trip).</li><li>Visit nearby <a href="http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Carmel-by-the-Sea</a> for a delicious meal and walk (and look at real estate listings).</li><li>Visit the <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/" target="_blank">Monterey Bay Aquarium</a> and marina.</li><li>In Big Sur, take a short walk out to <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578" target="_blank">Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park</a>, a beautiful visit of the sea. Or hike in <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570" target="_blank">Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park</a>. Or <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=577" target="_blank">Limekiln State Park</a>.</li><li>Across the bay, in Santa Cruz, visit <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/bigbasin/" target="_blank">Big Basin Redwoods State Park</a></li><li>Ride your bike to either of the last two of four KOM locations on Stage 4: #3) Laurales Grade Summit, #4) Mazda Raceway Summit. </li><li>Stage 4 finishes on the <a href="http://www.mazdaraceway.com/" target="_blank">Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Race Track</a> at approximately 3:43pm. How cool is that!</li><li>About the stage: Festival Hours at the finish: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Finish line VIP Hours: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM; Yes, VIP will be worth it in Monterey. Cost of VIP tickets in Monterey at the raceway $179.00: <a href="http://www.axs.com/events/299419/amgen-tour-of-california-stage-4-monterey-county-mazda-laguna-seca-tickets?skin=atoc" target="_blank">Buy VIP Pass</a>.</li><li>According to <a href="http://m.lodinews.com/news/article_3acf3ee0-e825-11e5-960f-ef3d43663a40.html?mode=jqm" target="_blank">Lodinews.com</a> the teams will be staying in hotels in Modesto. Modesto City Council voted to enter into an agreement with Amgen to host the riders over the night between Stages 4 and 5 on May 18. The racers will then travel to Lodi the next morning.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RPY3PbphtQ/VwgOUanHV1I/AAAAAAAC9jo/66tqeOFgCssNUmkziSECZ7QWAn6ZdjpBA/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RPY3PbphtQ/VwgOUanHV1I/AAAAAAAC9jo/66tqeOFgCssNUmkziSECZ7QWAn6ZdjpBA/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-68.jpg" width="408" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SRAM neutral support car. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><b><span style="color: #073763;">LODI </span></b>Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, Thursday, May 19, 2016 </b>- <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage05.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 5 Mens PDF">Stage 5 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-SSvQ-kZDU/VvQ4tba8JGI/AAAAAAAC9c8/8rV2h2L_r5oV5LJlkTp74VNJzR4XxckUg/s1600/California%2Bgold%2Bcountry%2Bmap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-SSvQ-kZDU/VvQ4tba8JGI/AAAAAAAC9c8/8rV2h2L_r5oV5LJlkTp74VNJzR4XxckUg/s400/California%2Bgold%2Bcountry%2Bmap.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's gold in them hills! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map via sierranevadaphotos.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Into the land of <i>The Mother Lode </i>(dark orange area above), to take a term from the gold miners of the 1848 California gold rush. The flood of over 300,000 dreamers of gold was the largest migration in the United States. Northern California has a feel distinctly different from southern California with life influenced by nearby San Francisco, local parks, historic buildings, rapid transit and incredible natural beauty (with great road cycling and mountain biking).<br /><br />What to do near Lodi:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Visit California highlights the gold country in a planned 4-day, 10 stop Gold Country Road Trip: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/trip/california-gold" target="_blank">California Gold itinerary</a>.</li><li>About the stage: Stage 5 starts in Lodi at 10:00am.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynrSlQ-pwLU/VwaUle7g67I/AAAAAAAC9g0/WF5_M1tMk7c35SrtDmohPEC39JqLzBaBw/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-56.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynrSlQ-pwLU/VwaUle7g67I/AAAAAAAC9g0/WF5_M1tMk7c35SrtDmohPEC39JqLzBaBw/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-56.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the peloton north! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">SOUTH LAKE TAHOE </span></b><b>Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, Thursday, May 19, 2016 </b>- <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage05.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 5 Mens PDF">Stage 5 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjKJy0nj6HI/VwLg2c4EjjI/AAAAAAAC9fs/tLEHKOS46vIIU27reD6sCTSEtX6wTlo7g/s1600/Lake%2Btahoe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjKJy0nj6HI/VwLg2c4EjjI/AAAAAAAC9fs/tLEHKOS46vIIU27reD6sCTSEtX6wTlo7g/s400/Lake%2Btahoe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Tahoe</td></tr></tbody></table>Today's stage climbs into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, starting at 50 feet above sea level and finishing at 6,650ft, with a max elevation of 8,600 feet. The stage finishes up the short steep climb of Ski Run Boulevard at Heavenly Mountain Resort.<br /><br />What to do near Lake Tahoe:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hike in Emerald Bay State Park: <a href="http://www.tahoeadventuresports.com/hikeindex/west/rubicon.htm" target="_blank">hike the D.L. Bliss Rubicon Trail</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.zephyrcove.com/cruises/our-fleet/" target="_blank">Cruise the lake</a> on a Paddle Wheeler boat.</li><li>Rent a <a href="http://www.tahoeboatrides.com/jet-ski-rentals/" target="_blank">jet ski</a>, or <a href="http://www.kayaktahoe.com/location.htm" target="_blank">rent a kayak</a> for the day in South Lake Tahoe.</li><li>John Peltier recommends local hikes in the Lake Tahoe area: <a href="http://www.jmpeltier.com/lake-tahoe-hikes/" target="_blank">Five Lakes Trail hike Lake Tahoe</a>.</li><li>A very good day to gather with the other enthusiastic fans near one of the sprint or KOM markers along the route: Sprint locations: 1) Sutter Hill, 2) Luther Pass. KOM locations: 1) Kirkwood, 2) Carson Pass, 3) last climb to Ski Run Boulevard to Heavenly Ski Area.</li><li>Watch the women's race! Women's Stage 1 start at 10:50am in Lake Tahoe; Women's finish in Lake Tahoe at 2:00pm.</li><li>About the men's stage: Men's Stage 5 finishes in South Lake Tahoe (Heavenly Mountain Resort) at 3:46pm. Enjoy the atmosphere near the finish line. Festival Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.; Finish line VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcRavvZHVJk/VwgM38qJ45I/AAAAAAAC9jc/lsucut-RF-Eo3NVtNXVi3WujfAIKS1Zag/s1600/Peter%2BSagan%2BHair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcRavvZHVJk/VwgM38qJ45I/AAAAAAAC9jc/lsucut-RF-Eo3NVtNXVi3WujfAIKS1Zag/s640/Peter%2BSagan%2BHair.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Sagan in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><b><span style="color: #073763;">FOLSOM </span></b>Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial, </b><b><b>Friday, May 20, 2016</b> </b>- <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage06.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 6 Mens PDF">Stage 6 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbMhYGYy6aI/VvQynyJKXRI/AAAAAAAC9cc/EPLs1xU9JEEkwRxonIzIM5fHktQet08Ww/s1600/Folsom%2Bkayaking.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbMhYGYy6aI/VvQynyJKXRI/AAAAAAAC9cc/EPLs1xU9JEEkwRxonIzIM5fHktQet08Ww/s400/Folsom%2Bkayaking.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking the American River. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via <span class="i-wrap ig-wrap-common_sprite i-18x18_externallink-common_sprite-wrap mapbox-icon">adventuresports.rentals</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The time trial of the Amgen Tour of California returns to Folsom. Yes, the Folsom featured in Johnny Cash's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ4IIhlUqrc" target="_blank">Folsom Prison Blues</a>. But don't expect <i>the time to keep dragging on</i> as Cash's lyric proclaim. This time trial will be fast with an elevation change of 800ft over 12.6 miles. Because a time trial is a constant flow of activity and speed, this is a day to stay near the action and immerse yourself in the event.<br /><br />What to do in Folsom:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Before or after the time trial rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard at Willow Creek on Lake Natoma part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area: rentals <a href="http://calkayak.com/rentals-more/" target="_blank">California Canoe and Kayak</a> (<a href="http://calkayak.com/hours-locations/" target="_blank">directions</a>). Or paddle on the American River in single or double kayak rentals from <a href="http://adventuresports.rentals/" target="_blank">Adventure Sports Rentals</a> in Folsom.</li><li>There will be plenty to see surrounding both the men's and women's race today. Walk around the expo. Collect free swag, buy merchandise, eat, and drink beer.</li><li>The Women's race (Stage 2 TTT), starting in Folsom at 10:45am and finishing at 12:46pm will feature an exciting TEAM time trial. The Men's race, starting in Folsom at 1:04pm and finishing at 3:45pm will be an INDIVIDUAL time trial.</li><li>Walk slowly through the team buses (located near the start line) to watch the riders both warm up and cool down on their spinners. Gawk at the ultra expensive time trial bikes. It is also fun to watch the nervous riders wait in the staging area just before they climb onto the start ramp.</li><li>For more tips about watching a time trial read the tips on the <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Pedal Dancer guide page: Tour of California</a>.</li><li>Watching at the start and finish line (near the time clock) is always exciting, but finding a quiet (the announcers can be quite loud) corner where you can set out a chair and cooler to watch the riders and team cars whiz by can be constant entertainment.</li><li>Most of the riders will begin in 1-minute intervals, with the final riders beginning three minutes apart.</li><li>The starting order of riders for the men's race will be the reverse of the overall GC standings from the day before. Use the Tour Tracker app to know which rider is next (sometimes they pass each other on route, so look for the team jersey as the best clue of who is coming).</li><li>Remember to stay after the time trial stage for the podium presentations (15 minutes after the men's race finishes, ~ 4:00pm).</li><li>About the stage: VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Festival Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Stage presented by SRAM.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ2P_j9hY7w/VwgO1aUcRgI/AAAAAAAC9jw/VAQ9-X0yTjgToDndNTjisV7DbPg0jhbdg/s1600/Peter%2BSagan%2BSpeed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ2P_j9hY7w/VwgO1aUcRgI/AAAAAAAC9jw/VAQ9-X0yTjgToDndNTjisV7DbPg0jhbdg/s640/Peter%2BSagan%2BSpeed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Sagan in the time trial. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><b><span style="color: #073763;">SANTA ROSA </span></b>Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016</b>, <b>Saturday, May 21, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage07.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 7 Mens PDF">Stage 7 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJVEHFVsq54/VvRFBboGMJI/AAAAAAAC9dM/9K2sYEtohjE_jf2KvS85J5wcj8bIKC-lA/s1600/Alexander%2BValley%2Bcycling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJVEHFVsq54/VvRFBboGMJI/AAAAAAAC9dM/9K2sYEtohjE_jf2KvS85J5wcj8bIKC-lA/s400/Alexander%2BValley%2Bcycling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycling the Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo via Santa Rosa Cycling Club.</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Sonoma County is the land of wine, beer and great bike riding. An exciting host city where the central downtown area opens up to scenic ocean vistas and challenging climbs along the stage route. You might want to bring your bike and ride out on course today.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buho2EzOeTw/VwMAGOzpboI/AAAAAAAC9gY/Pe1eRta4mJIXAGs1WGyBAgugujp4Dix2Q/s1600/Good%2Bviewing%2Bof%2BStage%2B7%2Bin%2BSanta%2BRosa%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Buho2EzOeTw/VwMAGOzpboI/AAAAAAAC9gY/Pe1eRta4mJIXAGs1WGyBAgugujp4Dix2Q/s400/Good%2Bviewing%2Bof%2BStage%2B7%2Bin%2BSanta%2BRosa%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both the men and the women will share this part of the route. Good viewing of Stage 7 in Santa Rosa ATOC 2016.</td></tr></tbody></table>What to do near Santa Rosa:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Santa Rosa Cycling Club offers <a href="http://srcc.memberlodge.com/TGR" target="_blank">Ten great rides</a> (local; between 23 and 53 miles). A fantastic collection of bike rides.</li><li>Bike the challenging route of <a href="http://www.levisgranfondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/lgf15_all-routes-map_ltr.pdf" target="_blank">Levi's Gran Fondo.</a></li><li>Take a multi-day bike tour with <a href="http://www.winecountrybikes.com/town-to-town-tours/4-night-sonoma-road-bike-tour/" target="_blank">Wine Country Bikes</a>. They also offer <a href="http://www.winecountrybikes.com/one-day-bike-tours/" target="_blank">one-day bike tours</a> in the wine-country.</li><li>Wine tasting and tours. I especially like wines from the Russian River Valley. Join the highly rated <a href="http://www.valleywinetours.com/Valley_Wine_Tours.html" target="_blank">Valley Wine Tours</a> for a day tour with lunch.</li><li>Drink beer. I know you might think of Sonoma County as wine country, but they have some <a href="http://101things.com/winecountry/breweries-craft-brews-and-brewpubs/" target="_blank">excellent breweries in the area</a>. For many years a local beer by Russian River Brewing Co. called <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/russian-river-pliny-the-elder/8936/" target="_blank">Pliny The Elder</a> has taken the top spot on many lists of the best beer in the United States! <a href="http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/863/7971/" target="_blank">Beer Advocate</a> gives the beer a perfect score of 100.</li><li>This would be a great day to watch the stage on a part of the course along the coast. Drive or ride your bike, and bring a picnic along while you wait.</li><li>Both the women and men will have a KOM on Coleman Valley Road.</li><li>About the stage: VIP Hours at the start/finish area: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Festival Hours at the start/finish: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Stage 3 women's start time is 9:00 am; Stage 3 women's finish time is 12:00 pm; Stage 7 men's start time is 11:55 am; Stage 7 men's finish time is 3:45 pm.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHzauKESh60/VwgPeph6XtI/AAAAAAAC9kA/vBjjQnwpcOogWU3haeoGT0-ztbKNcodNA/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHzauKESh60/VwgPeph6XtI/AAAAAAAC9kA/vBjjQnwpcOogWU3haeoGT0-ztbKNcodNA/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-9.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The legs of a sprinter (Mark Cavendish's) <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><b><span style="color: #073763;">SACRAMENTO </span></b>Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016, Sunday, </b><b>May 22, 2016</b> - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage08.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 8 Mens PDF">Stage 8 Map Link</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--du7zu58lfg/VwL9BMg1bHI/AAAAAAAC9gM/Ixvt3gaOjiAsV6Ts7Zn6QjMB1nAj5rS9Q/s1600/Sacramento.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--du7zu58lfg/VwL9BMg1bHI/AAAAAAAC9gM/Ixvt3gaOjiAsV6Ts7Zn6QjMB1nAj5rS9Q/s400/Sacramento.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another state capital building</td></tr></tbody></table>What to do in the capital city of California, Sacramento:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tour the <a href="http://capitolmuseum.ca.gov/" target="_blank">California state capital building</a>, museum, and park. Weekends 9 am - 5 pm.</li><li>Ride the <a href="http://www.traillink.com/trail/american-river-bike-trail-%28jedediah-smith-memorial-trail%29.aspx" target="_blank">American River bicycle trail</a></li><li>The men depart just 5 minutes after the women.</li><li>Stage 4 women's (final) start time is 11:45 am; Stage 4 women's finish time is 1:24 pm.</li><li>Stage 8 men's start time is 11:55 am; Stage 8 men's finish time is 3:45 pm.</li><li>Yes, VIP will be worth it in Sacramento. Cost of VIP tickets in Sacramento are $209.00 each: <a href="http://www.axs.com/events/299424/amgen-tour-of-california-stage%208-sacramento-vip-access-pass-finish-tickets?skin=atoc" target="_blank">Buy VIP Pass</a>.</li><li>About the stage: VIP Hours at the Finish: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Festival Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.</li><li>Definitely stay after the stage for the final podium presentations immediately after the men's finish, approximately 4:00pm. They will typically open the barricades to let the crowd fill the street in front of the stage.</li></ul><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4bFTpliMGo/VwgLWNkfGbI/AAAAAAAC9jM/kV-5tpFvtoEft2MIDyfIGpJDTis3Gy6Mg/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-70.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4bFTpliMGo/VwgLWNkfGbI/AAAAAAAC9jM/kV-5tpFvtoEft2MIDyfIGpJDTis3Gy6Mg/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-70.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Broom Wagon. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span id="goog_1063170690"></span><span id="goog_1063170691"></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>PART I: To read <b>tourist ideas for stages 1-4 in southern California</b>, please transfer to: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages1-4</a></li><li>More information about the race on the Pedal Dancer® <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a>.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuFgWk9_Ae0/Vquw8653GSI/AAAAAAAC9Rc/b5MFqnRu1yw/s1600/visit%2Bcalifornia%2Bregional%2Bmap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuFgWk9_Ae0/Vquw8653GSI/AAAAAAAC9Rc/b5MFqnRu1yw/s400/visit%2Bcalifornia%2Bregional%2Bmap.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be a tourist in California. It is a 9-hour drive from San Diego to San Francisco. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">VisitCalifornia.com regional map</span></td></tr></tbody></table>See you at the race in 2016!<br /><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul>Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016; National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.</div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-92129945516756551442016-03-01T15:07:00.001-07:002016-05-10T22:14:20.901-06:0010 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Amgen Tour of California - teams announced today </span></b><br /><br />Fantastic news out of California today, the Amgen Tour of California stage race appears stronger than ever in its 11th year, as a very impressive line up of teams was announced to compete in California this May. Here is my strong tip for the day - wherever you are in mid-May, make sure it is in California. You will see some of the greatest pro riders up close with unprecedented access (and as always - great California weather).<br /><br />Let's get straight to naming names: 2015 winner Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and runner-up Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quick-Step) will return in 2016. Great Britian’s Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data), who won four stages last year is a huge crowd favorite and will take on Norwegian Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), who will be bring his strong sprinting ability to what might be the best sprint field to ever gather. <br /><br />2012 Tour de France champion and 2014 Amgen Tour of California winner Bradley Wiggins will be back with his continental cycling team (Wiggins). Australian brothers Lachlan and Angus Morton will be back with their colorful Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis cycling team. American Peter Stetina (Trek-Segafredo) is looking forward to competing in front of hometown fans in Northern California. While Australian Rohan Dennis (BMC), a strong contender for the time trial in Folsom, could also be on a step of the final overall podium in Sacramento. Crowd favorite American Taylor Phinney (BMC) will be back in 2016.<br /><br />Sprinting begins on Stage 1 in San Diego, Sunday, May 15th! Make your tourist plans now. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4W0A2gQ52Q/VVn1sJs5_PI/AAAAAAAC7SI/1NVkl2jN9Ho/s1600/World%2BChimp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4W0A2gQ52Q/VVn1sJs5_PI/AAAAAAAC7SI/1NVkl2jN9Ho/s640/World%2BChimp.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great atmosphere at the race. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Amgen Tour of California May 15-22, 2016</b><br /><br />Now organized by AEG and ASO, the Amgen Tour of California stage race keeps getting better. I am especially excited about the teams of Dimension Data (formerly Mtn-Qhukbeka), Giant-Alpecin, Etixx-Quick-Step, Sky, and LottoNL returning to the race again this year. I am also excited to see first time teams Direct Énergie and Katusha.<br /><br />I look forward to hearing the exact rider roster announcements (startlist) in May. For certain, we will have the opportunity to watch pro riders we would otherwise have to plan a 2.5 week vacation, spend thousands of dollars and travel to Europe to see compete. The 2016 schedule should make it easy for fans to see a grouping of two or more stages by picking your area: San Diego County, Pasadena/Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks/Santa Barbara, Monterey/Santa Rosa, Tahoe/Folsom/Sacramento. <br /><br />I totally agree with Peter Sagan who said, "The Amgen Tour of California is one of my favorite races of the season."<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ4s2UkXGT8/VVoNUp0BCNI/AAAAAAAC7Uc/CN5HqpVZI9c/s1600/Sagan%2Band%2BStephens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ4s2UkXGT8/VVoNUp0BCNI/AAAAAAAC7Uc/CN5HqpVZI9c/s640/Sagan%2Band%2BStephens.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julian Alaphilippe arrives in Mt Baldy in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Take the time to visit the team websites and check out their sponsors and the kind of gear they use. Team sponsors, great race organization and the ongoing title sponsorship by Amgen make this race a continuing success.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdl7oDamYAQ/VqqtpxB8iEI/AAAAAAAC9RA/9FKw_p5L9sY/s1600/Tour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Byellow%2Bjersey%2B2016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tour of California yellow jersey 2016" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdl7oDamYAQ/VqqtpxB8iEI/AAAAAAAC9RA/9FKw_p5L9sY/s320/Tour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2Byellow%2Bjersey%2B2016.jpg" title="Tour of California yellow jersey 2016" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official Tour of California yellow jersey 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Men’s teams - 18 teams</b><br />Each team will bring a roster of 8 riders each. <br /><br /><b>UCI WorldTour</b><br /><a href="http://www.bmc-switzerland.com/us-en/experience/racing-teams/bmc-racing-team/" target="_blank">BMC Racing Team</a> (USA) - BMC bikes<br /><a href="http://slipstreamsports.com/" target="_blank">Cannondale Pro Cycling Team</a> (USA) - Cannondale bikes<br /><a href="http://africasteam.com/" target="_blank">Dimension Data</a> (South Africa) - Cervélo bikes<br /><a href="http://www.etixx-quickstep.com/" target="_blank">Etixx – Quick-Step</a> (Belgium) - Specialized bikes<br /><a href="http://teamgiantalpecin.com/" target="_blank">Giant – Alpecin</a> (Germany) - Giant bikes<br /><a href="http://www.teamkatusha.com/" target="_blank">Katusha</a> (Russia) - Canyon bikes<br /><a href="http://www.teamlottojumbo.com/Cycling" target="_blank">LottoNL</a> – Jumbo (Netherlands) - Bianche bikes<br /><a href="http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home" target="_blank">Sky</a> (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes<br /><a href="http://www.tinkoffteam.com/" target="_blank">Tinkoff</a> (Russia) - Specialized bikes<br /><a href="http://www.treksegafredo.com/" target="_blank">Trek</a> – Segafredo (USA) - Trek bikes<br /><br /><b>UCI Professional Continental</b><br /><a href="http://www.teamdirectenergie.com/" target="_blank">Direct Énergie</a> (France) - BH bikes<br /><a href="http://www.teamnovonordisk.com/" target="_blank">Novo Nordisk</a> (USA) - Colnago bikes<br /><a href="http://uhcprocycling.com/" target="_blank">UnitedHealthcare</a> (USA) - Wilier bikes<br /><br /><b>UCI Continental</b><br /><a href="http://2016.axeoncycling.com/" target="_blank">Axeon Hagens Berman</a> (USA) - Specialized bikes<br /><a href="http://www.hincapieracing.com/holowesko-citadel-racing-team-announces-2016-roster/" target="_blank">Holowesko – Citadel Racing Team</a> (USA) - felt bikes<br /><a href="http://www.jellybelly.com/pro-cycling-team" target="_blank">Jelly Belly – Maxxis</a> (USA) - Argon bikes<br /><a href="http://www.rallycycling.com/" target="_blank">Rally Cycling</a> (USA) - Diamond Back bikes<br /><a href="http://teamwiggins.co/" target="_blank">Wiggins</a> (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WIGGINS" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaDMidTaCYk/VVoNvH8n1WI/AAAAAAAC7Uk/FBoWp79Knw0/s1600/Sagan%2Band%2BStephens%2Bwin%2BITT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaDMidTaCYk/VVoNvH8n1WI/AAAAAAAC7Uk/FBoWp79Knw0/s400/Sagan%2Band%2BStephens%2Bwin%2BITT.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Sagan with Evelyn Stevens at the post time trial press conference in 2015. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rally and United Healthcare will be bringing both a men's and women's team. Their team buses and mechanic's trailers should be teaming with activity. <b><br /></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wb71MYo7Ns/VtYKDj-Ub7I/AAAAAAAC9bc/i9BsaDBk5AE/s1600/Women%2527s%2Bteam%2Bjersey%2B2016%2BAmgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCaliforrnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wb71MYo7Ns/VtYKDj-Ub7I/AAAAAAAC9bc/i9BsaDBk5AE/s640/Women%2527s%2Bteam%2Bjersey%2B2016%2BAmgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCaliforrnia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's team jersey 2016 Amgen Tour of California. </td></tr></tbody></table><b>Women’s teams - 18 teams</b><br /><b><br /></b><a href="http://www.bepink.eu/" target="_blank">BePink</a> (Italy) <br /><a href="http://www.boelsdolmanscyclingteam.com/en" target="_blank">Boels-Dolmans</a> (Netherlands)<br /><a href="http://www.wmncycling.com/" target="_blank">Canyon – SRAM Racing</a> (Germany)<br /><a href="http://www.teamcolavita.com/" target="_blank">Colavita – Bianchi</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://cylanceprocycling.com/" target="_blank">Cylance</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://www.dropscycling.com/" target="_blank">Drops</a> (Great Britain)<br /><a href="http://supermintusa.cc/#hb-supermint" target="_blank">Hagens Berman – Supermint</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://Hitec Products" target="_blank">Hitec Products</a> (Norway)<br /><a href="http://podiumambition.com/" target="_blank">Podium Ambition</a> (Great Britain)<br /><a href="http://www.raboliv.com/" target="_blank">Rabo – Liv</a> (Netherlands)<br /><a href="http://www.rallycycling.com/" target="_blank">Rally</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://www.teamtibco-svb.com/" target="_blank">Tibco – SVB</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://teamtwenty16.com/" target="_blank">Twenty16 – Ridebiker</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://uhcprocycling.com/womens-team/" target="_blank">UnitedHealthcare</a> (USA)<br /><a href="https://www.usacycling.org/womens-cycling/" target="_blank">USA Cycling</a> (USA)<br /><a href="http://visitdallasdna.com/" target="_blank">Visit Dallas DNA</a> (USA)<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weber_Shimano_Ladies_Power" target="_blank">Weber Shimano Ladies Power</a> (Argentina)<br /><a href="http://www.wigglehighfive.com/" target="_blank">Wiggle High5</a> (Great Britain)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYU0cbCsWfY/VVn49JoohgI/AAAAAAAC7TE/y5UWJgG8k-4/s1600/Santa%2BBarbara.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYU0cbCsWfY/VVn49JoohgI/AAAAAAAC7TE/y5UWJgG8k-4/s640/Santa%2BBarbara.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Santa Barbara, California. I took this photo last year at the race while waiting for the stage start in Santa Barbara. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>2016 posts by Pedal Dancer®:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>PART I: Tourist ideas for stages 1 through 4 in <b>southern California</b>: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages1-4</a></li><li>PART II: Tourist ideas for stages 4 through 8 in <b>northern California</b>: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a> </li></ul>For more information about the 2016 Amgen Tour of California, with race dates, stage maps and start and finish times, please visit the Pedal Dancer® guide page at: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">TOUR OF CALIFORNIA 2016</a>. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFAVKvFDa_Q/U7riEU2u2oI/AAAAAAACVR8/3Enyuowj2MU/s1600/Directing+the+riders+at+ATOC+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish - Pedal Dancer" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFAVKvFDa_Q/U7riEU2u2oI/AAAAAAACVR8/3Enyuowj2MU/s1600/Directing+the+riders+at+ATOC+.jpg" title="Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish - Pedal Dancer" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish before the final stage start in Westlake Village in 2014. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw for Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Looking back at <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2015/05/2015-amgen-tour-of-california-fan-guide.html" target="_blank">2015 ATOC race coverage by Pedal Dancer®</a><br /><br /><b>More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li></ul>Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016; National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.</div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-79210309469181853472016-02-23T15:50:00.000-07:002016-04-07T13:28:22.455-06:00Spring is in the air - routes and guide for The Classics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>One-Day Classics Schedule for 2016</b></span> <br /><br />When I am asked what or where my favorite bike races are held, I smile with great sentiment and excitement and always respond, "Oh, the Classics, the cobbles!". Without a doubt the classics are the most grueling test of man and his bike against the elements. Sure cycling is a team sport, but the classics are the hardest races to predict because most often they come down one day, and the will of one man on that one day.<br /><br />Like many cycling fans I have large gaps in my interest. For me the real cycling season is the spring, then a gap before the Tour of California and Giro, and another before the Tour de France, and finally a long wait until cyclocross season and watching Worlds. In between, I believe it is best to get and and do it yourself.<br /><br />For now, even with the fresh layer of snowfall in Denver, Colorado today, Spring is in the air. Read more about the races, where to watch the spring classics livestream, route maps and distances. Enjoy this extensive guide to the Spring Classics. More can be found here: Pedal Dancer® Guide Page to the <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/classics.html" target="_blank">Spring Classics</a>.<br /><br />ABOUT THE BIGGEST RACES OF THEM ALL<br /><br />The Monuments:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Milano-Sanremo (Italy)</li><li>Tour of Flanders (Belgium) </li><li>Paris-Roubaix (France)</li><li>Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)</li><li>Il Lombardia (Italy)</li></ul>Nicknames for the Classics:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Paris-Roubaix = Queen of the Classics (La Reine), The Hell of the North, La Pascale</li><li>Amstel Gold = [no nickname]</li><li>La Fleche-Wallonne = The Walloon Arrow</li><li>Liege-Bastogne-Liege = La Doyenne (the oldest/old lady)</li><li>Milan-San Remo = La Primavera (the spring), Sprinters' Classic, La Classicissima</li><li>Ronde van Vlaanderen = Flanders' most beautiful (Vlaanderens mooiste)</li><li>Paris-Nice = Race to the Sun</li><li>Tirreno-Adriatico = Race of the two Seas</li><li>Il Lombardia = Race of the Falling Leaves </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adi6Ro3r1jQ/T3t9Fy-ZHDI/AAAAAAAAHQA/NJXF05MLelM/s1600/Pave+Roubaix.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adi6Ro3r1jQ/T3t9Fy-ZHDI/AAAAAAAAHQA/NJXF05MLelM/s320/Pave+Roubaix.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are on pavé. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>THE SPRING CLASSICS <br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Spring Classics = Milan-San Remo + Cobbled Classics + Ardennes Classics</span><b> </b><br /><br /><u>La Primavera</u><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Milano-Sanremo (Italy) </li></ul><u>Cobbled Classics:</u><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (Belgium)</li><li>Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne (Belgium)</li><li>Dwars door Vlaanderen (Belgium)</li><li>E3 Harelbeke (Belgium)</li><li>Ghent-Wevelgem (Belgium)</li><li>Tour of Flanders (Belgium) </li><li>Scheldeprijs (Belgium)</li><li>Paris-Roubaix (France)</li></ul>*The most prestigious cobbled classics races are Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders. E3 Harelbeke and Ghent-Wevelgem are also revered, with E3 Harelbeke now being the tougher of the later two. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><u>Ardennes Classics:</u><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Amstel Gold (The Netherlands)</li><li>La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)</li><li>Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gk-y4-GpE7o/UOvM4wYh0qI/AAAAAAAAQA8/qUEbhZdPuoQ/s1600/Sculpture+and+Pond+t%27Zand+square+Bruges.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gk-y4-GpE7o/UOvM4wYh0qI/AAAAAAAAQA8/qUEbhZdPuoQ/s640/Sculpture+and+Pond+t'Zand+square+Bruges.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture and Pond at<b> </b>t'Zand square Bruges on Tour of Flanders race day. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />SEEING THE CLASSICS AS A FAN<br /><br />For an American, the cobbled climbs of the Spring Classics can be hard to understand or appreciate, I certainly didn't understand them until I went and saw them for myself. The climbs aren't that long and don't appear that steep on TV, but trying to acheive and maintain momentum up these climbs is super hard. The cobbles are big, the ruts wide, the camber uneven, the pace unnervingly slow, the conditions often slick and the outcome somewhat unknown. <br /><br />The approach onto these short cobbled sections often transition around a corner from pavement onto the harsh cobbles, and then suddenly after an excruciating effort, back onto fast smooth tarmac. The passage is narrow and you never know if there will be a crash or pile up ahead; being at the front is crucial. The top of any cobbled climb feels like a tremendous accomplishment. As a spectator, being anywhere near these climbs on race day is exhilarating.<br /><br />If you are a first time visitor, you might consider joining a <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2011/04/take-tour.html" target="_blank">tour company</a>. I planned and made the trip solo and had one of the best cyclist tourist trips I have completed. I loved the blend of culture, food, beer, getting lost, exploring the climbs, war memorials, meeting new friends and happily discovering why Belgium is the heartland of cycling. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CJyaLkDROY/UvKG5in1zOI/AAAAAAABh4w/6IY6f5HTe44/s1600/First+section+of+Paterberg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CJyaLkDROY/UvKG5in1zOI/AAAAAAABh4w/6IY6f5HTe44/s640/First+section+of+Paterberg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start (bottom) of the Paterberg looks pleasant enough, but wait, it get's steep fast. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>And don't forget about the beer!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiCz0b3AyMU/UOvC2c1vglI/AAAAAAAAP-g/zPPDT5aNdxs/s1600/beer+glasses+in+belgium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiCz0b3AyMU/UOvC2c1vglI/AAAAAAAAP-g/zPPDT5aNdxs/s640/beer+glasses+in+belgium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The endless choice of delicious beers in Belgium. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>And the food!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBvIlGDwB2Y/UOuztlagxnI/AAAAAAAAP7k/-5wpq-850S0/s1600/pies+in+Belgium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBvIlGDwB2Y/UOuztlagxnI/AAAAAAAAP7k/-5wpq-850S0/s640/pies+in+Belgium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum, pies and torts in Belgium. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FfKSRtTkfw/UOvGEOFzyqI/AAAAAAAAP_c/kKvGSUA39Gw/s1600/walking+with+Frites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FfKSRtTkfw/UOvGEOFzyqI/AAAAAAAAP_c/kKvGSUA39Gw/s400/walking+with+Frites.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the frites! A must - walking the streets of Bruges with frites en (Andalouse) mayo. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><hr color="#4C4C4C" /><br /><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">2016</span></span><br /><br />The classics demonstrate the true beauty of bike racing - they are hard, unknown glory at its best. Here is a list of the classics by date. <br /><br /><b>One-Day Classics Schedule for 2016</b> - race dates and links to official race websites<b>.</b><br /><br />February 2016<br />27 February 2016: <a href="http://www.flandersclassics.be/" target="_blank">Omloop Het Nieuwsblad</a>, BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC<br />28 February 2016: <a href="http://www.kuurne-brussel-kuurne.be/" target="_blank">Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne</a>, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC<br /><br />March 2016<br />5 March 2016: <a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/StradeBianche/it/" target="_blank">Strade Bianche</a>, ITALY, UCI European Tour 1.HC<br />19 March 2016: <a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/MilanoSanremo/it/" target="_blank">Milano - Sanremo</a>, ITALY, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br />23 March 2016: <a href="http://www.dwarsdoorvlaanderen.be/" target="_blank">Dwars door Vlaanderen</a> BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC<br />25 March 2016: <a href="https://www.e3harelbeke.be/" target="_blank">E3 Harelbeke</a>, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br />27 March 2016: <a href="http://www.gent-wevelgem.be/en" target="_blank">Ghent - Wevelgem</a> in Flanders Fields, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br /><br />April 2016<br />3 April 2016: <a href="http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/en" target="_blank">Ronde van Vlaanderen</a> / Tour des Flandres, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br />6 April 2016: <a href="http://www.scheldeprijs.be/" target="_blank">Scheldeprijs</a>, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC<br />10 April 2016: <a href="http://www.letour.fr/paris-roubaix/2016/us/" target="_blank">Paris - Roubaix</a>, FRANCE, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br />17 April 2016: <a href="http://www.amstel.nl/agecheck" target="_blank">Amstel Gold Race</a>, NETHERLANDS, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT <br />20 April 2016: <a href="http://www.letour.fr/indexFWH_us.html" target="_blank">La Flèche Wallonne</a>, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br />24 April 2016: <a href="http://www.letour.com/indexLBL_us.html" target="_blank">Liège - Bastogne - Liège</a>, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDticjxCknk/VstfMGMG-4I/AAAAAAAC9Zw/Q-bvFyPyWK8/s1600/Kuurne%2Btrophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDticjxCknk/VstfMGMG-4I/AAAAAAAC9Zw/Q-bvFyPyWK8/s640/Kuurne%2Btrophy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />HOW TO WATCH THE SPRING CLASSICS FROM THE USA<br /><br />My tip is to discover your best option before race day (or slightly before the finish!). Your access to each race will be a bit different and video is often geo-restricted. The options below will list the start and estimated race finish times, a definite help for early risers in the USA. Begin your search for coverage here:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.steephill.tv/" target="_blank">Steephill.TV</a>: the top of the page lists current race news, the side column (desktop) has a neat and tidy box with the Classics links. </li><li><a href="http://www.cyclingfans.com/live_race_coverage" target="_blank">Cycling Fans</a>: most current race live coverage is listed at the top of the page</li><li><a href="https://www.procyclinglive.com/livestream/" target="_blank">ProCyclingLive</a>: latest links in the center of page. </li><li><a href="http://www.cycling.tv/" target="_blank">Cycling TV</a>: Live and on demand subscription required. </li><li><a href="http://www.nbcsports.com/cycling" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra cycling</a> depending on your TV cable company. </li><li>NBC Sports Live Extra Mobile App, download in the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nbc-sports-live-extra/id542511686" target="_blank">App Store</a> or the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.nbcuni.com.nbcsports.liveextra&hl=en" target="_blank">Google Play store. </a>You’ll need a cable provider log-in to watch. </li><li><a href="http://www.cyclinghub.tv/livestream" target="_blank">CyclingHub.TV</a>: for some you might want to try this livestream site.</li><li>Twitter: search for a link by race name offered by other fans. </li></ul><u><b>Tip:</b></u> I purchased a 3-month subscription to Cycling.TV, but I also pull up a Sporza link from Belgium (via Steephill.TV). I like to also watch the local Belgian coverage and the interviews after the race. In addition I follow along on the live text coverage on CyclingNews.com<br /><br />You will see far more on TV, but being there is person is a thrill!<br /><br />Chasing the cobbled climbs included in the classics is an easy place to get lost. The famed cobbled sections included in a number of the races are mere stretches of hard rock in the beautiful countryside of Belgium. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P0wNQIomLI/UvKN5M9hyNI/AAAAAAABiNk/RalMprPkgfM/s1600/Location+of+Kwaremont+and+Paterberg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="547" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P0wNQIomLI/UvKN5M9hyNI/AAAAAAABiNk/RalMprPkgfM/s640/Location+of+Kwaremont+and+Paterberg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location of Kwaremont and Paterberg pave sections, near Kerkhove, Belgium. Map by Pedal Dancer®</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFQqFB2IEMs/UOutqia4I3I/AAAAAAAAP6g/l0SaRGjYIEU/s1600/Awh+Belgium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFQqFB2IEMs/UOutqia4I3I/AAAAAAAAP6g/l0SaRGjYIEU/s640/Awh+Belgium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such beautiful countryside to pedal through. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>WHO WILL WIN THE CLASSICS?<br /><br />Similar names appear each year depending on the terrain of the course and whether short punchy climbs are involved, or long powerful distances are to be raced. Members of team Etixx-Quick Step stands like gods in Belgium, but Team Sky is serious in their preparation, so too is team BMC. This year look for these names to be on the podiums:<br /><br />Greg Van Avermaet, Ian Stannard, Tom Boonen, Fabian Canellara, Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish, Marcel Kittel, Michal Kwiatkowski, Luke Rowe, Tony Martin, Alexander Kristoff, Nikki Terpstra. The Ardennes classics are typically won by strong climbers such as Alejandro Valverde, Simon Gerrans, Sylvain Chavenel or Philippe Gilbert. <br /><br />Leading into the 2016 spring races, John Degenkolb is injured; Andre Greipel is injured. Mark Cavendish's new team, Dimension Data, has not received a wild card invitation to defend his 2015 title at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne 2016. Geraint Thomas is focusing on stage racing. But look out for the <a href="http://cyclingtips.com/news/why-tony-martin-racing-the-cobbled-classics-changes-everything/" target="_blank">strong presence of Tony Martin</a>, new to the cobbled classics. <br /><br /><hr color="#4C4C4C" /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-kBPu1huIM/UOuo1k78MII/AAAAAAAAP5E/jn1NMCgjqso/s1600/Lion+of+Flanders.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-kBPu1huIM/UOuo1k78MII/AAAAAAAAP5E/jn1NMCgjqso/s640/Lion+of+Flanders.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion of Flanders. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><u>SPRING CLASSICS ROUTE MAPS FOR 2016</u> <br /><br /><br /><b>2016 Omloop Het Niewuwsblad route map </b><br />27 February 2016: <a href="http://www.flandersclassics.be/" target="_blank">Omloop Het Nieuwsblad</a>, BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC<br /><br />Start city: Gent<br />Finish city: Gent<br />Distance: 200,8 km<br />Type of race: cobbled classic <br /><br />Parcours: <a href="http://www.omloophetnieuwsblad.be/nl/elite-men/race/track" target="_blank">interactive road map</a><br />Road map: <a href="http://ohn.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/2682/original/omloop2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf?1453808825" target="_blank">oomloop 2016 elite men roads</a><br />Timetable: <a href="http://ohn.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/2683/original/omloop2016-elite-men-timetable.pdf?1453808862" target="_blank">oomloop 2016 elite men timetable</a><br /><br />List of cobbles and bergs/helling: <a href="http://ohn.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/2682/original/omloop2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf?1453808825" target="_blank">itinéraire</a><br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Ian Stannard (SKY)<br />Who won is 2016?: Greg Van Avermaet (BMC)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fizhvsvGJ20/VtIAqRgwuqI/AAAAAAAC9bM/yRQGPhulvhA/s1600/Greg%2BVan%2BAvermaet%2Bin%2BKortrijk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fizhvsvGJ20/VtIAqRgwuqI/AAAAAAAC9bM/yRQGPhulvhA/s320/Greg%2BVan%2BAvermaet%2Bin%2BKortrijk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg Van Avermaet in Kortrijk. Photo by Pedal Dancer®</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiUDgY_gOwk/Vstd5EuU0pI/AAAAAAAC9Zk/sufRS-oNf_U/s1600/Omloop%2BHet%2BNiewuwsblad%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Omloop Het Niewuwsblad route map" border="0" height="526" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiUDgY_gOwk/Vstd5EuU0pI/AAAAAAAC9Zk/sufRS-oNf_U/s640/Omloop%2BHet%2BNiewuwsblad%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" title="Omloop Het Niewuwsblad route map" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omloop Het Niewuwsblad 2016 route map</td></tr></tbody></table><b>2016 </b><b>Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map </b><br />28 February 2016: <a href="http://www.kuurne-brussel-kuurne.be/" target="_blank">Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne</a>, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC<br /><br />Start city: Kuurne<br />Finish city: Kuurne<br />Distance: 200,7 km<br />Type of race: sprinter's classic <br /><br />Parcours: <a href="http://www.kuurne-brussel-kuurne.be/elite" target="_blank">interactive road map</a><br />Road map and timetable: <a href="http://www.kuurne-brussel-kuurne.be/elite" target="_blank">elite men roads (on page)</a><br /><br />List of cobbles and bergs/helling: <a href="http://www.kuurne-brussel-kuurne.be/elite" target="_blank">itinéraire</a> <br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quick Step) <br />Who won is 2016?:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kk8SwEowWvs/VstfpCL_quI/AAAAAAAC9Z4/-e_SYsGn7RE/s1600/Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne%2Broute%2Bmap%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map " border="0" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kk8SwEowWvs/VstfpCL_quI/AAAAAAAC9Z4/-e_SYsGn7RE/s640/Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne%2Broute%2Bmap%2B.jpg" title="Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map " width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne route map </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>2016 Strade Bianca route map </b><br />5 March 2016: <a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/StradeBianche/it/" target="_blank">Strade Bianche</a>, ITALY, UCI European Tour 1.HC<br /><br />Start city: Siena<br />Finish city: Siena<br />Distance: 176 km<br />Type of race: white gravel <br /><br />Route map: <a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/StradeBianche/2011/it/percorso2016.shtml" target="_blank">Parcours</a> (on page)<br />Timetable: <a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/StradeBianche/2011/it/percorso2016.shtml" target="_blank">Altimetria</a> (on page)<br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick Step)<br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br map:="" parcours="" route="" start="" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lpRFBYUp_eM/Vq_lSKL8drI/AAAAAAAC9T8/iTsx7P_RHpI/s1600/Strade%2BBianca%2B2016%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Strade Bianca 2016 route map" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lpRFBYUp_eM/Vq_lSKL8drI/AAAAAAAC9T8/iTsx7P_RHpI/s640/Strade%2BBianca%2B2016%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" title="Strade Bianca 2016 route map" width="574" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strade Bianca 2016 route map</td></tr></tbody></table><b>2016 Milan San Remo route map</b><br />19 March 2016: <a href="http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/MilanoSanremo/it/" target="_blank">Milano - Sanremo</a>, ITALY, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br /><br />Start city: Milano<br />Finish city: Sanremo<br />Distance: ~293 km<br />Type of race: sprinter's classic <br /><br />Route mao: planimetria <i>(details not yet published)</i><br />Profile map: altrimetria<br />Timetable: cronotabella<br /><br />Who won is 2015?: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)<br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCcT1y3ZM5Y/Vq_WKUwNAcI/AAAAAAAC9Sg/A96odj8Lt7E/s1600/Milan%2BSan%2BRemo%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Milan San Remo route map 2016" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCcT1y3ZM5Y/Vq_WKUwNAcI/AAAAAAAC9Sg/A96odj8Lt7E/s640/Milan%2BSan%2BRemo%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" title="Milan San Remo route map 2016" width="578" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milan San Remo route map 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><b><b>2016 </b></b><b><b><b>Dwars door Vlaanderen</b> route map</b> </b><br />23 March 2016: <a href="http://www.dwarsdoorvlaanderen.be/en" target="_blank">Dwars door Vlaanderen</a> BELGIUM, UCI European Tour 1.HC<br /><br />Start city: Meensesteenweg<br />Finish city: Verbindingsweg Waregem<br />Distance: 199,7 km<br />Type of race: cobbled classic<br /><br />Parcours: interactive course map <br />Profile: <a href="http://ddv.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/3573/original/ddv2016-elite-men-map-profile.pdf?1455140707" target="_blank">Elite Men Profile</a> <br />Road map: <a href="http://ddv.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/3574/original/ddv2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf?1455140773" target="_blank">Elite Men Roads</a><br />Timetable: <a href="http://ddv.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/3574/original/ddv2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf?1455140773" target="_blank">Elite Men Time table</a> <br />Teams: <a href="http://www.dwarsdoorvlaanderen.be/en/elite-men/race/participants" target="_blank">pro teams</a><br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise) <br />Who won is 2016?:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFm1nNfc8Bg/Vstj-gowfyI/AAAAAAAC9aQ/vkmtT-01Bu4/s1600/Dwars%2Bdoor%2BVlaanderen%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dwars door Vlaanderen route map 2016" border="0" height="410" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFm1nNfc8Bg/Vstj-gowfyI/AAAAAAAC9aQ/vkmtT-01Bu4/s640/Dwars%2Bdoor%2BVlaanderen%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" title="Dwars door Vlaanderen route map 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dwars door Vlaanderen route map 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-canh5524XfQ/T3uCM9WbQmI/AAAAAAAAHRo/t7FS677cAuo/s1600/Kwaremont+hill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-canh5524XfQ/T3uCM9WbQmI/AAAAAAAAHRo/t7FS677cAuo/s640/Kwaremont+hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final stretch of climb up the Kwaremont on a quiet day. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>2016 E3 Harelbeke route map,</b> (the <a href="http://www.cyclingstage.com/e3-harelbeke-2016/" target="_blank">bergs in E3</a>)<br />25 March 2016: <a href="https://www.e3harelbeke.be/" target="_blank">E3 Harelbeke</a>, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br /><br />Start city: Harelbeke<br />Finish city: Aankomst<br />Distance: 206 km<br />Type of race: cobbled classic <br /><a class="PrettyLink profile customisable h-card" data-mentioned-user-id="259574354" data-scribe="element:mention" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/E3Harelbeke">@<span class="p-nickname">E3Harelbeke</span></a> <br /><br />Parcours: <a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/3366889-record-bank-e3-harelbeke-elite-2016/#/z11/50.82189,3.63464/terrain" target="_blank">interactive course map</a> and <a href="http://www.e3harelbeke.be/files/uploads/2016/Wegen%20en%20verkeers.pdf" type="file">Record Bank E3 Harelbeke - World Tour Elite - Roads and Traffic</a><br />Road map: <a href="http://www.e3harelbeke.be/files/uploads/2016/Parcours%20E3%20Harelbeke%202016.pdf" type="file">Record Bank E3 Harelbeke - World Tour Elite - Detail</a><br />Teams: <a href="https://www.e3harelbeke.be/nl/wedstrijden-2016/world-tour-elite-men/deelnemers-2015" target="_blank">pro teams</a><br />Highlighted bergs: <a href="https://www.e3harelbeke.be/files/uploads/2016/Parcours%20E3%20Harelbeke%202016.pdf" target="_blank">climbs</a> <br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Geraint Thomas (Sky) <br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYVfNzjxj60/Vq_Z57rZyCI/AAAAAAAC9S0/_bV8DZ8Ky5M/s1600/2016%2BE3%2BHarelbeke%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="E3 Harelbeke route map 2016" border="0" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYVfNzjxj60/Vq_Z57rZyCI/AAAAAAAC9S0/_bV8DZ8Ky5M/s640/2016%2BE3%2BHarelbeke%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" title="E3 Harelbeke route map 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E3 Harelbeke route map 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtortQSBU0o/VsIxYfON9WI/AAAAAAAC9YM/kL_A_Aurpuo/s1600/E3%2Bharelbeke%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtortQSBU0o/VsIxYfON9WI/AAAAAAAC9YM/kL_A_Aurpuo/s640/E3%2Bharelbeke%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LXk2eRcG2I/UOusPc5eQ0I/AAAAAAAAP54/eejPgbAUDVg/s1600/Tour+of+Flanders+route+sign.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LXk2eRcG2I/UOusPc5eQ0I/AAAAAAAAP54/eejPgbAUDVg/s400/Tour+of+Flanders+route+sign.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is <a href="http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/en">Tour of Flanders</a> country (Ronde van Vlaanderen). ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>2016 Gent - Wevelgem route map</b><br />27 March 2016: <a href="http://www.gent-wevelgem.be/en" target="_blank">Gent - Wevelgem</a> in Flanders Fields, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br /><br />Start city: Gent<br />Finish city: Wevelgem<br />Distance: 242,8 km<br />Type of race: sprinter's classic <br /><br />Parcours: <a href="http://www.gent-wevelgem.be/en/elite-men/race/track" target="_blank">interactive course map</a><br />Road map: <a class="pdf" href="http://gw.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/2266/original/gw2016-elite-men-roadmap-v2.pdf?1449175663" target="_blank">gw2016-elite-men-roadmap-v2.pdf</a> <br />Timetable: <a class="pdf" href="http://gw.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/2302/original/gw2016-elite-men-timetable%20%281%29.pdf?1455052013" target="_blank">gw2016-elite-men-timetable (1).pdf</a><br />Teams: <a href="http://www.gent-wevelgem.be/en/elite-men/race/participants" target="_blank">Pro teams</a><br />List of bergs/helling: <a href="http://gw.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/2302/original/gw2016-elite-men-timetable%20%281%29.pdf?1455052013" target="_blank">on itinerary</a> <br />Trivia: 48 of the past 60 races have been won by a Belgian.<br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Luca Paolini (Katusha) <br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKsB6ZFtpXo/Vq_da6PBMtI/AAAAAAAC9Tc/c66jSPQv-sc/s1600/Gent%2B-%2BWevelgem%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gent - Wevelgem route map 2016" border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKsB6ZFtpXo/Vq_da6PBMtI/AAAAAAAC9Tc/c66jSPQv-sc/s640/Gent%2B-%2BWevelgem%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" title="Gent - Wevelgem route map 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gent - Wevelgem route map 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e6huDFjesbM/UOu1M9I5GWI/AAAAAAAAP78/TlE2jrk011Y/s1600/Ghent+Belgium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e6huDFjesbM/UOu1M9I5GWI/AAAAAAAAP78/TlE2jrk011Y/s640/Ghent+Belgium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strolling the streets of Ghent. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>2016 Tour of Flanders route map</b><br />3 April 2016: <a href="http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/en" target="_blank">Ronde van Vlaanderen</a> / Tour des Flandres, BELGIUM, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br /><br />Start city: Bruges<br />Finish city: Oudenaarde<br />Distance: 255 km<br />Type of race: cobbled classic<br /><br />Parcours: <a href="http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/en/elite-men/race/track" target="_blank">interactive course map</a> <br />The <a href="http://www.cyclingstage.com/tour-of-flanders-2016/" target="_blank">bergs</a><br />Road Map: <a class="pdf" href="http://rvv.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/3188/original/rvv2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf?1453809846" target="_blank">rvv2016-elite-men-roadmap.pdf</a><br />Timetable: <a class="pdf" href="http://rvv.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/3189/original/rvv2016-elite-men-timetable.pdf?1453809884" target="_blank">rvv2016-elite-men-timetable.pdf</a> <br />Teams: <a href="http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/en/elite-men/race/participants" target="_blank">Pro teams</a><br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) <br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIrrqPxXVxw/Vq_dIlhfH0I/AAAAAAAC9TU/aO-_CmfU5nc/s1600/Tour%2Bof%2BFlanders%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tour of Flanders route map 2016" border="0" height="462" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIrrqPxXVxw/Vq_dIlhfH0I/AAAAAAAC9TU/aO-_CmfU5nc/s640/Tour%2Bof%2BFlanders%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" title="Tour of Flanders route map 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour of Flanders route map 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HX3qY8WKGTI/T3d5LAUMx4I/AAAAAAAAHLo/lfQvsP06tcU/s1600/DSC03767.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HX3qY8WKGTI/T3d5LAUMx4I/AAAAAAAAHLo/lfQvsP06tcU/s640/DSC03767.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">Practice day on the Kwaremont pre Tour of Flanders race day. </span>©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>2016 Schedldeprijs route map</b><br />6 April 2016: <a href="http://www.scheldeprijs.be/en" target="_blank">Scheldeprijs</a>, BELGIUM UCI European Tour 1.HC<br /><br />Start city: Antwerpen<br />Finish city: Schoten<br />Distance: 207,8 km<br />Type of race: sprinter's / cobbled classic <br /><br />Parcours: interactive course map <br />Road Map: <a class="pdf" href="http://sp.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/3724/original/sp2016-elite-men-roadmapV20feb.pdf?1456231196" target="_blank">sp2016-elite-men-roadmapV20feb.pdf</a><br />Timetable: <a class="pdf" href="http://sp.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/3725/original/sp2016-elite-men-timetable%20V20feb.pdf?1456231202" target="_blank">sp2016-elite-men-timetable V20feb.pdf</a><br />Teams: <a href="http://www.scheldeprijs.be/en/elite-men/race/participants" target="_blank">Pro teams</a><br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) <br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akNaQdTXUzo/VszbLFFQf7I/AAAAAAAC9as/gRw8ASLRZNg/s1600/2016%2BSchedldeprijs%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2016 Schedldeprijs route map" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akNaQdTXUzo/VszbLFFQf7I/AAAAAAAC9as/gRw8ASLRZNg/s640/2016%2BSchedldeprijs%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" title="2016 Schedldeprijs route map" width="588" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Schedldeprijs route map</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8NHoQFAgJE/VstiEM4RljI/AAAAAAAC9aE/MCxzLAC6PqQ/s1600/Antwerp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8NHoQFAgJE/VstiEM4RljI/AAAAAAAC9aE/MCxzLAC6PqQ/s640/Antwerp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antwerpen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>2016 Paris-Roubaix route map</b><br />10 April 2016: <a href="http://www.letour.fr/paris-roubaix/2016/us/" target="_blank">Paris - Roubaix</a>, FRANCE, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT <br /><br />Start city: Compiègne<br />Finish city: Roubaix<br />Distance: ~ 253 km<br />Type of race: cobbled classic<br /><br />Pro Teams for 2016: <a href="http://www.letour.fr/paris-roubaix/2016/us/teams.html" target="_blank">participants</a> <br />Route map: the official 2016 Paris-Roubaix parcours map has not yet been released. <br /><br />The route of the 2016 Paris-Roubaix, which will be held on Sunday April 10, will include 27 cobble sectors over 52.8kms (32.81 miles) of cobblestones. The “Trouée d'Arenberg”, the Mons-en-Pévèle sector and the “Carrefour de l'Arbre” will be included in the 2016 p parcours. The uphill climb of Hameau du Buat will be featured in 2016. One hundred metres has been added to the length of the race in 2016. The total distance will be a grueling 257.5kms (160 miles).<br /><br />Who won is 2015?: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin) <br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN6zEhZL4pQ/Vq_i2P7xPVI/AAAAAAAC9Tw/vcd9FksjRxo/s1600/Aroudn%2BVelodrome%2Bin%2BRoubaix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN6zEhZL4pQ/Vq_i2P7xPVI/AAAAAAAC9Tw/vcd9FksjRxo/s640/Aroudn%2BVelodrome%2Bin%2BRoubaix.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The velodrome on Roubaix where the Paris-Roubaix race finishes. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>2016 Amstel-Gold route map</b><br />17 April 2016: <a href="http://www.amstel.nl/agecheck" target="_blank">Amstel Gold Race</a>, NETHERLANDS, UCI WorldTour 1.UWT<br /><br />Start City: Maastricht<br />Finish City: Valkenburg<br />Distance:<br />Type of race: Ardennes classic <br /><br />Who won is 2015?: Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick Step) <br />Who won is 2016?: <br /><br />The exact parcours of the 2016 Amstel Gold has not yet been released.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46Br7yC1gW4/Vstlud6sigI/AAAAAAAC9aY/bKyzsV3UIrM/s1600/Maastricht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46Br7yC1gW4/Vstlud6sigI/AAAAAAAC9aY/bKyzsV3UIrM/s640/Maastricht.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maastricht</td></tr></tbody></table>Ardennes Classics:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Amstel Gold (The Netherlands) </li><li>La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)</li><li>Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)</li></ul><br /><b>Winners of the Classics in 2015</b><br /><br />2015 Trofeo-Laigueglia - Winner: Davide Cimolai (Lampre-Merida) <br />2015 Omloop Het Nieuw - Winner: Ian Stannard (SKY)<br />2015 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne - Winner: Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quick Step) <br />2015 Le Samyn - Winner: Kris Boeckmans (Lotto Soudal)<br />2015 Strade Bianche - Winner: Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick Step) <br />2015 Milan-San Remo - Winner: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin)<br />2015 Dwars d Vlaanderen - Winner: Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise) <br />2015 E3 - Harelbeke - Winner: Geraint Thomas (Sky) <br />2015 Gent-Wevelgem - Winner: Luca Paolini (Katusha) <br />2015 Tour of Flanders - Winner: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) <br />2015 Scheldeprijs - Winner: Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) <br />2015 Paris-Roubaix - Winner: John Degenkolb (Giant - Alpecin) <br />2015 De Brabantse Pijl - Winner: Ben Hermans (BMC) <br />2015 Amstel Gold - Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick Step) <br />2015 La Flèche Wallonne - Winner: Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) <br />2015 Liège-Bastogne-Liège - Winner: Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) <br />2015 San Sebastian - Winner: Adam Yates (Orica GreenEDGE)<br />2015 GP Cycliste Québec - Winner: Rigoberto Uran Uran (Etixx Quickstep) <br />2015 GP Cycliste Montreal - Winner: Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal) <br />2015 Il Lombardia - Winner: Vincenzo Nibali (Astana)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hWZTuE0mvI/T3uAc6_J11I/AAAAAAAAHRI/15pvOwTAK7E/s1600/Koppenberg+corner.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hWZTuE0mvI/T3uAc6_J11I/AAAAAAAAHRI/15pvOwTAK7E/s400/Koppenberg+corner.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A landmark at the entrance to the Koppenberg climb. ©<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-86392628352948137132016-02-18T14:54:00.002-07:002016-02-18T19:11:16.188-07:00Recommended Listen: The Cycling Podcast HTC Highroad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Recommending a Cycling Podcast on an old favorite team. </span></b><br /><br />I am a big fan of <a href="http://thecyclingpodcast.com/" target="_blank">The Cycling Podcast</a> out of Britain. You might know them as The Telegraph Cycling Podcast supported by Jaguar, when during the month of July, Richard Moore, Lionel Birnie and Daniel Friebe cover the Tour de France daily from the road. Today the trio released a special hour and a half podcast episode entirely on the topic of the old USA pro team Columbia HTC-Highroad. In differing name configurations, the power-team existed from 2007 to 2011 before folding due to lack of major sponsorship.<br /><br />I thought you might enjoy a look back at a blog post I wrote in October 2011, with a stroll down memory lane photo collection: <b><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2011/10/remembering-htc-highroad.html">Remembering HTC Highroad</a></b> <br /><br />American Bob Stapleton was a man before his time. A team owner who was clearly respected in the close-knit community of cycling and yet had his issues with relationships. Whenever I spotted Bob at races, riders and staff from all teams would halt whatever it was they were doing to extend a handshake. It was moving to witness, especially after his team had folded. In a era when cycling was being torn apart Bob Stapleton could unite. And yet the "team of the century" - as The Cycling Podcast appointed it's title - disbanded.<br /><br />In 2011, I collected a collage of photographs from chasing races and cheering on my favorite team. Looking back at these old photographs and knowing now what became of the riders and staff members, I completely agree - Highroad was the team of the century. With their approach to marketing, communications, working business model, team ethos, code of conduct, team planning and scouting players, the team was an incubator for the best riders and staff in the world of cycling. Team members are now scattered throughout the peloton. <br /><br />Team names: Team High Road (2007), Team Columbia (2008), Team Columbia-High Road (2009), Team Columbia-HTC (2009), Team HTC-Columbia (2010), HTC-Highroad (2011).<br /><br />Key Riders: Mark Cavendish, Bernhard Eisel, Matthew Goss, Mark Renshaw, John Degenkolb, André Greipel, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Tony Martin, Hayden Roulston, Tejay van Garderen, George Hincapie, Peter Velits, Martin Velits, Marco Pinotti, Danny Pate, Craig Lewis, Matt Brammeier, Michael Albasini, Lars Bak, Adam Hansen, Leigh Howard, Michael Rogers, Greg Henderson, Michael Barry, Maxine Monfort, Marcus Berghardt, Thomas Löfkvist, Linus Gerdemann, Marcel Sieberg, Bert Grabsch, Kanstantsin Sivtsov, Servais Knaven, Andreas Klier, Kim Kirchen, Roger Hammond and Bradley Wiggins!<br /><br />Staff members now spread into the cycling community: Bob Stapleton, Allan Peiper, Rolf Aldag, Brian Holm, Valerio Piva, Jan Schaffrath, Olaf Ludwig, Walter Godefroot, Eddy Vandenhecke, Luuc Eisenga, Marco Pinotti, Servais Knaven.<br /><br />If you have been a fan of cycling for a decade or more, like myself, rereading these names is like realizing I was honored to watch the very best in the sport compete on one team at the dawning of a new age. Only Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara and Chris Froome existed for me outside this dream world. Many of the riders in the peloton have HTC-Highroad to thank for their now high salaries.<br /><br />Highroad was the team that inspired me to keep my attention on the sport when I was disgusted by Lance Armstrong and doping scandals. Highroad was a new kind of team. For me, this was the team bus to find at any race. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hL6-gOeHLVg/TpzycubgtXI/AAAAAAAAFP8/zC7H1yfs-Ms/s1600/HTC+Highroad+bus+2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hL6-gOeHLVg/TpzycubgtXI/AAAAAAAAFP8/zC7H1yfs-Ms/s400/HTC+Highroad+bus+2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HTC-Highroad team bus, 2010 in the USA<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table>LISTEN TO THE PODCAST<br /><br /><a href="http://thecyclingpodcast.com/podcast/special-no-2-the-rise-and-demise-of-htc-high-road-the-team-of-the-century" title="2016 Episode 2 | The Rise and Demise of HTC-High Road, The Team of the Century">Episode 2 | The Rise and Demise of HTC-High Road, The Team of the Century</a><br /><br />Weekly you may listen to the newest edition of the standard The Cycling Podcast, but eleven times a year the trio of Richard, Lionel and Daniel dive deeper to investigate one relevant cycling topic. You will need to sign up as a <a href="http://thecyclingpodcast.com/friends" target="_blank">Friend of the podcast</a> to hear the special editions. I have been a <i>friend</i> and can attest it is absolutely worth the $14 to join (via a quick and simple secure paypal process). <br /><br /><b><a href="http://thecyclingpodcast.com/friends" target="_blank">Join Friends of the podcast 2016</a></b><br />Cost: £10 or $14.33 (in Feb 2016), just $1.30 an episode; the best dog walking entertainment I know of! You will also want to sign up for the email news blast to know when the latest episode is available. Once you join, you have several choices on <a href="http://thecyclingpodcast.com/how-to-listen" target="_blank">how to listen</a>. I wait for the email announcement to arrive, click the link and eagerly listen on my iphone. Join now (<a href="http://thecyclingpodcast.com/friends" target="_blank">link</a>), support three investigative cycling journalists. <br /><br />Whatever you think you knew about the inner workings of this team, you will discover far more by listening to the podcast. My favorite quote: Ralph Aldag, "Do you remember that jersey... ah, I was crying when I first saw it."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s52O-J552vU/VsY7icdXA6I/AAAAAAAC9Yc/BY-Yjexjp8I/s1600/Old%2BHighroad%2Bteam%2Bjersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s52O-J552vU/VsY7icdXA6I/AAAAAAAC9Yc/BY-Yjexjp8I/s320/Old%2BHighroad%2Bteam%2Bjersey.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bradley Wiggins didn't appear too thrilled with the first jersey and its cartoon style font. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />LOOK AT OLD PHOTOS OF THE TEAM<br /><br />Again enjoy a look back at some old photos taken of team Highroad on the continent and in Europe: Pedal Dancer® <b><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2011/10/remembering-htc-highroad.html">Remembering HTC Highroad</a></b><br /><br />Remember when Neal Rogers used to report daily from the Tour de France and could never remember what stage it was or where they were? Remember when George Hincapie was the team captain teaching the young guns like Mark Cavendish? Here are George Hincapie and Neal Rogers together at the 2008 Dauphine Libere in France. <b> </b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whpHSDEHEgg/Tpzo2n3bB0I/AAAAAAAAFOk/HiQBzO2g484/s1600/George+Hincapie+highroad+2008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whpHSDEHEgg/Tpzo2n3bB0I/AAAAAAAAFOk/HiQBzO2g484/s400/George+Hincapie+highroad+2008.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">George Hincapie and Neal Rogers at the 2008 Dauphine Libere in France</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Mike Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>A very young Mark Cavendish in France.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQMVXIMbVsc/TpzpQv7LzRI/AAAAAAAAFOs/d4MrZN_1qXs/s1600/Mark+Cavendish+2008+highroad.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQMVXIMbVsc/TpzpQv7LzRI/AAAAAAAAFOs/d4MrZN_1qXs/s640/Mark+Cavendish+2008+highroad.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mark Cavendish at the 2008 Dauphine Libere</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Mike Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>A very young Tony Martin. I had to check his jersey number twice, the powerful ITT whiz kid Tony Martin standing before me appeared half the size in real life.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBX-eWrno2Y/TpzxR4IuGuI/AAAAAAAAFPs/v4ZLzW8ifxc/s1600/Tony+Martin+2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBX-eWrno2Y/TpzxR4IuGuI/AAAAAAAAFPs/v4ZLzW8ifxc/s400/Tony+Martin+2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tony Martin 2010 Tour of California in Palmdale, CA</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table>I was still so green I had to ask which Velits brother this was. Peter.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RpIeZDJwfU/TqD4sjatjII/AAAAAAAAFU0/__VkAMS6GBA/s1600/Peter+Velits+Solvang+ITT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RpIeZDJwfU/TqD4sjatjII/AAAAAAAAFU0/__VkAMS6GBA/s640/Peter+Velits+Solvang+ITT.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peter Velits warming up for the Solvang ITT 2011 Amgen Tour of California</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table>This was the moment I remember first becoming a fan of Matt Goss, when I saw what he could do in a leadout train. Remember the HTC Highroad leadouts? You don't see that anymore. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzC4nX0aTIg/Tp5KieaQPsI/AAAAAAAAFR0/UomQE9FdzPc/s1600/Matt+Goss+in+Paso+Robles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzC4nX0aTIg/Tp5KieaQPsI/AAAAAAAAFR0/UomQE9FdzPc/s400/Matt+Goss+in+Paso+Robles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matt Goss in Paso Robles, CA, at the 2011 Amgen Tour of California</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table>A barefoot Bernhard Eisel relaxing in the hot California Sun.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mebCErA-pw/TqhfuO_om9I/AAAAAAAAFXA/TkpSVLSSwMk/s1600/Bernie+Eisel+realxing+Solvang.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mebCErA-pw/TqhfuO_om9I/AAAAAAAAFXA/TkpSVLSSwMk/s400/Bernie+Eisel+realxing+Solvang.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bernie barefoot in Solvang, California pre race.</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span> </td></tr></tbody></table>I still wear Columbia clothing products to this day because of the team. The team also introduced Americans to the latest greatest bikes; which every local bike racing team wanted for themselves:<br /><br />Scott bikes (I had one).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtQDsja4rgs/Tpz1vmfWZ0I/AAAAAAAAFQU/B1NwlikopEQ/s1600/Mark+Cavendish%2527s+old+Scott+bike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtQDsja4rgs/Tpz1vmfWZ0I/AAAAAAAAFQU/B1NwlikopEQ/s640/Mark+Cavendish%2527s+old+Scott+bike.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mark Cavendish's old Scott bike at the 2010 Tour de France</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Specialized bikes (I wanted one). When the Venge, SL-4, and SHIV bikes became all the rage with local bike racers and cyclists. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyW-SHTg_KU/TqD9Gw0-61I/AAAAAAAAFVs/l0DkeIfOnc8/s1600/Matt+Goss%2527s+Specialized+Venge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="627" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyW-SHTg_KU/TqD9Gw0-61I/AAAAAAAAFVs/l0DkeIfOnc8/s640/Matt+Goss%2527s+Specialized+Venge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matt Goss's Specialized Venge 2011</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGqGV4gyV24/TqhsT7NenyI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/Eog7EpDnZLI/s1600/Bernard+Eisel+Shiv+TT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGqGV4gyV24/TqhsT7NenyI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/Eog7EpDnZLI/s400/Bernard+Eisel+Shiv+TT.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bernhard Eisel and his Specialized Shiv Time Trial bike </span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>See more photos from running around after this team as a fan: <b><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2011/10/remembering-htc-highroad.html">Remembering HTC Highroad</a></b><br /><br />Of course I had to finish this blog post with a photo of Bernie! The worst effect when team Highroad closed is that I had to travel to Europe to see many of my favorite riders race again. In 2012 I returned to France to chase the Tour de France.<br /><br />Bob Stapleton is now <a href="http://www.usacycling.org/usa-cycling-board-of-directors.htm" target="_blank">Chairman of USA Cycling</a> (bio). His bio states he founded High Road Sports, Inc., a sports management company that owned and operated Team HTC-Highroad, in 2005, He is a director of World Triathlon Corporation, as well as an adviser for leading private equity firms. He has an MBA from Cal Berkeley, he was born and resides in California.<br /><br /></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-22170780662596995722016-02-06T23:16:00.002-07:002016-02-12T15:08:31.659-07:00Ride the Rockies 2016 Route Announced<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">It's the perfect route - Carbondale to Fort Collins</span></b><br /><br />Get ready to train with purpose, ride hard and enjoy the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Tonight the route of the 2016 The Denver Post Ride the Rockies presented by Viawest (RTR) was announced. Organizers have created a fine tour this year with a dream route that will prove to be very popular. <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/registration/" target="_blank">Registration</a> is now open for the June 12-17th tour with 2000 lottery spots available. <br /><br />Host cities for 2016 include: Carbondale, Aspen, Copper Mountain, Grand Lake, Estes Park, and Fort Collins. This will be the first time Grand Lake will host Ride the Rockies.<br /><br />Highlights for 2016 include, in order: Missouri Heights, Rio Grande Trail, Independence Pass, Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, Red Cliff Bridge, Battle Mountain, Vail Pass, Ute Pass, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Devils Gulch and Horsetooth Reservoir.<br /><br />Ride the Rockies affords road cyclists an opportunity to ride a route in quick succession that would otherwise be near impossible without support. I have been fortunate to ride every climb and road on this year's route - although it took me many years to get it done piecemeal. I promise you, this year's route is special.<br /><br />If you have been wanting to visit Colorado to ride a bike, now would be the time. Tonight at the announcement party I met a woman who had ridden twenty-four Ride the Rockies and a man who was hoping to ride his first. You will meet all types and ages out on the roads of Colorado. Next week I will share with you, comments from a number of the enthusiastic guests at tonight's Ride the Rockies announcement party. For now here is the route:<br /><br /><b>2016 Ride the Rockies Route - point to point </b><br /><br />DAY 1, Sunday, June 12, 2016 - Carbondale to Aspen, 50 miles, +4253ft <br />DAY 2, Monday, June 13, 2016 - Aspen to Copper Mountain, 85 miles, +7655ft <br />DAY 3, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Copper Mountain, 79 miles, +6537ft <br />DAY 4, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Grand Lake, 85 miles, +3939ft <br />DAY 5, Thursday, June 16, 2016 - Grand Lake to Estes Park, 49 miles, +4636ft <br />DAY 6, Friday, June 17, 2016 - Estes Park to Fort Collins, 55 miles, +2762ft <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlKuRpFHoX4/VreDYb8bq_I/AAAAAAAC9X8/NX3cdEHHsqI/s1600/Ride%2Bthe%2BRockies%2Broute%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="route map 2016 Ride the Rockies in Colorado" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlKuRpFHoX4/VreDYb8bq_I/AAAAAAAC9X8/NX3cdEHHsqI/s640/Ride%2Bthe%2BRockies%2Broute%2B2016.jpg" title="route map 2016 Ride the Rockies in Colorado" width="596" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6-day 403 mile route of the 2016 Ride the Rockies in Colorado</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b>Quick Facts about the 2016 Ride the Rockies tour:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6-days (no rest day)</li><li>403 miles and 29,782’ elevation gain</li><li>Website & registration: <a href="http://www.ridetherockies.com/">www.ridetherockies.com</a></li><li>Ride the Rockies 2016 lottery registration dates: Sunday, February 7, 2016; 12:00 a.m. – Sunday, February 28, 2016; 5:00 p.m. MST. Notifications will be sent out on March 4, 2016. </li><li>Tour Cost (registration only): $5 lottery fee + $495 </li><li>Included in registration fee: sag support, basic camping, showers, transportation of one 70lb bag, shuttle services, aid stations, medical support, water bottle, jersey, entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park, free concerts & entertainment, mechanics, bike or wheel demos. </li><li>Services provided for a fee: parking, bike & luggage shipping, sherpa camping, food trucks along the route, your own support vehicle, refunds with limitations. </li><li>Read more about the <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/logistics/" target="_blank">logistics</a></li></ul><br /><b>2016 Ride the Rockies Tour (7-days)</b><br /><br />START CITY: Carbondale, Colorado<br /><br />DAY 1, Sunday, June 12, 2016 - Carbondale to Aspen, 50 miles, +4253ft, 3 Aid Stations<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_gh8tXOSI0/VrbVJau2UuI/AAAAAAAC9W0/eFZsizGjIgY/s1600/route%2Bof%2BDay%2B1%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="route of Day 1 Ride the Rockies 2016" border="0" height="378" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_gh8tXOSI0/VrbVJau2UuI/AAAAAAAC9W0/eFZsizGjIgY/s640/route%2Bof%2BDay%2B1%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016.jpg" title="route of Day 1 Ride the Rockies 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route map - Day 1 Ride the Rockies 2016</td></tr></tbody></table>DAY 2, Monday, June 13, 2016 - Aspen to Copper Mountain, 85 miles, +7655ft, 6 aid stations<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Independence Pass</li><li>Fremont Pass </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfWrGTGr3L0/VrbV1IQoj2I/AAAAAAAC9W4/VU96nhNPI_8/s1600/route%2Bday%2B2%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="route day 2 Ride the Rockies 2016 " border="0" height="378" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfWrGTGr3L0/VrbV1IQoj2I/AAAAAAAC9W4/VU96nhNPI_8/s640/route%2Bday%2B2%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016%2B.jpg" title="route day 2 Ride the Rockies 2016 " width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route map - Day 2 Ride the Rockies 2016 </td></tr></tbody></table>DAY 3, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Copper Mountain, 79 miles, +6537ft, 3 aid stations<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Traditional Copper Triangle route</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EnKcVHaGhw/VrbWSzPRUEI/AAAAAAAC9XA/ONaMdNq7uug/s1600/route%2Bday%2B3%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="route day 3 Ride the Rockies 2016 " border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EnKcVHaGhw/VrbWSzPRUEI/AAAAAAAC9XA/ONaMdNq7uug/s640/route%2Bday%2B3%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016%2B.jpg" title="route day 3 Ride the Rockies 2016 " width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route map - Day 3 Ride the Rockies 2016 </td></tr></tbody></table>DAY 4, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - Copper Mountain to Grand Lake, 85 miles, +3939ft, 6 aid stations<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ute Pass </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQl4NY9J6A/VrbW6qwJ4sI/AAAAAAAC9XM/TObP4Ebzbhw/s1600/Route%2Bmap%2B-%2BDay%2B4%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Route map - Day 4 Ride the Rockies 2016" border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQl4NY9J6A/VrbW6qwJ4sI/AAAAAAAC9XM/TObP4Ebzbhw/s640/Route%2Bmap%2B-%2BDay%2B4%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016%2B.jpg" title="Route map - Day 4 Ride the Rockies 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route map - Day 4 Ride the Rockies 2016</td></tr></tbody></table>DAY 5, Thursday, June 16, 2016 - Grand Lake to Estes Park, 49 miles, +4636ft, 3 aid stations<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Trail Ridge Road </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkMP2_-El7Q/VrbXUY2kBKI/AAAAAAAC9XU/uSANRFLp4MI/s1600/Route%2Bmap%2B-%2BDay%2B5%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Route map - Day 5 Ride the Rockies 2016" border="0" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkMP2_-El7Q/VrbXUY2kBKI/AAAAAAAC9XU/uSANRFLp4MI/s640/Route%2Bmap%2B-%2BDay%2B5%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016.jpg" title="Route map - Day 5 Ride the Rockies 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route map - Day 5 Ride the Rockies 2016</td></tr></tbody></table>DAY 6, Friday, June 17, 2016 - Estes Park to Fort Collins, 55 miles, +2762ft, 4 aid stations<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNw2RfLg8q0/VrbXu772oeI/AAAAAAAC9XY/lRfwM0J43lI/s1600/Route%2Bmap%2B-%2BDay%2B6%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Route map - Day 6 Ride the Rockies 2016" border="0" height="378" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNw2RfLg8q0/VrbXu772oeI/AAAAAAAC9XY/lRfwM0J43lI/s640/Route%2Bmap%2B-%2BDay%2B6%2BRide%2Bthe%2BRockies%2B2016.jpg" title="Route map - Day 6 Ride the Rockies 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route map - Day 6 Ride the Rockies 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><br />FINISH CITY: Fort Collins, Colorado<br /><br /><br /><b>2016 Ride the Rockies Prologue Ride (2-days) </b><br /><br />Jun 10-12, 2016 - Aspen, Colorado. 47 miles, +3632ft. $2500, first come first serve (no lottery). Come ride with the pros - Ted King, Tim Johnson, Ron Kiefel, Nelson Vails and more. Think of the prologue as a top-notch local bike tour prior to your week (guaranteed lottery entry) of Ride the Rockies. Read more about the <a href="http://ridetherockies.com/prologue-2/" target="_blank">RTR Prologue</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haaI6ceusSM/VrbgNeOJnlI/AAAAAAAC9Xs/4RpXJnFYgag/s1600/Ride%2Bthe%2BRockies%2BPrologue%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ride the Rockies Prologue route map 2016" border="0" height="430" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haaI6ceusSM/VrbgNeOJnlI/AAAAAAAC9Xs/4RpXJnFYgag/s640/Ride%2Bthe%2BRockies%2BPrologue%2Broute%2Bmap%2B2016.jpg" title="Ride the Rockies Prologue route map 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride the Rockies Prologue route map 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If you arrive into Carbondale area a day or two early, consider these bike rides highlighted in one of my earlier posts: Pedal Dancer® <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2014/06/recommended-road-bike-rides-near-aspen.html">Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Aspen.</a><br /><br />Read more information and facts about the climbs by Pedal Dancer® <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/colorado-climbs.html" target="_blank">Colorado Climbs</a><br /><br /></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-65091157969753845912016-02-05T11:18:00.002-07:002016-05-31T15:34:21.689-06:00Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar List 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">List of 2016 Cycling Races in Colorado - Road Race, Criterium, Hill Climbs, Time Trials, Mountain Bike Races, Fat Bike Races, Collegiate, Track, Mid-week and Stage Races. With National, World Championship, and Pro Race Schedules. </span></b></span><br /><br />The annual Pedal Dancer® bike race calendar list has been created to encourage you to get out and either race or attend as a fan. On this page you will find race dates and links for the 2016 Colorado and National bike racing season. For more information on race licenses and race rules, please visit: <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/membership">BRAC</a> or <a href="http://www.usacycling.org/usa-cycling-license-information.htm">USACycling</a>.<br /><br />With a limited supply of criteriums and road races, opportunities to race a mountain bike in Colorado continue to grow. The USA Pro Challenge pro tour will NOT return to Colorado in 2016, although there is hope for a return in 2017 under new sponsorship, structure, and possibly location. <br /><br />Below is a list of <b>bike races and camps</b>. For the Pedal Dancer® bike event calendar list of cycling events and bike rides in Colorado <u>not</u> requiring USACycling or BRAC race licenses and including century bike rides, charity bike rides, multi-day bike rides and many other bike events for the 2016 season - please transfer to the Pedal Dancer® blog post: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/cycling-events-and-bike-rides-in.html">2016 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides Calendar List</a>.<br /><br />I have peppered this calendar list with my own photography taken during 2015 at the pro races. I love bike photography!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©</span>All Photos by Karen Rakestraw.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rPv9daWnkls/VrTgEk-TbBI/AAAAAAAC9Vc/BAYJzp3aXOQ/s1600/women%2Bbike%2Bracing%2BGolden%2BColorado.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Women pro racers in Golden Colorado" border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rPv9daWnkls/VrTgEk-TbBI/AAAAAAAC9Vc/BAYJzp3aXOQ/s640/women%2Bbike%2Bracing%2BGolden%2BColorado.jpg" title="Women pro racers line up in Golden Colorado" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Road Bike Races in Colorado</u></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">Colorado Road Bike Races (race flyers and websites will be added as made available) </span></span><br /><br />March 5, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/FROSTBITETT%20entry%20form%202016ver%203.pdf" target="_blank">Frostbite Time Trial</a>, Fort Collins <br />March 6, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/3-6%20DU%20Criterium" target="_blank">University of Denver Criterium</a>, City Park in Denver <br />March 27, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/3:19-20%20Oredigger%20Classic%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain</a> ITT/Hillclimb, Golden<br />March 27, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/3:19-20%20Oredigger%20Classic%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Oredigger Classic - Criterium</a>, Golden <span style="color: #990000;">CANCELLED</span><br />April 2, 2016 - Louisville Criterium <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21louisville-criterium/cxp1" target="_blank">2016 Website</a></span> <br />April 2, 2016 - USAFA Criterium Front Range Classic <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/frcc%20flyer%20update.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />April 3, 2016 - USAFA Road Race Front Range Classic <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/frcc%20flyer%20update.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />April 9, 2016 - Buff Gold TT/ITT & RR, Boulder <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016 Website</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />April 10, 2016 - Buff Gold Circuit RR, Boulder <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016 Website</span></a> <br />April 16-17, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/4:16-17%20FinalCSURR.pdf" target="_blank">CSU Rams Cobb Lake Road Race & Oval Criterium</a> <span style="color: #990000;">Cancelled</span><br />April 23, 2016 - Clasica de Rio Grande <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/4-23%20Rio%20Grande%20RR.compressed.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2015/4-18%20Weld%20Cty%20RR.pdf" target="_blank"></a></span><br />April 23, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/calendar?type=all&month=3&year=2016&action=+1" target="_blank">FLC Squawker Classic Criterium</a> & TTT<br />April 24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/calendar?type=all&month=3&year=2016&action=+1" target="_blank">FLC Squawker Classic Road Race</a><br />April 24, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/ColoBikeLaw_2016_DenverFedCenter.pdf" target="_blank">Colorado Bike Law Denver Federal Center Classic,</a> <a href="http://colobikelaw.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Website</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />April 29-30, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/4-30-May1%20Maverick%20Classic.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Maverick Classic</a> - Colorado Mesa University <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/4-30-May1%20Maverick%20Classic.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />May 1, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Koppenberg%20Race%20%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Koppenberg Road Race</a>, Superior, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21koppenberg/c81z" target="_blank">2016 Website</a> <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Rescheduled for May 28th! </b></span></span> <br />May 7, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/5-7%20OZ%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">OZ Road Race</a>, <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016 Website</span></a>, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/5-7%20OZ%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />May 8, 2016 - US Training Center National Record Attempt Day, Velodrome <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Record%20Attempt%20flyer%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Event Flyer</a></span><br />May 14, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Best%20On%20Hess%20Flyer%2016%203pg.pdf" target="_blank">Best of Hess</a> Individual Time Trials <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Best%20On%20Hess%20Flyer%2016%203pg.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />May 18, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/5-15%20LafayetteCrit%20ver%202.pdf" target="_blank">Lafayette Criterium</a>, Lafayette <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/5-15%20LafayetteCrit%20ver%202.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><br />May 20, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/SMC_Flyer_2016%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Superior Morgul Classic</a> - Time Trial <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#!superior-morgul/c1w3h" target="_blank">2016 Website,</a> <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/SMC_Flyer_2016%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />May 21, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/SMC_Flyer_2016%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Superior Morgul Classic</a> - Circuit Race <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21superior-morgul/c1w3h" target="_blank">2016 Website,</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/SMC_Flyer_2016%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />May 22, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/SMC_Flyer_2016%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Superior Morgul Classic</a> - Road Race <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21superior-morgul/c1w3h" target="_blank">2016 Website,</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/SMC_Flyer_2016%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">May 1, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Koppenberg%20Race%20%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Koppenberg Road Race</a>, Superior, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21koppenberg/c81z" target="_blank">2016 Website</a></span>, <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Koppenberg%20Race%20%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer </span></a></span></span> </span><br />June 4, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/CPC%20flyer%202016%20v7%20%281%29.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">City Park Criterium</a>, Denver <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/6-4%20CPC%20flyer%202016%20v4.compressed.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><br />June 5, 2016 - Deer Trail Road Race SR RR Championships, Deer Trail <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/DeerTrail2016RaceFlyer.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />June 12, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/6-12%20Ridge@38-%20Sr%20Crit%20Champ" target="_blank">Ridge at 38 Criterium</a>, CO SR CRIT Champ, Wheat Ridge <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/6-12%20Ridge@38-%20Sr%20Crit%20Champ" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><br />June 19, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Parker%20Crit%20race%20flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Mainstreet Parker Criterium</a>, Parker <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Parker%20Crit%20race%20flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a> <br />June 24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#!boulder-stage-race/c18tq" target="_blank">Boulder Element Omnium (TT)</a>, Boulder, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21boulder-stage-race/c18tq" target="_blank">2016 Website</a>, <a href="http://Race Flyer" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />June 25, 2016 - <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21boulder-stage-race/c18tq" target="_blank">Boulder Element Omnium (Road Race)</a>, Boulder, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21boulder-stage-race/c18tq" target="_blank">2016 Website</a>, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://race%20flyer/" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span> </span><br />June 26, 2016 - <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21boulder-stage-race/c18tq" target="_blank">Boulder Element Omnium (Circuit Race)</a>, Boulder, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#%21boulder-stage-race/c18tq" target="_blank">2016 Website</a>, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://race%20flyer/" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a> </span> </span><br />July 1-2, 2016 - Grand Prix of Colorado Springs, UCI Class 1 Track Event <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/2016%20Grand%20Prix%20of%20Colorado%20Springs%20PERMIT%20FLYER.compressed.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a><br />July 2, 2016 - Wheels of Thunder @ Flatrock, Commerce City<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/2016%20WoT%20Flyer.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />July 5-6, 2016 - Independence Day Grand Prix (no flyer yet) <br />July 10, 2016 - Longmont Criterium, Longmont (no flyer yet)<br />July 15-17, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/%20Salida-%20Final.docx.pdf" target="_blank">3 Days of Salida</a> Festival, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/#!salida-cycling-classic/c22rf" target="_blank">2016 website</a></span><br />July 15, 2016 - Salida Classic - TT, Salida <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/HCSunshineUSAcycling.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a><br />July 16, 2016 - Salida Classic - Criterium, Salida <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/HCSunshineUSAcycling.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a> <br />July 17, 2016 - Salida Classic - Road Race (Master RR Championships), Salida <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/HCSunshineUSAcycling.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a> <br />July 30, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/7-23%20Mt.Evans.%20USAC%20Permit%20FlyerV5%20July23_2016.docx.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Boulder Orthopedic Crit</a> at Table Mountain, Boulder <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/20160413%20Boulder%20Orthopedics%20Criterium%20July%2030%202016.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><br />July 31, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/7-31%20Bannock%20Race%20Flyer%20v4.pdf" target="_blank">Mike Neilds Memorial Bannock Street Criterium</a>, CO JR Crit Champ <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/7-31%20Bannock%20Race%20Flyer%20v4.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />August 5, 2016 - Colorado State Junior TT Championships (no flyer yet) <br />August 6, 2016 - Colorado State Junior RR Championships (no flyer yet) <br />August 6, 2016 - Littleton Twilight Criterium <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.littletonrocks.com/criterium/" target="_blank">2016 Website</a></span> 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.<br />August 7, 2016 - John Stenner Mem'l - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/" target="_blank">CO Time Trial Championships</a> <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/8-7%20%20CO%20StateTT%20Flyer-ver3a.docx.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a> <br />August 14, 2016 - Wheels of Hope, (no flyer yet)<br />August 21, 2016 - Lucky Pie Criterium, CO Masters Crit Championships, Louisville <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Lucky%20Pie%20Criterium%20Flyer2016.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><br />September 2-5, 2016 - Steamboat SR p/b Moots Cycles Stage Race <a href="http://www.bikesteamboat.com/steamboat-stage-race/latest-news/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2015 Website</span></a><br /><br />*Hillclimb races listed below<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxyfbPb8jtQ/V04By5xr8GI/AAAAAAAC-PQ/Q05AyxxLink37KC6C-mwSckrsAY6cOSMACLcB/s1600/Crit%2Bracing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxyfbPb8jtQ/V04By5xr8GI/AAAAAAAC-PQ/Q05AyxxLink37KC6C-mwSckrsAY6cOSMACLcB/s640/Crit%2Bracing.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br /><b>Summary of Colorado State Championship Races</b><br /><br />June 5, 2016 - Deer Trail Road Race SR RR Championships, Deer Trail <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/DeerTrail2016RaceFlyer.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />June 12, 2016 - Ridge at 38 Criterium, CO SR CRIT Champ, Wheat Ridge <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/6-12%20Ridge@38-%20Sr%20Crit%20Champ" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/8-7%20%20CO%20StateTT%20Flyer-ver3a.docx.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a> July 17, 2016 - Salida Classic - Road Race, Master RR Championships, Salida <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/HCSunshineUSAcycling.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a><br />July 31, 2016 - Mike Neilds Memorial Bannock Street Criterium, CO JR Crit Champ <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/7-31%20Bannock%20Race%20Flyer%20v4.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />August 5, 2016 - Colorado State Junior TT Championships (no flyer yet) <br />August 6, 2016 - Colorado State Junior RR Championships (no flyer yet)<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>August 7, 2016 - John Stenner Mem'l - CO Time Trial Championships <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/8-7%20%20CO%20StateTT%20Flyer-ver3a.docx.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />August 21, 2016 - Lucky Pie Criterium, CO Masters Crit Championships, Louisville <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Lucky%20Pie%20Criterium%20Flyer2016.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Race Flyer</span></a><br /><br /><b>Road Bike Mid-Week Race Series in Colorado</b><br /><br />Table Mountain Race Series - Peak to Peak <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2016-1549" target="_blank">P2P Mid-Wk Series @ CSP</a> - Wednesday night racing in Summer in Golden at Colorado State Patrol track, 12 weeks. Short circuit race. Men's racing. <br /><br />June 1, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />June 8, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />June 15, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />June 22, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />July 06, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />July 13, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />July 20, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />July 27, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series <br />August 03, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />August 10, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />August 17 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br />August 24, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series<br /><br />Table Mountain Race Series - Peak to Peak <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/CSP-%20JR:SW3-4%20Series.pdf" target="_blank">P2P Mid-Wk Series @ CSP - Junior / Women</a> - Thursday night racing in Summer in Golden at Colorado State Patrol track. Short circuit race. Junior & Women racing. <br /><br />June 09, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4<br />June 23, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4<br />July 07, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4<br />July 28, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4<br />August 4, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series - Junior / Women SW 3-4 <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9J3jzeYc2Q/VrTbgvkvaoI/AAAAAAAC9Uk/ykxrwUOTX-Q/s1600/Drapac%2Bracing%2Blegs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mens cycling legs racing team" border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9J3jzeYc2Q/VrTbgvkvaoI/AAAAAAAC9Uk/ykxrwUOTX-Q/s640/Drapac%2Bracing%2Blegs.jpg" title="Mens cycling legs racing team" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><u>Mid-Week Time Trial Races In Colorado</u></b><br /><br />Weekly (mid-week) Time Trial Series at Cherry Creek State Park<br /><br />April 6, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/KHMTT%20Flyer%202016%20v9.pdf" target="_blank">Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #1</a>, Cherry Creek State Park<br />April 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/KHMTT%20Flyer%202016%20v9.pdf" target="_blank">Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #2</a>, Cherry Creek State Park<br />April 20, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/KHMTT%20Flyer%202016%20v9.pdf" target="_blank">Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #3</a>, Cherry Creek State Park<br />April 27, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/KHMTT%20Flyer%202016%20v9.pdf" target="_blank">Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #4</a>, Cherry Creek State Park<br />May 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/KHMTT%20Flyer%202016%20v9.pdf" target="_blank">Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #5</a>, Cherry Creek State Park<br />May 11, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/KHMTT%20Flyer%202016%20v9.pdf" target="_blank">Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #6</a>, Cherry Creek State Park<br />May 18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/KHMTT%20Flyer%202016%20v9.pdf" target="_blank">Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #7</a>, Cherry Creek State Park<br /><br />Weekly (mid-week, every Tuesday) Time Trial Series at Horsetooth Reservoir<br /><br />April 12, 2016 - <a href="http://yourgroupride.com/index.php/local-races/horsetooth-time-trial-series" target="_blank">Horsetooth Time Trial</a>, Fort Collins<br />April 19, 2016 - <a href="http://yourgroupride.com/index.php/local-races/horsetooth-time-trial-series" target="_blank">Horsetooth Time Trial</a>, Fort Collins<br />April 25, 2016 - <a href="http://yourgroupride.com/index.php/local-races/horsetooth-time-trial-series" target="_blank">Horsetooth Time Trial</a>, Fort Collins<br />May 2, 2016 - <a href="http://yourgroupride.com/index.php/local-races/horsetooth-time-trial-series" target="_blank">Horsetooth Time Trial</a>, Fort Collins<br /><br /><u><b>Time Trial Championships in Colorado</b></u><br /><br />August 5, 2016 - Colorado State Junior TT Championships (no flyer yet)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EV7YgD-ByAc/VrYXIO7UgTI/AAAAAAAC9V0/4VA3uHT81xY/s1600/Trek%2Btime%2Btrial%2Bbike%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trek time trial bikes" border="0" height="432" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EV7YgD-ByAc/VrYXIO7UgTI/AAAAAAAC9V0/4VA3uHT81xY/s640/Trek%2Btime%2Btrial%2Bbike%2B2015.jpg" title="Trek time trial bikes" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Hillclimb Bike Races in Colorado</u></b><br /><br />Hill Climbs in Colorado 2016. You don't need to be part of a team, but you might need a race license. These climbing challenges come down to you, your bike and a mountain.<br /><br />March 19, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/3:19-20%20Oredigger%20Classic%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain</a> ITT/Hillclimb, Golden, 4.64mi, 1422ft<br />June 5, 2016 - <a href="http://www.madracingcolorado.com/gelprh/" target="_blank">Little Park Road Hillclimb</a>, Grand Junction, 5.3mi, 1,929ft <br />June 11, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/6-11%20Guanella.pdf" target="_blank">Guanella Pass Hill Climb</a>, Georgetown <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/6-11%20Guanella.pdf" target="_blank">Event Flyer</a></span><br />July 9, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/HCSunshineUSAcycling.pdf" target="_blank">Sunshine Hill Climb</a>, Boulder, 9.8mi, ~3000ft <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/HCSunshineUSAcycling.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />July 23, 2016 - <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/7-23%20Mt.Evans.%20USAC%20Permit%20FlyerV5%20July23_2016.docx.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Hill Climb</a>, HC Champs, Idaho Springs, 6630ft climb to 14,130’ <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/7-23%20Mt.Evans.%20USAC%20Permit%20FlyerV5%20July23_2016.docx.compressed.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a><br />August 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradospringssports.org/index.php/events/pikes-peak-cycling-hill-climb-main/ppchc-main-general-information" target="_blank">The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo</a>, USAC National Hillclimb Championships, 12.42m, ~8,000ft<br />August 27, 2016 - <a href="http://colobikelaw.com/" target="_blank">Colo Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb</a>, Golden, 4.6mi, 1200ft<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTdmr3zOLEM/VrTdNUFHyyI/AAAAAAAC9VA/UXvmwiC4Xo8/s1600/Cannondale%2BTeam%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Team Cannondale set up at bike race" border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTdmr3zOLEM/VrTdNUFHyyI/AAAAAAAC9VA/UXvmwiC4Xo8/s640/Cannondale%2BTeam%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" title="Team Cannondale set up at bike race" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><u>Collegiate Cycling Races in Colorado</u></b><br /><br />Colorado amateur and Master racers have much to be thankful for the opportunities created for their categories through local collegiate bike races. Support high school and collegiate racers - they are the next great generation of hope to fuel this sport. <br /><br />March 6, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/3-6%20DU%20Criterium" target="_blank">University of Denver Criterium</a>, City Park in Denver <br />March 19, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/3:19-20%20Oredigger%20Classic%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain</a> ITT/Hillclimb, Golden<br />March 20, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/3:19-20%20Oredigger%20Classic%20Flyer%202016.pdf" target="_blank">Oredigger Classic - Criterium</a>, Golden<br />April 2, 2016 - USAFA Criterium Front Range Classic <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/frcc%20flyer%20update.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />April 3, 2016 - USAFA Road Race Front Range Classic <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/frcc%20flyer%20update.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br />April 9, 2016 - Buff Gold TT/ITT & RR, Boulder <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016 Website</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />April 10, 2016 - Buff Gold Circuit RR, Boulder <a href="http://www.withoutlimits.co/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016 Website</span></a> <br />April 16-17, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/4:16-17%20FinalCSURR.pdf" target="_blank">CSU Rams Cobb Lake Road Race & Oval Criterium</a> <span style="color: #990000;">Cancelled</span><br />April 23, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/calendar?type=all&month=3&year=2016&action=+1" target="_blank">FLC Squawker Classic Criterium</a> & TTT<br />April 24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradocycling.org/calendar?type=all&month=3&year=2016&action=+1" target="_blank">FLC Squawker Classic Road Race</a><br />April 29-30, 2016 - Maverick Classic - Colorado Mesa University <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/4-30-May1%20Maverick%20Classic.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Race Flyer</a></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyf3kJth99Y/VrYXzVGR9yI/AAAAAAAC9V4/rqTl30LV3t8/s1600/Daniel%2BOss%2BBMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daniel Oss BMC bike race" border="0" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyf3kJth99Y/VrYXzVGR9yI/AAAAAAAC9V4/rqTl30LV3t8/s640/Daniel%2BOss%2BBMC.jpg" title="Daniel Oss BMC bike race" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u><b>Mountain Bike Races and Grave Races in Colorado</b></u><br /><br />Race Schedule for 2016 Mountain Bike, CX, Fat Bike (winter), Short Track, Gravel, Endurance, Downhill Races, Enduro, Mountain Bike Festivals or Events in Colorado.<br /><br />January 16, 2016 - <a href="http://winterparkfatbikeseries.com/race1.html" target="_blank">Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Frosty Fraser)</a>, Fraser, CO, Fat Bike<br />January 16, 2016 - <a href="http://snowmountainranch.org/event/snow-mountain-ranch-fat-bike-race-series-race-2/" target="_blank">Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Race Series: Blue Ridge Ascent</a>, Fat Bike<br />January 16, 2016 - <a href="http://www.aspenchamber.org/events/acra-annual-events/wintersk%C3%B6l/fat-cycle-challenge" target="_blank">Fat Cycle Challenge</a>, Aspen, Fat Bike<br />January 20, 2016 - <a href="http://skihaussteamboat.com/nordic-cross-country/pleasant-valley-race-ride-tour/" target="_blank">Full Moon Fat Bike Race</a>, Steamboat Springs, Fat Bike<br />January 23, 2016 - <a href="http://www.velorutioncycles.com/valkyrie" target="_blank">Velorution Valkyrie</a>, Mancos, Fat Bike<br />January 23, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series</a> - Copper Mountain, Fat bike/MTB <br />January 27-31, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cbchamber.com/events/fat-bike/" target="_blank">Fat Bike World Championships</a>, Crested Butte, Fat Bike<br />February 6, 2016 - <a href="http://silvertonwhiteout.com/" target="_blank">Silverton White Out</a>, Silverton, Fat bike, endurance<br />February 7, 2016 - <a href="http://oldmanwinterrally.com/" target="_blank">Old Man Winter Rally</a>, Boulder, 50K/100K, gravel & paved & run <br />February 13, 2016 - <a href="http://winterparkfatbikeseries.com/race2.html" target="_blank">Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Granby Ranch)</a>, Granby, Fat Bike<br />February 13, 2016 - <a href="http://snowmountainranch.org/event/snow-mountain-ranch-fat-bike-race-series-race-3/" target="_blank">Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Race Series: Pole Creek Dash</a>, Fat Bike<br />February 17, 2016 - <a href="http://skihaussteamboat.com/nordic-cross-country/pleasant-valley-race-ride-tour/" target="_blank">Full Moon Fat Bike Race</a>, Steamboat Springs, Fat Bike<br />February 20, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Tennessee Pass Night Jam</a>, Ski Cooper, Fat Bike<br />January 27-31, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cbchamber.com/events/fat-bike/" target="_blank">Fat Bike World Championships</a>, Crested Butte, 20mi, Fat Bike <br />March 5, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">Mineral Belt Mayhem</a>, Leadville, Fat Bike/MTB<br />March 12, 2016 - <a href="http://www.active.com/granby-co/cycling/mountain-biking-races/snow-mountain-ranch-fat-bike-series-snow-mountain-to-winter-park-marathon-race-4-2016?int=" target="_blank">Snow Mountain Ranch Fat Bike Race Series: Marathon</a>, Granby, Fat Bike <br />March 12, 2016 - <a href="http://winterparkfatbikeseries.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Rendezvous Rally)</a>, Winter Park, Fat Bike<br />March 19-21, 2016 - <a href="http://4soh.org/" target="_blank">Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge</a>, Fort Collins, XC<br />April 2, 2016 - <a href="http://www.winterparkfatbikeseries.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Fat Bike Series (Granby Ranch to Snow Mtn Ranch)</a>, Fat Bike<br />April 2, 2016 - <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/antiepic-160/" target="_blank">AntiEpic Gravel Grinder</a>, Monument, 50/160mi, gravel<br />April 14-17, 2016 - <a href="https://www.seaotterclassic.com/" target="_blank">Sea Otter Classic UCI C3 - USA Cycling US Cup</a> (MTB), Monterey, CA <br />April 23, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/events-rides/" target="_blank">East Side Epic</a>, Leadville, Fat Bike<br />April 23-24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.madracingcolorado.com/events/rumble-18-road-2016/" target="_blank">Rumble at 18 Road</a>, Fruita, bike festival, qualifier, short track, XC<br />April 28-May 1, 2016 - <a href="http://fruitafattirefestival.com/schedule/">Fruita Fat Tire Festival</a>, multi-event, MTB <br />April 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/" target="_blank">RME Ridgeline Rampage</a>, Castle Rock, XC, endurance,<span style="color: #990000;"> Rescheduled to May 8th</span><br />April 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/encierro-velo/details" target="_blank">Encierro Ride</a> (gravel), Monument, 50/100K, <span style="color: #990000;">Rescheduled to May 7th </span><br />May 3, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/new-belgium-short-track-races/" target="_blank">New Belgium Short Track Race Series</a>, Fort Collins, short track, XC<br />May 6-7, 2016 - <a href="http://18hrsoffruita.com/" target="_blank">18 Hours of Fruita</a>, Fruita, endurance<br />May 7, 2016 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/encierro-velo/details" target="_blank">Encierro Ride</a> (gravel), Monument, 50/100K<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />May 7, 2016 - <a href="http://www.12hoursofmesaverde.com/" target="_blank">12 Hours of Mesa Verde</a>, Cortez, endurance<br />May 7, 2016 - <a href="http://www.geminiadventures.com/cycling-events/drclassic/" target="_blank">Desert RATS Classic</a>, Fruita, Kokopelli Trail CO to UT, 50K endurance<br />May 8, 2016 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/" target="_blank">RME Ridgeline Rampage</a>, Castle Rock, XC, endurance<span style="color: #990000;"></span> <br />May 10, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/new-belgium-short-track-races/" target="_blank">New Belgium Short Track Race Series</a>, Fort Collins, short track, XC<br />May 14, 2016 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/" target="_blank">RME Battle the Bear</a>, Lakewood, XC, endurance<br />May 17, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/new-belgium-short-track-races/" target="_blank">New Belgium Short Track Race Series</a>, Fort Collins, short track, XC<br />May 18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.sandcreeksports.com/scs.htm" target="_blank">Ascent Cycling Series</a>, Colorado Springs, XC<br />May 20-22, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=9">The Grand Junction Off Road</a>, Grand Junction, MTB <br />May 20-22, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=9" target="_blank">Grand Junction Off Road</a>, Grand Junction, XC, endurance<br />May 21, 2016 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/pony-xpress/details" target="_blank">Pony Xpress</a> (gravel), Trinidad, 70/160K <br />May 22, 2016 - <a href="http://gunnisontrails.com/gunnison-trails-events/the-2016-original-meowler-mountain-duathlon/" target="_blank">The Original Meowler Mountain Duathlon</a>, Gunnison, XC<br />May 24, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/new-belgium-short-track-races/" target="_blank">New Belgium Short Track Race Series</a>, Fort Collins, short track, XC<br />May 25, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Eagle Rance Classic, <a href="http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series" target="_blank">Vail Rec District</a><br />May 28, 2016 - <a href="http://gunnisontrails.com/gunnison-trails-events/the-original-growler/">The Half Growler</a>, Gunnison, 32mi, MTB <br />May 29, 2016 - <a href="http://gunnisontrails.com/gunnison-trails-events/the-original-growler/">The Original (Full) Growler</a>, Gunnison, 64mi, MTB <br />May 29, 2016 - <a href="http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/mbs-mountain-bike-race">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic</a>, Durango, XC<br />May 31, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/new-belgium-short-track-races/" target="_blank">New Belgium Short Track Race Series</a>, Fort Collins, short track, XC<br />June 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.madracingcolorado.com/gelprh/" target="_blank">Gunny Enduro</a>, Gunnison, enduro MTB <br /><b></b>June 1, 2016 - <a href="http://www.sandcreeksports.com/scs.htm" target="_blank">Ascent Cycling Series</a>, Colorado Springs, XC<br />June 1, 2016 - Frisco Roundup, presented by Peak One Neighborhood <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/?event-categories=summit-mountain-challenge" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge</a> <br />June 4, 2016 -<a href="http://erockrace.com/"> ERock Sunrise to Sunset</a> 11-hr relay, Castle Rock, MTB <br />June 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/pv-cycle-derby/">RME PV Cycle Derby</a>, Elbert, 10/22/66mi, enduro, XC <br />June 4, 2016 - <a href="http://erockrace.com/" target="_blank">ERock Sunrise Sunset</a>, Castle Rock, endurance<br />June 4-5, 2016 - <a href="http://eagleoutsidefestival.com/">Eagle Outside Festival & Expo</a> (Firebird 40), Eagle, 40K, XC <br />June 7, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/new-belgium-short-track-races/" target="_blank">New Belgium Short Track Race Series</a>, Fort Collins, short track, XC<br />June 8, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Hammer in the Hay, <a href="http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series" target="_blank">Vail Rec District</a><br />June 11, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Series (Excel Roofing Hill Climb)</a>, Winter Park, XC<br />June 11, 2016 - <a href="https://coloradoes.wordpress.com/swes-event-list/sbfl/" target="_blank">Salida Big Friggin Loop</a>, Salida, endurance <br />June 11, 2016 - <a href="http://www.mountaingames.com/event-detail/X_Country-Mountain-Bike.aspx" target="_blank">GoPro Mountain Games</a>, Vail, XC<br />June 15, 2016 - <a href="http://www.sandcreeksports.com/scs.htm" target="_blank">Ascent Cycling Series</a>, Colorado Springs, XC<br />June 18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/">Bailey Hundo</a><a href="http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/mbs-mountain-bike-race">,</a> Bailey, endurance<br />June 18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bailey100.com/">Bailey Hundito</a> Bailey, endurance <br />June 19-21, 2016 - <a href="http://4soh.org/" target="_blank">Four Seasons of Horsetooth Mountain Bike Stage Challenge</a>, Fort Collins, XC<br />June 19, 2016 - <a href="http://salidarec.com/fibark/" target="_blank">FIBArk Arkansas Hills Mountain Bike Race</a>, Salida, XC <br />June 19, 2016 - <a href="http://www.betibikebash.com/" target="_blank">Beti Bike Bash</a>, Castle Rock, XC, women only<br />June 22, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Berry Creek Bash, <a href="http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series" target="_blank">Vail Rec District</a><br />June 25, 2016 - <a href="https://coloradoes.wordpress.com/swes-event-list/durango-dirty-century-ddc/" target="_blank">Durango Dirty Century</a>, Durango, endurance<br />June 25, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Series (Super Loop)</a>, Winter Park, XC<br />June 25, 2016 - <a href="http://www.snowmassloopmtbfondo.com/" target="_blank">Prestige Imports Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo</a>, Snowmass<br />June 19, 2016 - <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2016/6962/backcountry-burner-mtb-race" target="_blank">Backcountry Burner</a>, Highlands Ranch, XC<br />June 29, 2016 - <a href="http://www.sandcreeksports.com/scs.htm" target="_blank">Ascent Cycling Series</a>, Colorado Springs, XC<br />June 30-31, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bigmountainenduro.com/schedule/aspensnowmass" target="_blank">Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro</a>, Aspen/Snowmass, enduro<br />July 6, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Davos Dash, <a href="http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series" target="_blank">Vail Rec District</a><br /><b></b>July 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/?event-categories=firecracker-50" target="_blank">Firecracker 50</a>, Breckenridge, endurance<br />July 9, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Series (Race Rendezvous)</a>, Winter Park, XC<br />July 9, 2016 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/silverrush50mtb/" target="_blank">Leadville Silver Rush 50</a>, Leadville, endurance<br />July 9-10, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bigmountainenduro.com/schedule/keystone" target="_blank">Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro</a>, Keystone, Enduro <br />July 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.sandcreeksports.com/scs.htm" target="_blank">Ascent Cycling Series</a>, Colorado Springs, XC<br />July 16, 2016 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/races/breckenridge-100/" target="_blank">Breckenridge 100 Challenge</a>, Breckenridge, endurance<br />July 20-21, 2016 - <a href="http://enduro-xrace.com/july-19-20-enduro-x-series-race-1/">Enduro X Games</a> series, Steamboat Springs, Downhill, Enduro<br />July 20, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: camp Hale Hup, <a href="http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series" target="_blank">Vail Rec District</a><br />July 22-24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.mtbtime.com/destinations/colorado/fort-collins-and-loveland/races/2016-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-festival.html" target="_blank">Tooth or Consequences Bike Festival</a>, Fort Collins<br />July 23, 2016 - <a href="http://telluride100.com/" target="_blank">Telluride 100</a>, Telluride, endurance <br />July 23, 2016 - <a href="http://www.mtbtime.com/destinations/colorado/fort-collins-and-loveland/races/2016-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-festival.html" target="_blank">Screamin Beaver Enduro</a>, Fort Collins, enduro<br />July 24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.mtbtime.com/destinations/colorado/fort-collins-and-loveland/races/2016-tooth-or-consequences-mtb-festival.html" target="_blank">40 in the Fort</a>, Fort Collins, XC, endurance, 20 mi, 4500ft+<br />July 27, 2016 - <a href="http://www.sandcreeksports.com/scs.htm" target="_blank">Ascent Cycling Series</a>, Colorado Springs, XC<br />July 29-31, 2016 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadville-stage-race/" target="_blank">Leadville Stage Race</a>, Leadville, XC<br />July 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Series (Colorado Epic XC)</a>, Winter Park, XC <br />July 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/" target="_blank">RME Copper Crush</a>, Copper Mountain, XC, endurance<br />August 3, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Boneyard Brawl, <a href="http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series" target="_blank">Vail Rec District</a><br />August 3, 2016 - <a href="http://hrcaonline.org/Classes-Camps-Activities/Sports-Fitness/Race-Series" target="_blank">HR MTB Series</a>, Highlands Ranch, MTB <br />August 9, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/lory-state/" target="_blank">Lory Mountain Challenge</a>, Lory State Park, XC<br />August 9-14, 2016 - <a href="http://breckepic.com/" target="_blank">Breck Epic</a>, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB<br />August 10, 2016 - <a href="http://hrcaonline.org/Classes-Camps-Activities/Sports-Fitness/Race-Series" target="_blank">HR MTB Series</a>, Highlands Ranch, MTB <br />August 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/">Leadville Trail 100</a>, Leadville, endurance<br />August 13-14, 2016 - <a href="http://www.honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger.html" target="_blank">Steamboat Stinger</a>, Steamboat Springs, endurance<br />August 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Series (Epic Point to Point)</a>, Winter Park, XC<br />August 14-19, 2016 - <a href="http://breckepic.com/" target="_blank">Breck Epic</a>, Breckenridge, endurance<br />August 16, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/lory-state/" target="_blank">Lory Mountain Challenge</a>, Lory State Park, XC<br />August 17, 2016 - <a href="http://hrcaonline.org/Classes-Camps-Activities/Sports-Fitness/Race-Series" target="_blank">HR MTB Series</a>, Highlands Ranch, MTB <br />August 20, 2016 - <a href="https://coloradoes.wordpress.com/swes-event-list/the-mountains-revenge/" target="_blank">The Mountain’s Revenge</a>, Montezuma, endurance<br />August 23, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/lory-state/" target="_blank">Lory Mountain Challenge</a>, Lory State Park, XC<br />August 24, 2016 - VRD Mtb Race Series: Beaver Creek Blast, <a href="http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series" target="_blank">Vail Rec District</a><br />August 24, 2016 - <a href="http://hrcaonline.org/Classes-Camps-Activities/Sports-Fitness/Race-Series" target="_blank">HR MTB Series</a>, Highlands Ranch, MTB <br />August 27, 2016 - <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/" target="_blank">Winter Park Series (King of the Rockies)</a>, Winter Park, XC <br />August 27, 2016 - <a href="http://ridemontezuma.weebly.com/san-juan-crucible-90150.html" target="_blank">San Juan Crucible 90/150</a>, Cortez, endurance<br />August 28, 2016 - <a href="http://goldrushbikerally.com/" target="_blank">Gold Rush Bike Rally</a>, Boulder 35 / 50 mi <br />August 30, 2016 - <a href="http://ciclismoyouthfoundation.org/lory-state/" target="_blank">Lory Mountain Challenge</a>, Lory State Park, XC<br />September 2-4. 2016 - <a href="http://www.bigmountainenduro.com/schedule/crested-butte" target="_blank">Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro</a>, Crested Butte, enduro <br />September 3, 2016 - <a href="http://ringthepeak.com/" target="_blank">Ring the Peak</a>, Manitou Springs, endurance<br />September 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.elkmountainstraverse.com/summer/" target="_blank">Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Race</a>, Aspen-Crested Butte <br />September 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.westelkbicycleclassic.com/">Dave Weins West Elk Bicycle Classic</a>, Gunnison-CB, 134mi, paved and dirt <br />September 9-11, 2016 - <a href="http://www.outlier.bike/" target="_blank">Vail Outlier Offroad Festival</a>, Vail, XC, enduro<br />September 10-11, 2016 - <a href="http://www.vaportrail125.com/">Vapor Trail 125</a>, Salida 125mi, (night MTB) <br />September 15-18, 2016 - <a href="http://salidabikefest.com/">Salida Bike Fest</a>, Salida, MTB, 4-days <br />September 17, 2016 - <a href="http://salidabikefest.com/banana-belt-mountain-bike-race/" target="_blank">Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race</a>, Salida, XC<br />September 17, 2016 - <a href="http://goldengiddyup.com/" target="_blank">Golden Giddy Up</a>, Golden, Festival, MTB, enduro<br />September 17-18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.toddandnedfondo.com/" target="_blank">Todd & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo</a>, Durango, 30/50mi, 2-days<br />September __, 2016 - <a href="http://www.monarchcrestcrank.com/#">Monarch Crest Crank</a>, Salida, 25mi, MTB <br />September 24, 2016 - <a href="https://coloradoes.wordpress.com/swes-event-list/rico-run/" target="_blank">Rico 50/100</a>, Rico, endurance<br />September 24, 2016 - <a href="https://thecougarslayer.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Cougar Slayer</a>, Blackhawk, endurance <br />September 24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bikesandbrews.org/">Bikes and Brews</a>, Royal Gorge, Canon City, cruiser, road & MTB <br />October 1, 2016 - <a href="https://coloradoes.wordpress.com/dolores-100/" target="_blank">Dolores 100/50</a>, Dolores, endurance)<br />October 1, 2016 - <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/" target="_blank">12 Hours of Peaceful Valley</a>, Elbert, endurance<br />October 1, 2016 - <a href="http://ridinggravel.com/event/pedal-50/" target="_blank">Pedal 50</a>, Monument, 55mi, gravel *free<br />October 8, 2016 - <a href="http://12hoursofpenitence.com/" target="_blank">12 Hours of Penitence</a>, Penitente Canyon, San Luis Valley 12-hr (MTB)<br /><br /><u><b>UCI Mountain Bike Races in the USA</b></u><br /><br />March 12, 2016 - <a href="http://shoaircyclinggroup.com/events/owned-events/usac-us-cup/">Bonelli Park UCI C1 - USA Cycling US Cup</a>, San Dimas, CA <br />April 2, 2016 - <a href="http://shoaircyclinggroup.com/events/owned-events/usac-us-cup/">Fontana City National UCI HC - USA Cycling US Cup</a>, Fontana CA<br />April 9, 2016 - <a href="http://shoaircyclinggroup.com/events/owned-events/usac-us-cup/">Bonelli Park UCI HC - USA Cycling US Cup</a>, San Dimas, CA<br />April 16, 2016 - <a href="https://www.seaotterclassic.com/" target="_blank">Sea Otter Classic UCI C3 - USA Cycling US Cup</a>, Monterey, CA<br />May 14-15, 2016 - <a href="http://www.nwcup.com/" target="_blank">NW Cup/Pro GRT</a>, Port Angeles, WA<br />May 27-29, 2016 - <a href="http://www.mountaincreekbikepark.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Creek Spring Classic</a>, Vernon, NJ<br />June 18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.missoulaxc.org/" target="_blank">US Cup - Pro XCT - Missoula XCO + UCI Junior Series XCO</a>, Missoula, MT<br />June 23-26, 2016 - <a href="http://angelfirebikepark.com/events" target="_blank">Chile Challenge + UCI Junior Series XCO</a>, Angel Fire, NM<br />July 28-31, 2016 - <a href="http://www.killington.com/" target="_blank">Beast of the East - Pro GRT</a>, Killington, VT<br />July 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.uscup.net/" target="_blank">US Cup - The Boston Rebellion PRO XCT</a>, Walpole, MA<br />August 13-14, 2016 - Windham Pro GRT/XCT, Windham, NY<br />August 21, 2016 - <a href="http://www.snowshoemountain.com/" target="_blank">Snowshoe Wild Hare PRO GRT</a>, Snowshoe<br />September 15-18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.kamikazebikegames.com/" target="_blank">Kamikaze Bike Games</a>, Mammoth Lakes, CA <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szKQ64hFoHc/VrYWbPxXLvI/AAAAAAAC9Vw/zWugZfpzVtU/s1600/I%2Bwill%2Benjoy%2Bbike%2Bracing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daniel Oss BMC bike race" border="0" height="420" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szKQ64hFoHc/VrYWbPxXLvI/AAAAAAAC9Vw/zWugZfpzVtU/s640/I%2Bwill%2Benjoy%2Bbike%2Bracing.jpg" title="I will enjoy Pearl Izumi bike race" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Mid-Week Mountain Bike Race Series in Colorado </u></b><br /><br />Summer mid-week mountain bike series at Bear Creek State Park, weekly on Tuesdays - <a href="http://www.rattlerseries.com/" target="_blank">Rattler Mountain Bike Series </a><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>June 28, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike</li><li>July 12, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike</li><li>July 26, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike</li><li>August 9, 2016 - Rattler Series Mtn Bike</li></ul><br />Spring through summer mid-week mountain bike series in Castle Rock, Colorado, weekly on Wednesday nights. information at: <a href="http://raceco.org/">RaceCO.org</a><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>#1 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#2 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#3 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#4 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#5 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#6 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#7 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#8 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, August 3, 2016, 6:00pm</li><li>#9 Race the MAC MTB series, Wednesday, August 10, 2016, 6:00pm</li></ul><br />Summer mid-week mountain bike series in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, weekly on Wednesday nights at Philip S. Miller Park. Information at: <a href="http://hrcaonline.org/Classes-Camps-Activities/Sports-Fitness/Race-Series" target="_blank">HR MTB Series</a><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>#1 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 3, 2016 </li><li>#2 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 </li><li>#3 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 17, 2016 </li><li>#4 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 24, 2016 </li> </ul>Summer mid-week mountain bike series in Summit County, Colorado, weekly on Wednesdays: <a href="http://www.mavsports.com/events/?event-categories=summit-mountain-challenge" target="_blank">Summit Mountain Challenge</a> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>June 15, 2016 - Gold Run Rush, presented by Lincoln Park at the Wellington Neighborhood</li><li>July 13, 2016 - Keystone Uphill/Downhill Double Time Trial</li><li>July 27, 2016 - Pennsylvania Gulch Grind, presented by Peak-a-Boo Toys</li><li>August 10, 2016 - Soda Creek Scramble </li><li>August 24, 2016 - Peaks Trail Time Trial/Kids, presented by Great Western Lodging </li><li>September 4, 2016 - The Fall Classic, presented by Lincoln Park at the Wellington Neighborhood</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSXI4yrH4a0/VrTaDcnBiUI/AAAAAAAC9UQ/jfHACpFhzTM/s1600/women%2Bpro%2Bwinners%2Btour%2Bcolorado%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Women jersey winners 2015 USA Pro Challenge" border="0" height="412" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSXI4yrH4a0/VrTaDcnBiUI/AAAAAAAC9UQ/jfHACpFhzTM/s640/women%2Bpro%2Bwinners%2Btour%2Bcolorado%2B2015.jpg" title="Women jersey winners 2015 USA Pro Challenge" width="640" /></a></div><br />BIKE CAMPS<br /><br /><u><b>Road Bike Camps in Colorado</b></u><br /><br />May 6-8, 2016 - <a href="http://triveloseries.org/camps/road-camp/" target="_blank">TriVelo Youth Cycling Camp Series</a>: Golden Bell Camp, Divide, CO<br />May 11, 2016 - Back to Basics Cycling Skills Clinic for Women, 6:00-7:30pm <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=30692" target="_blank">The Fast Lab</a><br />May 18-21, 2016 - <a href="http://trainright.com/camp/climbing-cycling-camp-colorado-springs-2016/" target="_blank">CTS Cycling Climbing Camp</a>, Colorado Springs <br />May 31, 2016 - Climbing & Descending Dinosaur Ridge, 5:45-8:00pm <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=30692" target="_blank">The Fast Lab</a><br />Jun 3-8, 2016 -<a href="http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=809" target="_blank"> USAC Regional Talent ID</a> Road Camp, Lakewood <br />June 18, 2016 - Climbing and Descending Dinosaur Ridge, 9:00-11:00am <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=30692" target="_blank">The Fast Lab</a><br />June 19, 2016 - Group Riding Skills, 10:00-12:00pm <a href="https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=30692" target="_blank">The Fast Lab</a> <br /><br /><b><u>Mountain Bike Camps in Colorado</u> </b>- (mostly Women and Girls only)<br /><br />May 14-15, 2016 <a href="http://www.alisondunlap.com/info.asp?uid=610" target="_blank">Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp</a> Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level I, Colorado Springs<br />June 5, 2016 -<a href="https://www.rei.com/events/womens-introduction-to-colorado-mountain-biking/boulder/137194?cm_mmc=ad_lm-_-frontrange_woman_ltb-_-paid-_-sm_fb" target="_blank"> REI Intro to Mountain Biking</a> for Women, Boulder, 8:00-1:00pm <br />June 11-12, 2016 <a href="http://www.alisondunlap.com/info.asp?uid=674" target="_blank">Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp</a> Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level I WMBA Members, Colorado Springs<br />June 18, 2016 - Little Bellas Bike Camp for ages 8-13, in conjunction with Beti Bike Bash: - <a href="http://littlebellas.com/events/beti-bike-bash-camp-colorado/" target="_blank">Little Bellas All Girls Bike Camp</a>, Castle Rock (girls only).<br />June 18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.vidamtb.com/betibikebashco/" target="_blank">Yeti Vida Mountain Bike Clinic at Beti Bike Bash</a>, Castle Rock CO<br />June 25-26, 2016 - <a href="http://www.vidamtb.com/keystone/" target="_blank">Yeti Vida Mountain Bike Series</a> - Keystone, CO<br />July 8-10, 2016 - <a href="http://triveloseries.org/camps/mountain-bike-camp/" target="_blank">TriVelo Youth Mountain Bike Camp Series</a>: Magic Sky Ranch, Red Feathers Lake, CO <br />July 9-10, 2016 <a href="http://www.alisondunlap.com/info.asp?uid=618" target="_blank">Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp</a> Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level II, Women only, Colorado Springs<br />July 23-24, 2016 <a href="http://www.alisondunlap.com/info.asp?uid=615" target="_blank">Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp</a> Mtn Bike Skills Clinics - Level II, Co-ed, Colorado Springs<br />August 6-7, 2016 - <a href="http://www.vidamtb.com/snowmass/" target="_blank">Yeti Vida Mountain Bike Series</a> - Snowmass, CO <br />September 17-18, 2016 - <a href="https://www.dirtseries.com/mountain_bike_camp_details.php?id=fruita2016" target="_blank">TREK Dirt Series Mtb Camp</a> - Women only, Fruita, CO<br /><br /><u><b>Cyclocross Camps in Colorado</b> </u><br /><br /><a href="http://triveloseries.org/camps/cx-camp/" target="_blank">TriVelo Youth Cyclocross Bike Camp Series</a>: August 28, 2016, Camp Granite Lake, Golden, CO <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Mqi7BYShi4/VrTbx8abQ2I/AAAAAAAC9Uo/T4wJJSN2ppU/s1600/UHC%2Bcycling%2Blegs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Time Trial Legs and bike" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Mqi7BYShi4/VrTbx8abQ2I/AAAAAAAC9Uo/T4wJJSN2ppU/s640/UHC%2Bcycling%2Blegs.jpg" title="Time Trial Legs and bike" width="424" /></a></div><br /><u>TRACK</u> <br /><br />Boulder:<br />For the Boulder Valley Velodrome Track Calendar, please see: <a href="http://www.bouldervalleyvelodrome.com/ride-it/calendar/" target="_blank">BVV Calendar</a>. For their Thursday Night race schedule, please see: <a href="http://www.bouldervalleyvelodrome.com/race/thursday-night/" target="_blank">BVV track racing in Boulder</a>. Or see <a href="http://www.bouldervalleyvelodrome.com/race/saturday-time-trials/" target="_blank">Saturday Time Trial</a> information. <br /><br />Colorado Springs:<br />For information about the Velodrome in Colorado Springs, learn about <a href="http://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Training-Centers-and-Sites/Colorado-Springs/Velodrome/Programs" target="_blank">Requirements and Training at the Velodrome</a>. Or see <a href="http://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Training-Centers-and-Sites/Colorado-Springs/Velodrome/Events" target="_blank">Events at Colorado Springs USA Velodrome</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>Track Races in Colorado </u></b><br />May 8, 2016 - US Training Center National Record Attempt Day, Velodrome <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/Record%20Attempt%20flyer%20final.pdf" target="_blank">Event Flyer</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">May 28, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bouldervalleyvelodrome.com/" target="_blank">BVV Record Attempt</a>, Boulder Velodrome, <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/2016%20BVV%20TT%20-%20General%20Info.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a></span></span> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">June 11, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bouldervalleyvelodrome.com/" target="_blank">BVV Record Attempt</a>, Boulder Velodrome, <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/2016%20BVV%20TT%20-%20General%20Info.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span> <br />July 1-2, 2016 - Grand Prix of Colorado Springs, UCI Class 1 Track Event <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/2016%20Grand%20Prix%20of%20Colorado%20Springs%20PERMIT%20FLYER.compressed.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">July 16, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bouldervalleyvelodrome.com/" target="_blank">BVV Record Attempt</a>, Boulder Velodrome, <a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/2016%20BVV%20TT%20-%20General%20Info.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Flyer</span></a></span></span> </span> </span><br /><br /><u><b>Mid-week Track Series in Colorado Springs</b></u><br /><a href="https://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2016/2016%20Tuesday%20Race%20flyer.pdf" target="_blank">USOTC Tuesday Night Track Series</a> - Starts June 01, 2016, throughout Summer, 5-7pm warm-up, 7-9pm race. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKnEOCHrYfk/VrTaZ3Dxb6I/AAAAAAAC9UU/_r4kJVIaelA/s1600/Twenty%2B16%2Bteam%2Bgolden%2BColorado%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Welcome to Golden Colorado sign bike race" border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKnEOCHrYfk/VrTaZ3Dxb6I/AAAAAAAC9UU/_r4kJVIaelA/s640/Twenty%2B16%2Bteam%2Bgolden%2BColorado%2B2015.jpg" title="Welcome to Golden Colorado sign bike race" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u><b>Grand Fondos and Timed Events in Colorado</b></u><br /><br />Since many believe that Gran Fondos are races as well (and it certainly feels like a race at the front, or even the middle), I include a partial list here of gran fondos (cyclosportive, cyclosportif) scheduled for 2016 near Colorado:<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">2016 Colorado road GRAN FONDO or timed events in Colorado:</span></span> Test yourself against the clock on these long road or mountain bike citizen races. <br /><br />May 21, 2016 - <a href="http://www.px160.org/pony-xpress/details" target="_blank">Pony Xpress</a> (gravel), Trinidad, 70/160K<br />May 28-30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/">Iron Horse Bicycle Classic</a>, Durango-Silverton, 50mi<br />May 29, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cafevelobikes.com/events/cafe-velo-gran-fondo/" target="_blank">Cafe Velo Tri Lakes GranFondo</a>, Monument, 22/44/66/88/110mi<br />June 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.palisadegranfondo.com/" target="_blank">Palisade Gran Fondo</a>, Palisade, 40/69mi <br />June 11, 2016 - <a href="http://granfondoaspen.com/" target="_blank">Gran Fondo Aspen</a>, Aspen, 54.9mi<br />June 25, 2016 - <a href="http://www.snowmassloopmtbfondo.com/" target="_blank">Prestige Imports Snowmass Loop MTB Fondo</a>, Snowmass, 20mi <br />July 30, 2016 - <a href="http://atech1.com/gbbiketour/team155.pdf" target="_blank">155 Team Challenge Gran Fondo</a>, Montrose<br />August 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.redrockscentury.com/">Red Rocks Gran Fondo</a>, Red Rocks (a hard one!), 33/50/62/100mi <br />August 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.coloradospringssports.org/index.php/events/pikes-peak-cycling-hill-climb-main/ppchc-main-general-information" target="_blank">The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo</a>, 12.42m, ~8,000ft <br />August 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.vueltakeystone.com/">Prestige Imports Vuelta a Dillon Fondo</a>, Dillon, 20/60/90mi<br />July 23, 2016 - <a href="http://teamevergreen.org/events/mt-evans-hill-climb/" target="_blank">Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Hill Climb Fran Fondo</a>, Idaho Springs (timed hillclimb) <br />July 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.copark2park.com/">Colorado Park to Park Challenge</a>, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi (a challenge!)<br />August 28, 2016 - <a href="http://www.granfondonationalchampionshipseries.com/golden-gran-fondo/">The Golden Gran Fondo</a>, Golden, 90mi <br />August 29, 2016 - <a href="http://www.volpigranfondoseries.com/#%21colorado-2/c200e" target="_blank">Colorado Gran Fondo</a>, Colorado Springs, 60/100mi<br />September 4, 2016 - <a href="http://www.westelkbicycleclassic.com/">Dave Weins West Elk Bicycle Classic</a>, Gunnison-CB, 134mi, paved and dirt<br />September 17-18, 2016 - <a href="http://www.toddandnedfondo.com/" target="_blank">Todd & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo</a>, Durango, 30/50mi, 2-days<br /><br />See also: Gran Fondo National Championship Series: (FL, GA, CA, NJ, NC, CO, MD): <a href="https://granfondonationalchampionshipseries.com/?utm_source=Peaks+Coaching+Group+partners+with+Gran+Fondo+National+Championship&utm_campaign=Peaks+Coaching+Group&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">GFNCS - 2016 Event Dates</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VluQSSvylWY/VrTcDOXCz7I/AAAAAAAC9Us/0IcLPL57yWE/s1600/pro%2Bracing%2BColorado%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bike race Denver Colorado" border="0" height="470" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VluQSSvylWY/VrTcDOXCz7I/AAAAAAAC9Us/0IcLPL57yWE/s640/pro%2Bracing%2BColorado%2B2015.jpg" title="bike race Denver Colorado" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>USA Cycling Pro Road Tour Race Calendar</u></b><br /><br />NEW IN 2016 - USA Cycling Pro Road Tour (PRT) combines stage races, road races, omniums and criteriums across the country from April to September. The new PRT makes up the races included in the old National Racing Calendar (Road) (NRC) and the 2016 National Criterium Calendar (NCC). In Colorado, be sure to mark your calendar for the Littleton Criterium on August 6th.<br /><br />April 2, 2016 - <a href="http://www.sunnykingcriterium.com/" target="_blank">Sunny King Criterium</a>, Anniston, AL, Criterium, M/W<br />April 3, 2016 - <a href="http://www.annistoncycling.com/" target="_blank">Anniston Fort McClellan Road Race</a> Anniston, AL, Road Race, M/W<br />April 6-10, 2016 - <a href="http://www.redlandsclassic.com/" target="_blank">Redlands Bicycle Classic</a> Redlands, CA, Stage Race, M/W<br />April 21-24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.joemartinstagerace.com/" target="_blank"> Joe Martin Stage Race</a> Fayetteville, AR, UCI 2.2, Stage Race, M/W<br />April 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.charlottecriterium.org/" target="_blank">Charlotte Criterium</a>, Charlotte, NC, Criterium, M/W<br />April 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.danapointgrandprix.com/" target="_blank">Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling</a>, Dana Point, CA, Criterium, M/W <br />May 4-8, 2016 - <a href="http://www.tourofthegila.com/" target="_blank">Tour of the Gila</a> Silver City, NM, UCI 2.2, Stage Race, M/W<br />May 14, 2016 - <a href="http://www.wilmgrandprix.com/" target="_blank">Wilmington Grand Prix </a>Wilmington, DE, Criterium, M/W <br />May 29, 2016 - <a href="http://www.winstonsalemcycling.com/" target="_blank">Winston-Salem Cycling Classic</a> Winston-Salem, NC, Criterium, M/W<br />May 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.winstonsalemcycling.com/" target="_blank">Winston-Salem Classic Road Race</a>, Winston-Salem, NC, UCI 1.1, M/W<br />June 3, 2016 - <a href="http://okcpac.com/" target="_blank">The Oklahoma City Pro Am Classic</a> Oklahoma City, OK, Criterium, M/W<br />June 5, 2016 - <a href="http://www.philadelphiainternationalcyclingclassic.com/" target="_blank">Philadelphia International Cycling Classic</a> Philadelphia, PA, UCI 1.1, RR, Mens only<br />June 10-12, 2016 - <a href="http://www.tulsatough.com/" target="_blank">Saint Francis Tulsa Tough</a> Tulsa, OK, Criterium, Omnium, M/W<br />June 11-12, 2016 - <a href="http://cyclingclassic.org/" target="_blank">Air Force Association Cycling Classic</a> Arlington, VA, Criterium, Omnium, M/W<br />June 15-19, 2016 - <a href="http://www.northstarbicyclefestival.com/Grand-Prix/About-the-Grand-Prix.aspx" target="_blank">North Star Grand Prix</a> Minneapolis, MN, Stage Race, M/W<br />June 25-26, 2016 - <a href="http://www.tourofamericasdairyland.com/" target="_blank">Tour of America's Dairyland</a> Wauwatosa, WI, Criterium, Omnium, M/W<br />July 16, 2016 - <a href="http://www.boisetwilightcriterium.com/" target="_blank">Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium</a> Boise, ID, Criterium, M/W<br />July 21-24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cascade-classic.org/" target="_blank">Cascade Cycling Classic</a> Bend, OR, UCI 2.2, Stage Race, Women only <br />July 23-24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.intelligentsiacup.com/" target="_blank">Intelligentsia Cup powered by SRAM</a> Lake Bluff, IL, Criterium, Omnium, M/W<br />August 6, 2016 - <a href="http://www.littletonrocks.com/criterium/" target="_blank">Littleton Twilight Criterium</a> Littleton, CO, Criterium, M/W<br />August 13, 2016 - <a href="http://www.rochestercrit.com/" target="_blank">Rochester Twilight Criterium</a> Rochester, NY, Criterium, M/W<br />August 27, 2016 - <a href="http://www.gobroomecounty.com/bcstopdwi/thater" target="_blank">Chris Thater Memorial</a> Binghamton, NY, Criterium, M/W<br />September 2-5, 2016 - <a href="http://gatewaycup.com/" target="_blank">The TSG Realty Gateway Cup</a> St. Louis, MO, Criterium, Omnium, M/W<br />September 10, 2016 - <a href="http://buckscountyclassic.com/" target="_blank">The Reading 120</a> Reading, PA, UCI 1.2, Road Race, Mens only<br />September 11, 2016 - Thompson Criterium of Doylestown Doylestown, PA, Criterium, M/W<br />September 1, 2016 - <a href="http://www.bostoncyclingcelebration.com/" target="_blank">TD Bank Mayor's Cup</a> Boston, MA, Criterium, M/W <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Cxi13j8mIA/VrYWFBhNb1I/AAAAAAAC9Vs/rn7rAYzrvEc/s1600/Women%2Bpro%2Bracing%2Bgolden%2BColorado.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="women bike racers Golden Colorado" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Cxi13j8mIA/VrYWFBhNb1I/AAAAAAAC9Vs/rn7rAYzrvEc/s640/Women%2Bpro%2Bracing%2Bgolden%2BColorado.jpg" title="women bike racers Golden Colorado" width="438" /></a></div><br /><u>NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPs CYCLING</u><br /><br /><b>USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships</b><br /><br />February 5-7, 2016 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/2016/collegiate-bmx-nationals"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Collegiate BMX National Championship</span></a><br /><span class="evtTxt">May 13-15, 2016 - </span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships</span> </span><br />September 16-20, 2016 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/myusac/include/cms/schedule/index.php?mode=view&permit=2015-17" target="_blank">USA Cycling Collegiate Track Nationals</a> <br />October 21-23, 2016 - <span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships</span><br /><br /><b>USA Cycling General National Championships</b><br /><br />January 5-10, 2016 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/2016/16cxnationals"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship</span></a><span class="evtTxt">, Asheville, NC </span><br />February 19, 2016 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/2016/elite-bmx-nationals"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Elite BMX National Championships</span></a>, Oldsmar, FL<br />February 27, 2016 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/2016/fat-bike-nationals"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Fat Bike National Championships p/b Borealis Fat Bikes</span></a>, Ogden, UT<br />April 16-17, 20-16 - <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/2016/pro-criterium-ttt-nationals"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Professional Criterium & Team Time Trial National Championships</span></a><span class="evtTxt">, Greenville, SC </span><br /><span class="evtTxt">May 24-28, 2016 - </span><a href="https://www.usacycling.org/2016/masters-para-road-nationals"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Masters & Para-Cycling Road National Championships</span></a><span class="evtTxt">, Winston-Salem, NC</span><br /><span class="evtTxt">May 27-29, 2016 - </span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Professional Road Race & Time Trial National Championships, </span></span><span class="evtTxt">Winston-Salem, NC</span><br /><span class="evtTxt">June 4, 2016 - </span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championship, Columbia County, GA</span></span><br /><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">June 30 - July 3, 2016 - </span></span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships, Louisville, KY</span></span></span><br /><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">July 12-17, 2016 - </span></span></span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><a href="https://www.usacycling.org/2016/mountain-bike-nationals"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships</span></a>, Mammoth Mountain, CA</span></span></span><br /><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">July 25-31, 2016 - </span></span></span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Elite & Junior Track National Championships, Trexlertown, PA</span></span></span></span><br /><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">August 9-14, 2016 - </span></span></span></span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships, Indianapolis, Indiana</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">August 13, 2016 - </span></span></span></span></span><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt"><span class="evtTxt">USA Cycling Hill Climb National Championships, Colorado Springs</span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILVTd2HjKEw/VrTdd31bEJI/AAAAAAAC9VI/wjEy_UJTQTA/s1600/BMC%2Btime%2Btrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMC rider time trial" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILVTd2HjKEw/VrTdd31bEJI/AAAAAAAC9VI/wjEy_UJTQTA/s640/BMC%2Btime%2Btrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" title="BMC rider time trial" width="454" /></a></div><br /><u>UCI AMERICAN TOUR CALENDAR in the USA</u><br /><br /><b>MENS American Tour Pro Races in the USA - 2016 dates</b> (<u>not</u> WorldTour):<br /><br />April 21-24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.joemartinstagerace.com/">Joe Martin Stage Race p/b Nature Valley</a> UCI 2.2, Arkansas, M/W<br />May 4-8, 2016 - <a href="http://www.tourofthegila.com/">Tour of the Gila</a> UCI 2.2, Silver City, New Mexico, M/W<br />May 15-22, 2016 - <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/">Amgen Tour of California</a> UCI 2.HC, State of California, M/W<br />May 30, 2016 - <a href="http://www.winstonsalemcycling.com/">Winston-Salem Cycling Classic Road Race</a> UCI 1.1, North Carolina, M/W<br />June 5, 2016 - <a href="http://www.phillycyclingclassic.org/">Philadelphia International Cycling Classic</a> UCI 1.1, Pennsylvania, M/W<br />August 1-7, 2016 - <a href="http://tourofutah.com/">The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah</a> UCI 2.HC, State of Utah, M/W<br />September 10, 2016 - <a href="http://buckscountyclassic.com/" target="_blank">The Reading 120</a> UCI 1.2, Reading, PA, M/W<br /><br /><b>WOMENS American Tour Pro Races in the USA</b> - 2016 dates (<u>not</u> WorldTour):<br /><br />July 21-24, 2016 - <a href="http://www.cascade-classic.org/" target="_blank">Cascade Cycling Classic</a> UCI 2.2, Bend, OR, Stage Race, Women only <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfHwm5sAEhY/VrTcgrTn_-I/AAAAAAAC9Uw/zzknVV-iSj4/s1600/team%2BGiant%2BAlpecin%2Bwarming%2Bup%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Team Giant Alpecin on time trial bikes" border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfHwm5sAEhY/VrTcgrTn_-I/AAAAAAAC9Uw/zzknVV-iSj4/s640/team%2BGiant%2BAlpecin%2Bwarming%2Bup%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" title="Team Giant Alpecin on time trial bikes" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #990000;">CANCELLED</span></b>: <strike>USA Pro Challenge /Tour of Colorado, State of Colorado M/W</strike> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMKY4fRBcSM/VrTcryv2HgI/AAAAAAAC9U0/bA1ImuGrUEA/s1600/Cav%2Band%2BSagan%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Peter Sagan and Mark Cavendish talking" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMKY4fRBcSM/VrTcryv2HgI/AAAAAAAC9U0/bA1ImuGrUEA/s640/Cav%2Band%2BSagan%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" title="Peter Sagan and Mark Cavendish talking" width="424" /></a></div><br /><b>American Tour races in Canada - 2016 dates:</b><br /><br />June 9-12, 2016 - <a href="http://www.grandprixcyclistesaguenay.com/">Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay,</a> Canada<br />June 15-19, 2016 - <a href="http://www.tourdebeauce.com/">Tour de Beauce</a>, Sainte-Justine, Canada<br />July 10, 2016 - <a href="http://www.tourdedelta.com/">White Spot / Delta Road Race</a> Canada<br />August 31 - September 5, 2016 - <a href="http://tourofalberta.ca/site/">Tour of Alberta</a> Alberta, Canada<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBmNEH-4dec/VrYdb48NuJI/AAAAAAAC9WI/LY4dxKKjg7A/s1600/Pinarello%2Brace%2Bbike%2Bteam%2BSKY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pinarello road bike Team Sky" border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBmNEH-4dec/VrYdb48NuJI/AAAAAAAC9WI/LY4dxKKjg7A/s640/Pinarello%2Brace%2Bbike%2Bteam%2BSKY.jpg" title="Pinarello road bike Team Sky" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><b><u>Professional Stage Races in the USA</u></b> <br /><br />AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA - American Tour professional bike race in California<br />May 15-22, 2016 - Tour of California professional stage race. The host cities were announced for 2016, read more information about the race at Pedal Dancer®: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html">TOUR OF CALIFORNIA</a><br /><br />LARRY H. MILLER TOUR OF UTAH - American Tour professional bike race in Utah<br />August 1-7, 2016 - Tour of Utah professional stage race. <br /><br />USA PRO CHALLENGE <span style="color: #990000;">Cancelled in 2016</span> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kn0tQiQdr0/VrTbA5daIoI/AAAAAAAC9Ug/oMAz_AX0owg/s1600/Taylor%2BPhinney%2Band%2BSusie%2BWargin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Taylor Phinney and Susie Wargin interview" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kn0tQiQdr0/VrTbA5daIoI/AAAAAAAC9Ug/oMAz_AX0owg/s640/Taylor%2BPhinney%2Band%2BSusie%2BWargin.jpg" title="Taylor Phinney and Susie Wargin interview" width="422" /></a></div><br /><b><u>UCI World Championship Races</u></b><br /><br />ROAD & TIME TRIAL<br />October 9-16, 2016 - <a href="http://www.dohacycling2016.com/" target="_blank">UCI Road World Championships Dohar, Qatar</a> <br />September 17-24, 2017 - <a href="http://bergen2017.no/" target="_blank">UCI Road World Championships Bergen, Norway</a><br />2018 - Innsbruck, Austria<br /><br />MTN BIKE <br />September 6-11, 2016 - <a href="http://www.valdisolebikeland.com/" target="_blank">UCI Mountain Bike World Championships</a>, Val Di Sole, Italy<br />2017 - Cairns, Australia<br /><br />CYCLO-CROSS <br />January 30-31, 2016 - UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Heusden-Zolder, Belgium<br />January 28-29, 2017 - UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Bieles, Luxembourg<br /><br />TRACK<br />March 2-6, 2016 - Championnats du Monde Piste UCI/ UCI Track Cycling World Championship, Lee Valley VeloPark’s velodrome, London, Great Britain.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TArRmWrxlhg/VrTc1rvObLI/AAAAAAAC9U4/qDJ9ctiXCTQ/s1600/Womens%2Btime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="World Champion time trial women" border="0" height="392" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TArRmWrxlhg/VrTc1rvObLI/AAAAAAAC9U4/qDJ9ctiXCTQ/s640/Womens%2Btime%2BTrial%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" title="World Champion time trial women" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u><b>2016 Summer Olympic Games Schedule</b></u><br /><br />Olympic Committee <a href="http://www.olympic.org/rio-2016-summer-olympics" rel="nofollow">Rio de Janeiro 2016 from the International</a><br />Official Home Page <a href="http://www.rio2016.org/en" rel="nofollow">Rio de Janeiro 2016</a> <br /><br />Cycling competition at the Olympics:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.olympic.org/cycling-bmx">Cycling BMX</a></li><li><a href="http://www.olympic.org/cycling-road">Cycling Road</a></li><li><a href="http://www.olympic.org/cycling-track">Cycling Track</a></li><li><a href="http://www.olympic.org/mountain-bike">Cycling Mountain Bike</a></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu-zpKh8QsY/VrTc-t9y9II/AAAAAAAC9U8/4BaialVBXSA/s1600/Camarillo%2BCA%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bike race down the road" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu-zpKh8QsY/VrTc-t9y9II/AAAAAAAC9U8/4BaialVBXSA/s640/Camarillo%2BCA%2BATOC%2B2015.jpg" title="Bike race down the road" width="460" /></a></div><br />Please also see other Calendar Lists by Pedal Dancer®: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/cycling-events-and-bike-rides-in.html">2016 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides Calendar List</a>. Pedal Dancer® Guide Page to: <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/colorado-climbs.html" target="_blank">COLORADO CLIMBS</a> <br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Add your event </span><i><br />To the Pedal Dancer® Colorado Bike Race Calendar List: Please <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/about-pedal-dancer.html">contact Karen</a> to add your event to these lists. </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_4IMgLmchI/VrTesmfEVQI/AAAAAAAC9VQ/Tj-mv98hmZU/s1600/Rohan%2BDennis%2BColorado%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rohan Dennis wins in Denver Colorado USA Pro Challenge" border="0" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_4IMgLmchI/VrTesmfEVQI/AAAAAAAC9VQ/Tj-mv98hmZU/s640/Rohan%2BDennis%2BColorado%2B2015.jpg" title="Rohan Dennis wins in Denver Colorado USA Pro Challenge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content. </span></i></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103242256138918901.post-2968600545649783632016-01-28T14:46:00.002-07:002016-05-22T11:07:35.629-06:00Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Amgen Tour of Cali - creates a great route for 2016</span></b><br /><br />Yesterday over 400 cyclists joined professional cyclist Laurens ten Dam on a virtual <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbf82-kERZc&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop" target="_blank">ride on Zwift in Long Beach</a> California area (virtually) to kick off the announcement of the ATOC. For a resident of Colorado - a snow-locked winter state - the <a href="http://zwift.com/what-is-it/" target="_blank">technology of Zwift</a> was fascinating to watch. Somehow Laurens ten Dam, the well-known charismatic Dutch rider, now on the Giant Alpecin team, made riding on an indoor trainer seem competitive and fun.<br /><br />Always one of my favorite riders in the peloton, ten Dam recently moved to Santa Cruz, California with his family. Years ago I remember hearing how much this experienced European pro rider enjoyed the United States and dreamed of one day living in this country. I was happy to hear he made the relocation a reality.<br /><br />It is exciting to hear a visitor to this country expound on great local rides, bike shops, coffee shops, food (Mexican, BBQ & food trucks!), atmosphere and events discovered throughout California (Laurens ten Dam also plans to race the <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/" target="_blank">Leadville 100</a> mountain bike race in Colorado this year after his road season). In a year when I am not always proud of the American face portrayed in the media - Laurens ten Dam reminded me to appreciate those little things of cycling.<br /><br />The 2016 individual stages of the <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Amgen Tour of California</a> are a perfect representation of the best of California. Not only will the 11th annual stage race attract the top pro racers, the routes designed this year are very challenging. Each day will rewrite possibilities of who will be wearing yellow. I expect some surprises in this year's race.<br /><br /><b>Remember:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/23/sir-bradley-wiggins-tour-of-california" target="_blank">Bradley Wiggins will again ride</a> the Tour of California in 2016.</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/letapecalifornia-register" target="_blank">Le Etape California 2016 route</a> covers Stage 3 from Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara (mountain top finish up Gibralter Rd to La Cumbre Peak, return to town).</li><li>Race Organizers announced on March 1st that <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/news/92/90/AMGEN-TOUR-OF-CALIFORNIA-LAUNCHES-ITS-SECOND-DECADE-AS-AMERICA-S-PREMIER-CYCLING-RACE-WITH-ELECTRIFYING-INTERNATIONAL-FIELD" target="_blank">Peter Sagan, current World Champion Road, will return for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California</a>. </li></ul>Read more from Pedal Dancer® on the <a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">TOUR OF CALIFORNIA GUIDE PAGE</a> for spectators.<br /><br />Announcement: all of the Amgen Tour of California Pedal Dancer Guide Page information may now be viewed on a brand new website created for pro cycling fans at: <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tour Chaser</span></span> (<a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">TourChaser.com</a>). <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SvHVZf3A9Y/VVn0aDvpvmI/AAAAAAAC7Q4/e16Basu_Fw0/s1600/Cavendish%2Band%2BSagan%2BITT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SvHVZf3A9Y/VVn0aDvpvmI/AAAAAAAC7Q4/e16Basu_Fw0/s640/Cavendish%2Band%2BSagan%2BITT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan at the 2015 Tour of California. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>The stage date, stage start times, finish times, distances and elevation gained are listed for each stage. <br /><br /><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">2016 Tour of California dates and host cities:</span><br /><br />Stage 1 - San Diego, May 15, 2016 <br />Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, May 16, 2016 <br />Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, May 17, 2016 <br />Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, May 18, 2016 <br />Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, May 19, 2016 <br />Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial & Women's Team Time Trial, May 20, 2016<br />Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016 <br />Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CemEBs8oI8/VwaVUBZuEbI/AAAAAAAC9g4/fGcuiOi1Qh8ZlZkh_E_5_DUpha_R5nffA/s1600/Green%2BEvent%2B5-29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_CemEBs8oI8/VwaVUBZuEbI/AAAAAAAC9g4/fGcuiOi1Qh8ZlZkh_E_5_DUpha_R5nffA/s640/Green%2BEvent%2B5-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">See the best cyclists in the world compete! </span>Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Amgen Tour of California - maps, timetables, city information</b><br /><i><span style="color: #990000;">* stage start time changes for Stage 4 & 5 </span></i><b><br /></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stage 1 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage01.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 1</a> | Start <span style="color: #990000;">10:30</span> AM, Finish 3:40 PM | <a href="http://www.sd2015loc.com/" target="_blank">San Diego ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 2 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage02.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 2</a> | Start 12:05 PM, Finish 3:46 PM | <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/" target="_blank">Santa Clarita ATOC</a> </li><li>Stage 3 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage03.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 3</a> | Start 11:10 AM, Finish 3:48 PM | <a href="http://santabarbaraca.com/amgen-tour-of-california/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 4 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 4</a> | Start <span style="color: #990000;">9:55</span> AM, Finish 3:43 PM | <a href="http://www.morrobay.org/events/amgen-tour-of-california" target="_blank">Morro Bay ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 5 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage05.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 5</a> | Start <span style="color: #990000;">9:45</span> AM, Finish 3:46 PM | <a href="http://amgentoclodi.com/" target="_blank">Lodi ATOC </a></li><li>Stage 6 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage06.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 6</a> | Start 1:04 PM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.folsom.ca.us/visitors/things_to_do/amgen_tour_of_california.asp" target="_blank">Folsom ATOC </a></li><li>Stage 7 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage07.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 7</a> | Start 11:55 AM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.tourrosa.com/" target="_blank">Santa Rosa ATOC</a></li><li>Stage 8 : <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage08.pdf" target="_blank">Route Map 8</a> | Start 11:55 AM, Finish 3:45 PM | <a href="http://www.sacsports.com/amgentoc/" target="_blank">Sacramento ATOC</a></li></ul><br />MORE INFORMATION<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>NEW WEBSITE: All of this information may also be viewed on a brand new website created for pro cycling fans at: <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tour Chaser</span></span> (<a href="http://tourchaser.com/">TourChaser.com</a>). </li><li>CALIFORNIA TOURISM: Visit California offers tips on where to see the race and local businesses of cycling significance, here: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California Tour of California page</a>.</li><li>WOMENS RACE: You may see details for the women's race at Tour of California on the <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">Tour Chaser page Women's Race TOC</a> - with teams, list of riders, favorites, stages, route maps, printable startlist, and a startlist of the women's teams for the Team Time Trial in Folsom. </li></ul><br />MEN'S ROUTE MAPS OF 2016 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA<br /><br />The stage date, stage start times, finish times, distances and elevation gained are listed for each stage.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXPYS9axmwg/Vqp9WkJ60BI/AAAAAAAC9PI/secEbqPaVeE/s1600/Tour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tour of California route map 2016" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXPYS9axmwg/Vqp9WkJ60BI/AAAAAAAC9PI/secEbqPaVeE/s640/Tour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016%2Broute%2Bmap.jpg" title="Tour of California route map 2016" width="442" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/stages">www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/stages</a> </td></tr></tbody></table>STAGE ROUTE MAPS - MENS Amgen Tour of California<b> </b><br /><br /><b>Stage 1 - San Diego, May 15, 2016</b> Stage 1's start and finish on the water near Mission Bay and downtown San Diego. The start and finish are not in the same exact location. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day: Sunday, May 15, 2016</li><li>Stage Start time: Mission Bay San Diego is <u><b><span style="color: #990000;">11:30 AM</span></b></u> (the San Diego Local Organizing Committee has wrongly printed the start time as 10:30am, this is incorrect). As at every other UCI race, riders must sign-in on the sign-in stage, at least one hour prior to the stage start. There is also a customary singing of the national anthem before the start; these proceedings are not considered the race start (affecting road closures).</li><li>Start location: Ski Beach (Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109)</li><li>Neutral Start, until Km 0</li><li>Start and Finish line are <u>not</u> in the same location.</li><li>Finish location: Marina Village (1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109)</li><li>Stage Finish time: Mission Bay San Diego at 3:40 PM*</li><li>Miles: 106 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 170.5 km</li><li>Elevation Gain: 6,700 ft</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage01.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 1 Mens PDF">Stage 1 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint locations: 1) Imperial Beach, 2) Navajo Road</li><li>KOM location: 1) Honey Springs Road</li><li>City websites: <a href="http://www.sd2015loc.com/" target="_blank">San Diego ATOC</a></li><li>Watch Parties on route: 9 different watch parties are planned along the route of Stage 1, <a href="http://www.sd2015loc.com/behind-the-scene-events.html" target="_blank">find a party</a>.</li><li>Start VIP Hours: 10:00AM - 12:00 PM (VIP locations are not the same)</li><li>Finish VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Festival Hours near start / finish: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.</li><li>Festival location: on Quivira Way, Pacific Beach.</li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a> </li><li>Breakaway Mile: <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/breakawaymile" target="_blank">Register</a> for the San Diego Breakaway Mile (prior to the men's race finish). </li><li>Stage <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/city-san-diego" target="_blank">sponsors</a></li><li>Valet bike parking: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlindStokersClub/" target="_blank">Blind Stokers Club</a> will be providing secure Bike Valet for cyclists riding bikes to Stage 1 start and finish venues on Mission Bay. </li><li>Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish</li><li>Stage 1 start time is <b><span style="color: #990000;">11:30 AM</span></b></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfCwf_hYzhw/Vv7CZQwyWNI/AAAAAAAC9d4/evshvfvcNzYISadhKKPZuM0wYo2W442gg/s1600/SAN%2BDIEGO%2BSTART%2BOF%2BSTAGE%2B1%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Diego start of Stage 1 Amgen Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfCwf_hYzhw/Vv7CZQwyWNI/AAAAAAAC9d4/evshvfvcNzYISadhKKPZuM0wYo2W442gg/s640/SAN%2BDIEGO%2BSTART%2BOF%2BSTAGE%2B1%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" title="San Diego start of Stage 1 Amgen Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Diego start of Stage 1 ATOC 2016 - at Sea World Mission Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYw0XHfZEIg/VqqESr7E0II/AAAAAAAC9PY/WOZOxHY9ui0/s1600/Stage%2B1%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 2 map of Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="536" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYw0XHfZEIg/VqqESr7E0II/AAAAAAAC9PY/WOZOxHY9ui0/s640/Stage%2B1%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 2 map of Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 1 map of Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWQy-eoXae4/Vy9m00PlmuI/AAAAAAAC-HI/2O7PmjIg_O4gvRtOQSi65K7p2bExNt9KgCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B1%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWQy-eoXae4/Vy9m00PlmuI/AAAAAAAC-HI/2O7PmjIg_O4gvRtOQSi65K7p2bExNt9KgCLcB/s640/Stage%2B1%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, May 16, 2016</b> Stage 2 will begin in first-time Host City South Pasadena, with much of the race contested in the Angeles National Forest. King of the Mountain (KOM) points in the Angeles National Forest including Highway 2, Big Tujunga and Little Tujunga Canyon. Stage 2 will be a sprinter's finish. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day: Monday, May 16, 2016</li><li>Stage Start: South Pasadena at 12:05 PM</li><li>Start Location: Mission Street in South Pasadena</li><li>Neutral Start </li><li>Starting line: 1017 Mission St. South Pasadena, CA</li><li>Finish line festival: 24500 Main St. Santa Clarita, CA</li><li>Finish Location: near Lyons Ave and Railroad Ave/Pine St </li><li>Stage Finish: Santa Clarita at 3:46 PM*</li><li>Traffic updates in Santa Clarita: <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/traffic-updates/" target="_blank">Stage 2 in Santa Clarita</a> </li><li>Miles: 92 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 148 km</li><li>Elevation Gain: 11,300 ft </li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage02.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 2 Mens PDF">Stage 2 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint locations: 1) Oro Vista Avenue, 2) Placentia Canyon Road </li><li>KOM locations: 1) Highway 2, 2) Big Tujunga, 3) Little Tujunga Canyon </li><li>City websites: <a href="http://www.southpasadenaca.gov/AmgenTour" target="_blank">South Pasadena</a>, <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/" target="_blank">Santa Clarita ATOC</a>, <a href="http://santaclaritatourofca.com/traffic-updates/" target="_blank">Santa Clarita traffic and closures</a> </li><li>Start line VIP Hours : 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM</li><li>Finish line VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Festival Hours at finish: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Finish line festival: 24500 Main St. Santa Clarita, CA </li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a> </li><li>Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish, wide, flat finish in downtown Newhall. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hv8zJeVSqaQ/Vv7J7qYujdI/AAAAAAAC9eI/do8NmXsxEkIA2znSLAbsP8ncy2rajfwJw/s1600/Stage%2B2%2Bstart%2Bin%2BPasadena%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 2 start in Pasadena Amgen Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hv8zJeVSqaQ/Vv7J7qYujdI/AAAAAAAC9eI/do8NmXsxEkIA2znSLAbsP8ncy2rajfwJw/s640/Stage%2B2%2Bstart%2Bin%2BPasadena%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 2 start in Pasadena Amgen Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 2 start in Pasadena ATOC 2016. Stage 2 starts on Mission Street in South Pasadena</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6cENgHvOXE/VqqEroRv_kI/AAAAAAAC9Pg/O9dkO-GpJWs/s1600/Stage%2B2%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 2 map of Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6cENgHvOXE/VqqEroRv_kI/AAAAAAAC9Pg/O9dkO-GpJWs/s640/Stage%2B2%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 2 map of Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 2 map of Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCV-VfD0sOI/VxPkXf0O_VI/AAAAAAAC9uc/cfq1HuQXsJka2hBd1jS_6maopQZwbsSWACLcB/s1600/Finish%2BSanta%2BClarita%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Finish Santa Clarita Tour of California" border="0" height="362" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCV-VfD0sOI/VxPkXf0O_VI/AAAAAAAC9uc/cfq1HuQXsJka2hBd1jS_6maopQZwbsSWACLcB/s640/Finish%2BSanta%2BClarita%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Finish Santa Clarita Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish in Santa Clarita, Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQSzAknsfJ8/Vy9m5dH0wvI/AAAAAAAC-HM/07DU2lUDPn4uNYgB6Scxp4YMvvzvP3J3wCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B2%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQSzAknsfJ8/Vy9m5dH0wvI/AAAAAAAC-HM/07DU2lUDPn4uNYgB6Scxp4YMvvzvP3J3wCLcB/s640/Stage%2B2%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, May 17, 2016</b> Thousand Oaks is home to biotechnology company Amgen, the race's title sponsor since its inception. The day will conclude with a thrilling, first-time mountaintop finish at Gibraltar Road. Stage 3 will be a breakaway climber's finish. This stage is a new and exciting route in the history of the Tour of California. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day: Tuesday, May 17, 2016</li><li>Mountain Top Finish </li><li>Stage Start: Thousand Oaks at 11:10 AM</li><li>Start line location: 1 Amgen Center Dr. Thousand Oaks, CA</li><li>Neutral start </li><li>2 laps: two neutral laps near the start area before the race begins at Km 0 </li><li>Stage Finish: Santa Barbara County (up Gibralter Rd to La Cumbre Peak) KOM at 3:48 PM*</li><li>Miles: 104.1 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 167.5 km</li><li>Elevation Gain: 8,700 ft</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage03.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 3 Mens PDF">Stage 3 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint locations: 1) Port Hueneme, 2) Carpinteria</li><li>KOM locations: 1) Potroro Road, 2) Westlake Blvd, 3) Casitas Pass Road, 4) Gibraltar Road Finish (8% average grade)! </li><li>City websites: <a href="http://santabarbaraca.com/amgen-tour-of-california/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara ATOC,</a> </li><li>Start line VIP Hours : 9:30 AM - 11:45 AM</li><li>Finish line VIP Hours: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Festival Hours at finish: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Finish Festival Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/236+E+Cabrillo+Blvd,+Santa+Barbara,+CA+93101/@34.4141847,-119.6881124,17z/data=%213m1%214b1%214m5%213m4%211s0x80e9138de1b1c6e5:0xcea2a85ea3347c3b%218m2%213d34.4141803%214d-119.6859184" target="_blank">236 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101</a> (not on the mountain) </li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a> </li><li>Expected Outcome: Select group of 2-4 riders </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlsqFb5GOtA/VxPhRgOo-cI/AAAAAAAC9uQ/99iE4RB6sQYKsfg8jmX0gUV4BCA5HDJ4ACLcB/s1600/Start%2BThousand%2BOaks%2BAmgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Start Thousand Oaks Amgen Tour of California" border="0" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlsqFb5GOtA/VxPhRgOo-cI/AAAAAAAC9uQ/99iE4RB6sQYKsfg8jmX0gUV4BCA5HDJ4ACLcB/s640/Start%2BThousand%2BOaks%2BAmgen%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" title="Start Thousand Oaks Amgen Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start Thousand Oaks Amgen Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1qUgN1qnOU/VqqFGmO8GSI/AAAAAAAC9Po/cpqNDGGmVwQ/s1600/Stage%2B3%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 3 map of Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="490" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1qUgN1qnOU/VqqFGmO8GSI/AAAAAAAC9Po/cpqNDGGmVwQ/s640/Stage%2B3%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 3 map of Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 3 map of Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWVMQ9mlICQ/Vy9m9OKXTaI/AAAAAAAC-HQ/o4Jv2Reiows5NtSAMZbrsMhZ4qS-i0edQCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B3%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWVMQ9mlICQ/Vy9m9OKXTaI/AAAAAAAC-HQ/o4Jv2Reiows5NtSAMZbrsMhZ4qS-i0edQCLcB/s640/Stage%2B3%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, May 18, 2016</b> Racing on Highway 1 south to north, the riveting and technical race day conclusion will be at a venue known for speed - the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, host to auto and motorcycle racing. This will be the first time the peloton of the Tour of California will ride up Highway 1 in a south to north direction. Monterey is one of the most visited locations in California. <br /><ul><li>Day: Wednesday, May 18, 2016</li><li>Racetrack finish </li><li>Stage Start: Morro Bay at <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">9:55</span></b> AM (start time change)</li><li>Start location: 1300 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, 93442 </li><li>Depart: riders will depart from the base of Morro Rock, precede along the Embarcadero, turn left on Pacific Street through downtown and make a left on Main Street, up to Yerba Buena to join Highway 1.</li><li>The peloton will race along the majestic Highway 1 along the California coast. From Morro Rock to San Simeon, past Hearst Castle, through Big Sur, over the famed Bixby Bridge, past Carmel-by-the Sea, and ending in Monterey County at Laguna Seca.</li><li>Stage Finish: Monterey County at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca at 3:43 PM*</li><li>Miles: 133.6 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 215 km</li><li>Elevation Gain: 8,100 ft</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage04.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 4 Mens PDF">Stage 4 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint locations: 1) Hearst Castle, 2) Carmel Highlands</li><li>KOM locations: 1) Pacific Highway 1 Summit #1, 2) Pacific Highway 1 Summit #2, 3) Laurales Grade Summit, 4) Mazda Raceway Summit</li><li>City websites: visit <a href="http://www.morrobay.org/" title="Morro Bay Website">morrobay.org</a>, <a href="http://www.morrobay.org/events/amgen-tour-of-california" target="_blank">Morro Bay ATOC</a>, </li><li>Start line VIP Hours : 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM</li><li>Finish line VIP Hours: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Festival Hours near finish: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Finish Festival address: 1021 Monterey-Salinas Hwy. Monterey, CA</li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a> </li><li>Expected outcome: Select group finish</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH8r5nyo3Rw/VxPXZT0rjyI/AAAAAAAC9to/ciGQ6q43oVcuAEnBUf6rfC5nAS_7Rz76gCLcB/s1600/Map%2Bof%2Bstart%2Bin%2BMorro%2BBay%2B2016%2BATOC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Map of start in Morro Bay 2016 Amgen Tour of California" border="0" height="306" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH8r5nyo3Rw/VxPXZT0rjyI/AAAAAAAC9to/ciGQ6q43oVcuAEnBUf6rfC5nAS_7Rz76gCLcB/s640/Map%2Bof%2Bstart%2Bin%2BMorro%2BBay%2B2016%2BATOC.jpg" title="Map of start in Morro Bay 2016 Amgen Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of start in Morro Bay 2016 ATOC</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yts6Fnmm4Bo/VqqFrb6ao2I/AAAAAAAC9Pw/FMArmVufXO4/s1600/Stage%2B4%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 4 map of Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yts6Fnmm4Bo/VqqFrb6ao2I/AAAAAAAC9Pw/FMArmVufXO4/s640/Stage%2B4%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 4 map of Tour of California 2016" width="542" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 4 map of Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tX7swM4mlHE/VxPX-IbUVYI/AAAAAAAC9ts/nwKsj3iFdyY3yqy3lqTL_bGh-LBE-xqFQCLcB/s1600/Finish%2Bat%2BLaguna%2BSecca%2BSpeedway%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Finish at Laguna Seca Speedway, Stage 4 ATOC 0216 Amgen Tour of California" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tX7swM4mlHE/VxPX-IbUVYI/AAAAAAAC9ts/nwKsj3iFdyY3yqy3lqTL_bGh-LBE-xqFQCLcB/s640/Finish%2Bat%2BLaguna%2BSecca%2BSpeedway%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" title="Finish at Laguna Seca Speedway 2016 Amgen Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish at Laguna Seca Speedway, Stage 4 ATOC 0216</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zp1eG0jbYos/Vy9nAXNTnZI/AAAAAAAC-HU/UFtgsZC2wwskkgFAEey0PBY4Ucsaz2ewQCLcB/s1600/%2BStage%2B4%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zp1eG0jbYos/Vy9nAXNTnZI/AAAAAAAC-HU/UFtgsZC2wwskkgFAEey0PBY4Ucsaz2ewQCLcB/s640/%2BStage%2B4%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, May 19, 2016</b> From here out, the four-day women's race will run in conjunction with the men's, including the same start and finish cities except for this day, when the women begin and end in South Lake Tahoe. Featuring a long day of climbing, the stage will reach the highest elevation ever mounted by the race: 8,600 feet. In 1960 this area hosted the winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day: Thursday, May 19, 2016</li><li>Men's Stage Start: Lodi at <b><span style="color: #990000;">9:45</span></b> AM (start time change)</li><li>Start line location address Stage 5: 16 W. Pine St. Lodi, CA </li><li>Microsoft Tour Tracker goes live at 2:00 p.m. for the men's race. Men's and women's recap show at 9:00 p.m. </li><li>Men's Stage Finish: South Lake Tahoe at 3:46 PM*</li><li>Finish Festival address: 3860 Saddle Rd. South Lake Tahoe, CA </li><li>Women's Stage Finish: South Lake Tahoe at 2:00 PM </li><li>Miles: 132.4 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 213 km</li><li>Elevation Gain: 13,300 ft</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage05.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 5 Mens PDF">Stage 5 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint locations: 1) Sutter Hill, 2) Luther Pass</li><li>KOM locations: 1) Kirkwood, 2) Carson Pass, 3) last climb to Ski Run Boulevard to Heavenly Ski Area</li><li>City websites: <a href="http://tahoesouth.com/" target="_blank">Visit South Lake Tahoe</a>, <a href="http://www.visitlodi.com/" target="_blank">Visit Lodi</a>, <a href="http://amgentoclodi.com/" target="_blank">Lodi Amgen Tour of California Site</a> </li><li>Start line VIP Hours : 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM</li><li>Finish line VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Festival Hours at finish: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a></li><li>Strider will hold on-course races for kids in South Lake Tahoe – 1:00 p.m.</li><li>Expected Outcome: Select group finish </li></ul>For WOMENS race details of the opening Stage 1, please transfer to TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc</a> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgmg_dD_KUw/VwLyz8PJfPI/AAAAAAAC9f8/LLjDGsV5YikMReodCRyx4i69KyQBIr2EQ/s1600/Start%2Bof%2BStage%2B5%2Bin%2BLodi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Start of Stage 5 in Lodi Tour of California" border="0" height="492" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgmg_dD_KUw/VwLyz8PJfPI/AAAAAAAC9f8/LLjDGsV5YikMReodCRyx4i69KyQBIr2EQ/s640/Start%2Bof%2BStage%2B5%2Bin%2BLodi.jpg" title="Start of Stage 5 in Lodi Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Stage 5 in Lodi Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1HadgRJae0/VqqGGgq5iQI/AAAAAAAC9P4/bW9LUUnXIH8/s1600/Stage%2B5%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 5 map of Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="570" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1HadgRJae0/VqqGGgq5iQI/AAAAAAAC9P4/bW9LUUnXIH8/s640/Stage%2B5%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 5 map of Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 5 map of Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdAPVscREho/Vy9nGCgxRQI/AAAAAAAC-HY/jw5_cQpFWY83MCi-d5rlkzM3IrhcIVHGgCLcB/s1600/%2B%2BStage%2B5%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdAPVscREho/Vy9nGCgxRQI/AAAAAAAC-HY/jw5_cQpFWY83MCi-d5rlkzM3IrhcIVHGgCLcB/s640/%2B%2BStage%2B5%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial & Women's Team Time Trial, May 20, 2016</b> The men's individual time trial returns to Folsom where Team Sky's Bradley Wiggins dominated en route to his 2014 overall Amgen Tour of California victory. The women will compete in a team time trial on the same course.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day: Friday, May 20, 2016</li><li>Time Trial: Folsom </li><li>The start and finish lines are NOT in the same locations </li><li>Men's Start Time: 1:04 PM</li><li>Starting Line: address: 608 Sutter St. Folsom, CA</li><li>Finish Line Festival: 800 Leidesdorff St. Folsom, CA </li><li>Microsoft Tour Tracker goes live at 2:00 p.m. for the men's race. Men's and women's recap show at 9:00 p.m. </li><li>Men's Estimated Finish: 3:45 PM* </li><li>Start ramp and Finish line are <u>not</u> in the same exact location.</li><li>Start location of Sutter St., Finish line on Leidesdorff St. </li><li>Miles: 12.6 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 20.3 km</li><li>Elevation: 800 ft</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage06.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 6 Mens PDF">Stage 6 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint & KOM: No KOM points awarded during an ITT, points awarded at the final sprint to the line. The polka-dot jersey after Stage 5 in Lake Tahoe will be worn at the start of Stage 7 in Santa Rosa.</li><li>City website: <a href="http://www.folsom.ca.us/visitors/things_to_do/amgen_tour_of_california.asp" target="_blank">Folsom ATOC site</a>, <a href="http://www.visitfolsom.com/" target="_blank">Visit Folsom</a></li><li>Folsom <a href="http://www.folsom.ca.us/visitors/things_to_do/amgen_tour_of_california.asp" target="_blank">road closures</a> and parking for Tour of California time trial 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.</li><li>VIP Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Festival Hours near start / finish: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a></li><li>Bike Valets close - 4:30 p.m.</li><li>The roads on the route will be fully closed with specific crossing points allowed and monitored by volunteer crossing guards.</li><li>No public parking will be permitted in the Historic District on May 20 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to park and walk or ride a bike to the Historic District.</li><li>For details about car parking, bike valet, hours, key viewing areas, road closures and traffic impact, please read more at: <a href="http://www.folsom.ca.us/visitors/things_to_do/amgen_tour_of_california.asp" target="_blank">www.folsom.ca.us/visitors/things_to_do/amgen_tour_of_california</a></li><li>Expected Outcome: Wide roads and non-technical, rolling course favors pure time trial specialists.</li></ul>For WOMENS race details of Stage 2 and a startlist of the order of team in the women's team time trial, please transfer to TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc</a> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6fx7odQzC0/VxPfkT_a-3I/AAAAAAAC9uE/VLkAX7pn424Vo7DJfRw6OhFZbbjY18y2QCLcB/s1600/Folsom%2Bstart%2Bramp%2Band%2Bfinish%2Bline%2Barea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Folsom start ramp and finish line area Amgen Tour of California" border="0" height="498" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6fx7odQzC0/VxPfkT_a-3I/AAAAAAAC9uE/VLkAX7pn424Vo7DJfRw6OhFZbbjY18y2QCLcB/s640/Folsom%2Bstart%2Bramp%2Band%2Bfinish%2Bline%2Barea.jpg" title="Folsom start ramp and finish line area Amgen Tour of California" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folsom start ramp and finish line area</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qL_a1BhvPsY/VqqGklsO9CI/AAAAAAAC9QA/FRDbzmL01d0/s1600/Stage%2B6%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTime%2BTrial%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 6 map of Time Trial Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="518" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qL_a1BhvPsY/VqqGklsO9CI/AAAAAAAC9QA/FRDbzmL01d0/s640/Stage%2B6%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTime%2BTrial%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 6 map of Time Trial Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 6 map of Time Trial Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d91BI6tpYaY/Vy9nJ4W249I/AAAAAAAC-Hc/sAY6JczXUVQIKc8TO4-xNPfa5H2VQCc5wCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B6%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d91BI6tpYaY/Vy9nJ4W249I/AAAAAAAC-Hc/sAY6JczXUVQIKc8TO4-xNPfa5H2VQCc5wCLcB/s640/Stage%2B6%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016</b> This year's stage will incorporate a portion of the uber popular Levi's GranFondo, with the men and women competing on different courses. The scenic penultimate stage rolls along country roads through vineyards, redwoods, coastline and forests.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day: Saturday, May 21, 2016</li><li>"King stage" and "Penultimate Stage"</li><li>Stage Start: Santa Rosa at 11:10 AM</li><li>Start and Finish location address: 610 3RD St. Santa Rosa, CA </li><li>Microsoft Tour Tracker goes live at 1:30 p.m. for the men's race. Men's and women's recap show at 9:00 p.m. </li><li>Stage Finish: Santa Rosa at 3:45 PM*</li><li>3 laps: the peloton will do 3 laps of the downtown circuit</li><li>Start and Finish is in the same location. </li><li>Miles: 91.0 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 146.5 km</li><li>Elevation Gain: 8,600 ft</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage07.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 7 Mens PDF">Stage 7 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint locations: 1) Cazadero, 2) Carmet Beach</li><li>KOM 4 locations: 1) King Ridge Road, 2) and 3) Pacific Coast Highway, 4) Coleman Valley Road (only Coleman Valley is shown on the map below). Today the winner of the KOM jersey will hold it for the overall King of the Mountain.</li><li>City websites: <a href="http://www.tourrosa.com/" target="_blank">Santa Rosa ATOC</a>, <a href="http://www.visitsantarosa.com/" target="_blank">Visit Santa Rosa, </a></li><li><a href="http://www.tourrosa.com/maps/" target="_blank">Road closures</a> for Santa Rosa Tour of California </li><li>VIP Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Festival Hours near start / finish: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a> </li><li>Women's Race Start at 9:15 am</li><li>Women's Race Finish at 12:10 pm</li><li>Luther Burbank Rose Parade will take place while the peloton is out on course: 12:15-2:15 pm. Joan Lunden, breast cancer survivor, will be Grand Marshall of the parade in Santa Rosa, <a href="http://roseparadefestival.com/" target="_blank">more information.</a><a href="http://roseparadefestival.com/" target="_blank"></a></li><li>Breakaway Mile: <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/breakawaymile" target="_blank">Register</a> for the Santa Rosa Breakaway Mile (prior to the men's race finish).</li><li>Expected Outcome: Select group finish</li></ul>A<b> time log /itinerary of Stage 7</b> (helpful for those cyclists planning to rider out on course) may be found at TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/routes--maps-atoc.html">www.tourchaser.com/routes--maps-atoc</a><br /><br />For WOMENS race details of Stage 3, please transfer to women's race page at TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc</a> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHCM_OsoF-o/Vw1CybEmyVI/AAAAAAAC9oc/3iyjzaXeW2UhO012_HEyLU6RepGPDstJwCLcB/s1600/Santa%2BRosa%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Santa Rosa downtown map Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="531" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHCM_OsoF-o/Vw1CybEmyVI/AAAAAAAC9oc/3iyjzaXeW2UhO012_HEyLU6RepGPDstJwCLcB/s640/Santa%2BRosa%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" title="Santa Rosa downtown map Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Rosa downtown map ATOC 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVnFShZWQAg/VqqG9reLd-I/AAAAAAAC9QI/6oY-pL0yV0E/s1600/Stage%2B7%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 7 map of Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVnFShZWQAg/VqqG9reLd-I/AAAAAAAC9QI/6oY-pL0yV0E/s640/Stage%2B7%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 7 map of Tour of California 2016" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 7 map of Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBB4YsYX7j4/VxQOsOkXDgI/AAAAAAAC9u8/1ILqEOzqkmQrv7PSUX1vByl78qF81_geQCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B7%2Bprofile%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 7 profile map - Santa Rosa" border="0" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBB4YsYX7j4/VxQOsOkXDgI/AAAAAAAC9u8/1ILqEOzqkmQrv7PSUX1vByl78qF81_geQCLcB/s640/Stage%2B7%2Bprofile%2Bmap.jpg" title="Stage 7 profile map - Santa Rosa" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 7 profile map - Santa Rosa</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9w97UblYlMg/Vy9nPshBygI/AAAAAAAC-Hg/txE6OYCN_V0wHxrtE7fM0TM-cHZjD8xVgCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B7%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9w97UblYlMg/Vy9nPshBygI/AAAAAAAC-Hg/txE6OYCN_V0wHxrtE7fM0TM-cHZjD8xVgCLcB/s640/Stage%2B7%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016</b><br />As an 8-time host, Sacramento will host the grand finale of both the men's and women's races for the first time.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day: Sunday, May 22, 2016</li><li>Final Stage </li><li>Stage Start: Sacramento at 11:55 AM</li><li>Start and Finish location address: 1131 11th St. Sacramento, CA </li><li>Microsoft Tour Tracker goes live at 1:30 p.m. for the men's race. Men's and women's recap show at 9:00 p.m. </li><li>Stage Finish: Sacramento at 3:45 PM*</li><li>Neutral Start </li><li>3 laps: the peloton will do 3 ceremonial laps of the downtown circuit before departing for the KM 0 marker where the real racing begins. </li><li>Start and Finish is in the same location. </li><li>Miles: 84.8 mi</li><li>Kilometers: 136.5 km</li><li>Elevation Gain: 600 ft</li><li><a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/uploads/images/2016stages/AmgenTOC16_M_012816_stage08.pdf" target="_blank" title="Stage 8 Mens PDF">Stage 8 Map Link</a></li><li>Sprint locations: 1) Clarksburg, 2) finish line in downtown Sacramento</li><li>KOM locations: No KOM points!</li><li>City websites: <a href="http://www.visitsacramento.com/" target="_blank">Visitors to Sacramento</a>, <a href="http://www.sacsports.com/amgentoc/" target="_blank">Sacramento ATOC</a> </li><li>VIP Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM</li><li>Festival Hours near start / finish: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM</li><li>Visit California offers tips on where to see the race: <a href="http://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/amgen-tour-california" target="_blank">Visit California</a> </li><li>Breakaway Mile: <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/breakawaymile" target="_blank">Register</a> for the Saramento Breakaway Mile (prior to the men's race finish). </li><li>Strider will hold on-course races for kids in Sacramento – 9:45 a.m.</li><li>Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish</li></ul>For WOMENS race details of the final Stage 4, please transfer to TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc</a> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wl2Yq5jm48/VxPc-mx6IeI/AAAAAAAC9t8/OGZiGJHKoE8i1_4nr_FL5aCB2b6dv0x4gCLcB/s1600/Map%2Bof%2BSacramento%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Map of Sacramento Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wl2Yq5jm48/VxPc-mx6IeI/AAAAAAAC9t8/OGZiGJHKoE8i1_4nr_FL5aCB2b6dv0x4gCLcB/s640/Map%2Bof%2BSacramento%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Map of Sacramento Tour of California 2016" width="614" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Sacramento Tour of California 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xN3_Jc8fBlM/Vw1G5W-7IaI/AAAAAAAC9o0/Jjlm9Fp0Fq01OqJfCvtA8372PF4aAZbqQCLcB/s1600/Sacramento%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sacramento ATOC 2016 route map near start and finish" border="0" height="560" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xN3_Jc8fBlM/Vw1G5W-7IaI/AAAAAAAC9o0/Jjlm9Fp0Fq01OqJfCvtA8372PF4aAZbqQCLcB/s640/Sacramento%2BATOC%2B2016.jpg" title="Sacramento ATOC 2016 route map near start and finish" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacramento start and finish area, final stage Tour of California</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eN2qc8Zy-F4/VqqHYPaZkrI/AAAAAAAC9QQ/peW1BIqfF0c/s1600/Stage%2B8%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stage 8 map of Tour of California 2016" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eN2qc8Zy-F4/VqqHYPaZkrI/AAAAAAAC9QQ/peW1BIqfF0c/s640/Stage%2B8%2Bmap%2Bof%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia%2B2016.jpg" title="Stage 8 map of Tour of California 2016" width="438" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 8 map of Tour of California 2016. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map created by Amgen Tour of California</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRQt-eA2COo/Vy9nUVAuxWI/AAAAAAAC-Hk/BAgWEHD_SY8HA3cW1lmQ_hqsyximK9sfwCLcB/s1600/Stage%2B8%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRQt-eA2COo/Vy9nUVAuxWI/AAAAAAAC-Hk/BAgWEHD_SY8HA3cW1lmQ_hqsyximK9sfwCLcB/s640/Stage%2B8%2Bprofile%2Bmap%2BTour%2Bof%2BCalifornia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />WOMENS ROUTE MAPS<br /><br />For details on the <b>WOMENS RACE route maps</b>, teams, startlist and favorites and how to watch the race, please transfer to the <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/womens-race-toc.html" target="_blank">Tour Chaser Womens Race TOC page</a>. <br /><br />Meanwhile ....<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SJMK0Yn94s/VVn4Ng3T6CI/AAAAAAAC7Sk/U2DbsxR4QHQ/s1600/Laurens%2BTen%2BDam.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SJMK0Yn94s/VVn4Ng3T6CI/AAAAAAAC7Sk/U2DbsxR4QHQ/s640/Laurens%2BTen%2BDam.jpg" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurens Ten Dam (at the 2015 Tour of Cali) now rides for <a href="http://teamgiantalpecin.com/" target="_blank">Team Giant-Alpecin</a>. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Laurens Ten Dam is featured in one of my all time <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqoWNVzu8Ss&feature=youtu.be">favorite video clips</a> on Alpe'd'Huez.<br /><br />Read the official Giant-Alpecin <a href="http://teamgiantalpecin.com/medical-update-on-training-accident-january-27/" target="_blank">team medical update on 01/27/16</a> on five of Lauren's teammates undergoing surgery or medical care after being involved in a head on collision with a car during a training ride in Spain.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuFgWk9_Ae0/Vquw8653GSI/AAAAAAAC9Rc/b5MFqnRu1yw/s1600/visit%2Bcalifornia%2Bregional%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuFgWk9_Ae0/Vquw8653GSI/AAAAAAAC9Rc/b5MFqnRu1yw/s640/visit%2Bcalifornia%2Bregional%2Bmap.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be a tourist in California. It is a 9 hour drive from San Diego to San Francisco. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">VisitCalifornia.com regional map</span></td></tr></tbody></table>2016 posts by Pedal Dancer®:<br /><br /><b>Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/you-probably-dont-remember-me-but.html">You probably don't remember me, but</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/womens-teams-and-startlist-for-tour-of.html">Women's teams and startlist for Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/list-of-riders-amgen-tour-of-california.html">List of Riders Amgen Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/the-order-of-jerseys.html">The order of jerseys</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/taking-photos-at-race-and-being-media.html">Taking photos at the race, and being Media</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/top-22-tips-to-see-amgen-tour-of.html">Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/how-to-watch-tour-of-california-live-in.html">How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/team-jerseys-and-team-bikes-at-tour-of.html">Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/the-best-bikes-and-clothing-at-amgen.html">Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/classification-jerseys-for-2016-tour-of.html" target="_blank">Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/03/10-uci-worldtour-teams-to-compete-in.html">10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/01/stage-route-and-maps-tour-of-california.html">Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/05/profile-maps-for-tour-of-california-2016.html">Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities_7.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4</a> PART I</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/2016/04/tour-of-california-host-city-activities.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8</a> PART II</li><li><a href="http://www.pedaldancer.com/p/amgen-tour-of-california.html" target="_blank">Tour of California Spectator Guide Page</a></li><li>Race Preview for 2016 Tour of California on TourChaser.com: <a href="http://www.tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc.html">tourchaser.com/race-preview-atoc</a></li></ul></div>Pedal Dancerhttps://plus.google.com/103783467342390772197noreply@blogger.com