How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016

How to watch the Amgen Tour of California live anywhere:

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).

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.

This is the 11th edition of the Tour of California and Phil and Paul are back!  ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

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.

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.

Methods to watch the 2016 Tour of California

MICROSOFT TOUR TRACKER

Follow the Amgen Tour of California Men's Race and the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women's Race live on Microsoft Tour Tracker, 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 Download the app.

Microsoft Tour Tracker ATOC. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

ONLINE

You can watch TourTracker on the web. For international fans, to view the Tour of California in Europe, please visit Steephill.TV 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): http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/ (1 mile = 1.60934km).

TV

How to watch the Amgen Tour of California on TV

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).

Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Men's race TV coverage Amgen Tour of California - mostly on NBCSN with the final stage on NBC -  TV Schedule for the Tour of California. Find your local NBC Sports Network Channel HERE

MEN's RACE COVERAGE

• Sunday 5/8/16 Amgen Tour of California Preview Show* 5:00PM PDT on NBCSN
• Sunday 5/15/16 Men's Stage 1 presented by Breakaway From Heart Disease 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Monday 5/16/16 Men's Stage 2 presented by SRAM 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Tuesday 5/17/16 Men's Stage 3 presented by Breakaway From Cancer 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Wednesday 5/18/16 Men's Stage 4 presented by Visit California 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Thursday 5/19/16 Men's Stage 5 presented by Visit California 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Friday 5/20/16 Men's Stage 6 presented by SRAM 2-4 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Saturday 5/21/16 Men's Stage 7 presented by Lexus 1:30-3:30 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Sunday 5/22/16 Men's Stage 8 presented by Lexus 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. PDT on NBC

*All times are subject to change / Times Tentative due to NHL Playoffs

MEN's RECAP SHOWS

• Sunday 5/15/16 Men's Stage 1 Recap Show 11:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Monday 5/16/16 Men's Stage 2 Men's Stage 2 Recap Show 10:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• >Tuesday 5/17/16 Men's Stage 3 Men's Stage 3 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Wednesday 5/18/16 Men's Stage 4 Men's Stage 4 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Thursday 5/19/16 Men's Stage 5 Men's Stage 5 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Friday 5/20/16 Men's Stage 6 Recap Show 9:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Saturday 5/21/16 Men's Stage 7 Recap Show 10:00 p.m. PDT on NBCSN
• Sunday 5/22/16 Men's Stage 8 Recap Show 11:00 p.m. PDT on NBC

Women's race TV coverage Amgen Tour of California - 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. 

WOMEN's RACE COVERAGE

• Thursday 5/19/16 Stage 1 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only
• Friday 5/20/16 Stage 2 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only
• Saturday 5/21/16 Stage 3 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only
• Sunday 5/22/16 Stage 4 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Highlight 9:00 p.m. PDT On Tour Tracker app only

WOMEN's RECAP SHOWS

• Thursday 5/26/16 AmgenBreakaway From Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered by SRAM Recap Show 10:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. PDT on NBCSN

Christian Vande Velde conveys his racing knowledge during coverage. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

WHO TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER

People, riders and teams actively tweeting on Twitter during the Tour of California race:

Tour of California: @AmgenTOC
ATOC San Diego: @sdtocloc
Phil Liggett: @PhilLiggett
Paul Sherwen: @PaulSherwen
Christian Vande Velde: @ChristianVDV
Peter Sagan: @petosagan
Mark Cavendish: @MarkCavendish
Rohan Dennis: @RohanDennis
Taylor Phinney: @taylorphinney
Dimension Data: @TeamDiData
Orica GreenEdge: @ORICA_GreenEDGE
BMC: @BMCProTeam
Trek-Segafredo: @TrekSegafredo
Axeon Hagens Berman: @axeonhb
Rally Cycling: @Rally_Cycling
UHC: @UHCprocycling
Novo Norkisk: @teamnovonordisk
Wiggins: @OfficialWIGGINS
Etixx-Quickstep: @Etixx_QuickStep
Cannondale: @Ride_Argyle
Oran Kelly (Photographer): @Eibhir
Darrell Parks (Photographer): @darrellparks
Brian Hodes (Photographer Veloimages): @veloimages
Kim Hull (Photographer Cycling Perspective): @KimberliHull
Neal Rogers: @nealrogers
Global Cycling Network: @gcntweet
Bike Radar: @bikeradar
CyclingNews: @Cyclingnewsfeed
VeloNews: @velonews
Steephill: @steephill
Race Radio: @TheRaceRadio
Manual for Speed: @manualforspeed
Broom Wagon Sarah: @broomwagon
Pedal Dancer: @karenrake

STAGES

Stages of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California:

Stage 1 - San Diego, May 15, 2016
Stage 2 - South Pasadena to Santa Clarita, May 16, 2016
Stage 3 - Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County, May 17, 2016
Stage 4 - Morro Bay to Monterey County, May 18, 2016
Stage 5 - Lodi to South Lake Tahoe, May 19, 2016
Stage 6 - Folsom Individual Time Trial & Women's Team Time Trial, May 20, 2016
Stage 7 - Santa Rosa, May 21, 2016
Stage 8 - Sacramento, May 22, 2016


Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:

Visit the new Tour Chaser website for fans created by Pedal Dancer® specifically for spectators who chase the races: TourChaser.com
More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:

• The order of jerseys
• Taking photos at the race, and being Media 
• Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California
• How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016
• Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California
• Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California
• Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California
• 10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California
• Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016
• Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016
• Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4 PART I
• Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8 PART II
• Tour of California Spectator Guide Page

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.

The American Voice in Cycling

Rebooting American Cycling Coverage

I have been listening to a number of British cycling podcasts lately (How to watch the 2014 Tour de France). I enjoy them, but honestly I can barely tell the accents apart and can only picture a few of the prominent cycling journalists in my mind while listening. They seem to be quite versed in history, with tremendous memory for who did what in which year, but they discuss in a very different fashion than Americans.

I also enjoy the Australian Media influence in cycling as well. Their enthusiasm, humor, quirky vocabulary, combined with organized minds and entertaining presentation, seems well-worth my time. I hate to generalize too much, but my point today is, I seem to be spending much of my time reading and listening to Brits, Aussies, Irish and Dutch - where is the American voice in cycling these days?

My parents love Christian Vande Velde.

This is something worth noting, because most Americans watch the Tour on TV and many of those fans are well over the age of fifty. My Mother explains that she is "really learning" from the commentary by Bob Roll, Todd Harris and Christian Vande Velde this year. If it is adding to their enjoyment of watching race coverage and creating more fans, I say all the better for America cycling.

Christian Vande Velde knows bike racing. It wasn't too long ago when he wore yellow (Colorado, 2012). Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Most of the people I know who are recreational cyclists, don't follow pro cycling. Most of the weekend amateur racers I know, are too wrapped up in their own wattage to follow what the pros are doing or attend pro races. When it comes to professional cycling, I think we need to rethink the target market and how the media delivers news.

Media should cultivate interest in sport for the regular fan.

Yesterday was a big news day at the Tour de France. Journalists scrambled to sort out rumors of bikegate and exactly how and if Contador's bike was broken. What ensued was a perfect example of the untruths and rumors that fly unfettered on Twitter (a lousy place to find real truth). It was also an example of a young crop of journalists scavenging for the early scoop and getting it all wrong (VeloNews).

Press must have two things to be solid - access and experience. In addition, Press must have two things to reach the people - integrity and the quality of keeping it real. It also helps if they have humor, are somewhat humble (sort of like Frankie Andreu caring less when James Starrt corrects his French), and can convey true love of the sport.

Being a respected newsman is not about being young and cool and being able to race a bike, being effective comes from years of making connections and knowing how to move around at a bike race. From being out there and seeing it all, and then finding a way to share it with others as if you were a friend sitting at a table discussing the best sporting game you ever saw.

That is why podcasts are endearing. 

I think that is also why people have warmed to Christian Vande Velde. He has experience, access and the warm tone of a friend (even if at times he is a frazzled friend). Who would have thought a rider who gave modest interviews would be such a good commentator, but Christian will only get better. Who would have thought five years ago that Greg Lemond would be co-hosting on Eurosport!

Yesterday I made the comment that I had tired of the commentary of Phil and Paul. My opinion was based specifically on their over-exuberance regarding Tony Martin's performance and how everyone "respected" him. Well, I don't feel comfortable seeing the same rider in a breakaway for too many days in a row. I also don't feel comfortable with Phil and Paul thinking we so easily forgot their masking the truth of the sport in past years. Although I do agree their sound is cycling tradition.

Back on topic of who I do want to listen to .....

I have been wishing we had our own American cycling podcast. Who would I want to hear on this entertaining roundtable of discussion other than Charlie Rose? I think the people who have something to say that I would be interested in hearing more from are:

Joe Lindsey, James Starrt, Frankie Andreu, Matthew Beaudin, Andy Hood, and James Huang. I would like to hear some guests join in, like Ted King, Chris Baldwin, Craig Lewis, Timmy Duggan, Matthew Busche, Andrew Talansky, Whit Yost, Cosmo Catalano, Gruber Images, Chef Biju, Dirk Friel, Dale Stetina and many others I could name including my brother who has some great concepts of the business of cycling. I thought it was funny when one of the British podcasts recently referred to Chris Baldwin (PR agent for Astana USA) as an "eccentric America." You see, we have characters right here in America.

Who would I like to see sponsor this podcast - TREK. Why? because their pro team is really lacking leadership or great inspirational riders (other than Busche and retiring Jensie), and because Americans continue to buy Trek bicycles, which means the company has the ability to bring pro cycling into mainstream America. I think Trek should say thank you by giving us something that will re-root the foundation of the sport of cycling in America and clear their name of Armstrong. Give us personality and a voice of American cycling to be seen internationally and be proud of.

For now, please read Ted King's recent blog post. 

I think Ted's storytelling demonstrates the humor, outlook and slang vocabulary Americans use when talking about experiences in sport, ... often in a group, sometimes around a table, usually over a cold drink. It's the kind of story I would like to listen to.

Read and enjoy: Yeah,  by Ted King July 15, 2014

And then watch Tour Talk with James and Frankie Tour Talk: First Rest Day July 15, 2014

Ted King (Cannondale) leaning in at Amgen Tour of California, May 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

James Starrt (Bicycling) at the Tour de France, July 2012.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Franki Andreu and Joe Lindsey (Bicycling) tracking the race in the media tent at ATOC in May, 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

James Huang (CyclingNews and Bike Radar) at CX Nationals, January 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Matthew Beaudin (VeloNews) at CX Nationals, January 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Andrew (Andy) Hood (VeloNews and much more).  Photo from his @Eurohoody

I figure many of us walk the dog, or wait to pick up the kids, or sit on the porch in the evening with a glass of wine, or need to fill our commuter drive time to the office with something fun to listen to. I've been listening to the podcasts during my daily floor exercises, truth. Why not take our eyes off the smart phones and listen to a jam-packed educational entertaining friendly American podcast.

I hope you enjoyed your rest day. Tomorrow back at it: TOUR DE FRANCE

p.s., and wouldn't you know it, I went to pull up The Telegraph Cycling Podcast to have a listen for the day and their guests are Andy Hood and Matthew Beaudin! Well that was fast, I asked for it and I got it, except the Americans are on the British podcast (well actually they renamed The Telegraph podcast to VeloNews podcast - tricky).

USA Pro Challenge 2013 - Results Stage 7

Denver Colorado - Race Results

Today's results from the tour in Colorado.

Denver County Building

Downtown Denver

The pond fountain where Frankie Andreu would later take a swim in the clean fresh water.

Stage 7 Results:

1. Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale Pro Cycling
2. Ryan Anderson (CAN) of Optum Presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies
3. Alessandro Bazzana (ITA) of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team

This is what it feels like when a Peter Sagan #51 sprint comes roaring by (add loud sound and wind).  Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

This is one fast bike racer, who also really enjoyed being in Colorado.

Final General Classification Standings: 

USA  1  VAN GARDEREN, Tejay (BMC RACING)  22:38:48
SUI  2  FRANK, Mathias (BMC RACING)         + 1:30
USA  3  DANIELSON, Thomas (GARMIN SHARP)    + 1:42
COL  4  ACEVEDO COLLE, Javier Alexis (JAMIS)+ 2:10
AUS  5  MORTON, Lachlan David (GARMIN SHARP)+ 2:34
CRC  6  OBANDO BRENES, Gregory (CHAMPION SYSTEM)+ 3:25
USA  7  CRADDOCK, Lawson (BONTRAGER CYCLING)+ 3:42
NZL  8  BENNETT, George (RADIOSHACK LEOPARD)+ 3:58
AUS  9  SUTHERLAND, Rory (SAXO-TINKOFF)     + 4:11
IRL  10 DEIGNAN, Philip (UNITEDHEALTHCARE)  + 4:12

Tejay van Garderen wins USA Pro Challenge 2013

It's the baby on the podium picture

FINAL Classification Jerseys:

Yellow (overall) - Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Green (sprint) - Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale Pro Cycling
Red (climber) - Matt Cooke (USA) of Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home
Blue (young) - Lachlan David Morton (AUS) of Team Garmin-Sharp
Orange (courageous) - Ben King (USA) of RadioShack Leopard Trek

Matt Cooke, Peter Sagan, Tejay van Garderen, Lachland Morton, Ben King.  Photo ©by Ryan Wallace for Pedal Dancer®

Of the 128 riders that started the race, 108 finished. Chris Froome withdrew during Stage 7 and did not complete the USA Pro Challenge in 2013.

Please see additional excellent photos by Ryan Wallace for Pedal Dancer®

• Photos from Stage 7 - USA Pro Challenge 

Please see even more photos by Chuck Parsons for Pedal Dancer®

• Photography of Chuck Parsons - Stage 6 & 7

Please also read my other posts from today: 

• Such a fun day in Denver - yup it's the video of Peter Sagan hopping the stairs
• BMC Champagne Celebration 
• Jens Voigt p/b Cookies and Coffee

Photos from Denver  All Photos below © By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®  please click any image to enlarge

Fans at the festival area in Civic Center Park

Denver, preparing for Stage 7  - Start and Finish line

VIP tent swag including radios to listen in on the race commentators. Nice touch.

Beer cozy

Riders found an injured Chris Baldwin in the VIP tent and stopped to say hello to their friend.

Morning rider autographs with perfectly place prop kids

Signature Kid, someday he'll grow into that jersey.

UCI Official

Basketball Great Bill Walton has been in Colorado all week riding his bike at all of the stages of the tour.

Timmy Duggan's 90-year old Grandmother and his Father were at the final stage. They got to ride in the first Medical Vehicle on course. I bet that was a wild ride through the city. 

Tom Danielson, probably again explaining how he wants more mountains in the stage race

Ben King, great presence both on and off the bike

Craig Lewis and his ever-present fan club

This is Luis Enrique Lemus' (Team Jelly Belly), Mexico National Champion Road, custom painted Focus road bike.

Go Colombia!

I was able to ride in Media car #1 (sponsored by IconLasik) around the course today - so fun! And very worthwhile to make sure the pre-race advice I offer on where to watch the race was helpful to fans.

The great city of Denver on a very hot day

Fans lining the route making it look like Times Square in New York City.

Just another day at a bike event in Denver

Riders race past our Art Museum downtown

Corner after dirty corner, 8 laps long

The finish line and the line of team cars and photo motos - 3 laps to go

2 laps

Jonathan Vuaghters showed up watching Tour Tracker on his device. Nice to see him, this was the first time I had seen him all week.

Lucas Euser and Ben King being caught by the peloton at 1 lap.  Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The handshake. Bike racers get along so well. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lucas Euser with Ben King (who would win most Aggressive Rider for the day).  Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Sagan on the front racing down Broadway to the finish line.

Sarah inside her final Broom Wagon passage of the tour

Christian Vande Velde exits the stage. This was his last race in the USA, he will be retiring at the end of the season.

And that is a wrap for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge in Colorado.

I will be posting more pictures and telling stories that I have not yet shared. So please check back soon.

Please come back and visit Colorado again!

Read more about our fantastic bike events, road races, cyclocross races, and recommended rides for cyclists at this link: COLORADO CYCLING A resource page created by Pedal Dancer®. Thank you fans!