Amgen Tour of California 2019 Official Program

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA | OFFICIAL 2019 PROGRAM | 13 2019 I t’s the pinnacle of cycling in America, so it’s only fitting that the 2019 Amgen Tour of California is the most challeng- ing in its 14-year history. In this year’s edi- tion, riders face more climbing and more long-distance days than ever before. Over the course of seven stages, the men travel more than 773 miles and gain over 68,000 feet of elevation, including the most King of the Mountain (KOM) climbs in race history with 25. The route also fea- tures four consecutive stages covering upwards of 120 miles. The Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race empowered with SRAM, which runs simultaneously along similar courses over the last three days, is the longest in race history. Over 177 miles and three stag- es, riders climb more than 20,800 feet with eight Queen of the Mountain (QOM) climbs. And, for the first time, the women’s race is contested in Southern California. Raced along California’s most scenic highways, mountain roads and coast- lines from Sacramento to Pasadena, the Amgen Tour of California is America’s only UCI WorldTour race. It remains key to rider schedules heading into the Tour de France, and Olympians, World Champi- ons, past winners and new stars will all be tackling the long miles, steep climbs and thrilling sprints. Race Preview: Reaching the Pinnacle PHOTO: CHRIS GRAYTHEN/GETTY IMAGES