Amgen Tour of California 2019 Official Program

16 | AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA | OFFICIAL 2019 PROGRAM 2019 MEN’S ROUTE 773 miles / 1,244 km 7 Stages 25 KOMs 14 Sprints 68,374 feet Elevation Gain WOMEN’S ROUTE 177.8 miles / 286 km 3 Stages 8 QOMs 3 Sprints 20,803 feet Elevation Gain race heads straight up the mountain with the Stage 2 journey from Rancho Cordo- va to South Lake Tahoe, featuring more than 14,000 feet of elevation gain and six KOMs. The KOM at Carson Pass tops out at 8,620 feet – the highest point the race has reached in its 14 years. Trek-Segafredo’s Toms Skujins (LAT) has become a fan favorite at the race and returns to tackle those climbs after win- ning the KOM jersey last year. He holds three career California stage wins, in- cluding a mountain victory in South Lake Tahoe in 2016 and a memorable finish at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This year, he’s be back on the race track for the Stage 4 start and is a rider to watch throughout the week. “It’s in my character to attack and make it fun, make it exciting and enjoyable for ev- eryone: me and the spectators,” Skujins told VeloNews. Watch for past champions Bennett and van Garderen, who are among the world’s elite climbers, to content in the moun- tains. BAHRAIN – MERIDA general classifi- cation leader Rohan Dennis (AUS) returns to California as well to showcase his all- around climbing skills. Colombians also continue to shine as Sergio Higuita (EF Education First Pro Cycling) makes his WorldTour debut. And, Northern Californian Peter Stetina (Trek-Segafredo), who placed second on the Gibraltar stage in 2016, is back in the lineup. The Stage 6 climb up the grueling switch- backs to the finish at Mt. Baldy could be the deciding factor in this year’s overall win. Yet, it’s after the last laps around the iconic Rose Bowl in Stage 7 where the 2019 winner will be crowned. “I have the best memories from [the Am- gen Tour of California],” said Skujins. “It’s worked out better for me in California than elsewhere. And it’s always a great experience.” PHOTO: BRIAN HODES/VELOIMAGES