Amgen Tour of California 2019 Official Program

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA | OFFICIAL 2019 PROGRAM | 51 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA | MEN’S STAGE 4 STAGE 4 MEN WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 | WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA TO MORRO BAY DISTANCE 132 Miles | STAGE ELEVATION 11,758’ TERRAIN Rolling S tage 4 returns the peloton to argu- ably the most scenic stretch of road in the world. From its start at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the race embarks on a breathtaking journey along California’s spectacular Big Sur coast to Morro Bay’s monolithic rock. This route has also become synonymous with the Amgen Tour of California. In May 2017, an immense landslide closed High- way 1 north of Hearst Castle and it only re-opened on July 18, 2018. A mammoth effort by Caltrans has enabled the Amgen Tour of California to triumphantly return to this classic stretch of highway. After a short climb out of the start at Laguna Seca, the race will pass through Seaside, Monterey and Carmel. Hwy 1 typ- ifies the beauty of the state and features a gentle rolling landscape that drivers may not register, but the cyclists will cer- tainly feel the 11,758 feet of climbing on this stage. Past Ragged Point, the course flattens out for the second sprint of the day in San Simeon. A fan-favorite, the Mor- ro Bay finish follows the route from 2017 where Peter Sagan won the sprint finish. After passing through Morro Bay State Park, riders will get their first glimpse of the iconic Morro Rock. A right turn off the Embarcadero, with Morro Rock over their shoulders, will put the racers onto a steep sprint to the finish on Harbor Street. Presented by: PHOTO: CHRISTIAN PETERSEN/GETTY IMAGES