Amgen Tour of California 2019 Official Program

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA | OFFICIAL 2019 PROGRAM | 55 PHOTO: BRIAN HODES/VELOIMAGES AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA | MEN’S STAGE 5 STAGE 5 MEN THURSDAY, MAY 16 | PISMO BEACH TO VENTURA DISTANCE 135.8 Miles | STAGE ELEVATION 9,681’ TERRAIN Rolling S tage 5 highlights the best of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ven- tura Counties, which have long been cornerstones for the Amgen Tour of Cali- fornia. The race returns for a third start in Pismo Beach with the coastline and refur- bished pier as the backdrop. From there, riders head south on Hwy 1 through Gro- ver Beach, Oceano and Guadalupe, fol- lowed by the first of two sprints in Orcutt. A few miles in, the peloton reaches Foxen Canyon and the home of countless world- class vineyards and wineries. Ahead is the grueling category climb up San Marcos Pass. A fast descent into Santa Barbara puts the race onto Hwy 192 and through the heart of the storm and fire damage from late 2017 and early 2018, where state, county and local agencies have worked tirelessly to repair roads and re- place bridges. After leaving Hwy 192, the stage’s final two categorized climbs are approaching on Casitas Pass. The finish will be within striking distance once the cyclists enter Ventura, which hosted its first stage last year. Riders will contest the final sprint at the summit of a short but steep 12% climb up Fero Drive – a climb that could split the leaders and propel a rider to vic- tory in Ventura. The final miles to the fin- ish line will be intense as the teams set up their sprinters for a field sprint along the Pacific Ocean. Presented by: