Is The Cycling World Ready for America's Version of The Tour de France?

It's going to be big--huge, in fact--and expensive. It's an event as bold, adventurous and ambitious as the host state of California. It's America's version of The Tour de France; but can this nascent cycling event really compete with that grand old tour that winds its way through the picturesque French countryside? Only time will tell.

The fact that this new cycling tour is happening in The Golden State does give the event a fighting chance of competing with its French counterpart, as the state is blessed with the climate, the sights and the corporate muscle to get the job done.

Here's the latest press about the 600 mile, 8 day cycling race that starts this weekend: The Amgen Tour of California:

"Starting this weekend, some of California's most magnificent sights and settings will be displayed to the world as the Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race embarks on its 600-mile, eight-day course. The California Travel and Tourism Commission is a founding partner of this historic competition and is proud to say that this race displays the variety that is California -- from the art, culture and technology of the big cities, to the famed wine regions, to the breathtaking coast.

'Not only is the Amgen Tour of California bringing world-class cycling competition to our great state, but it's showcasing some of the most beautiful places to visit in California,' said Executive Director Caroline Beteta of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC). 'This is a great event for not just cycling enthusiasts, but any type of traveler, and I urge spectators to take some time to explore cities along the course.'

What sets this race apart is that it's an annual event that will change course each year. This gives a unique opportunity to showcase yearly to the world the great places to visit in the Golden State.

The course, stretching from San Francisco to Redondo Beach and visiting 10 host cities, offers the world's best cyclists challenging terrain, while offering spectators the chance to see an elite race in some of California's brightest communities. The race can be attended free, followed live on the race's Web site or viewed nightly via broadcasts on ESPN2.

Each finish city will host the free race-day Amgen Tour of California Lifestyle Festival presented by Health Net, featuring a health & fitness expo, cancer awareness education, cycling gear, family activities, bike safety, food, entertainment and more.

Further information about the race is available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. Travelers looking for further visitor information about host cities can visit:


San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.sfvisitor.org

Marin County Visitors Bureau
www.marincvb.org

Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitsantarosa.com

Contra Costa Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitcontracosta.org

San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.sanjose.org

Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.montereyinfo.org

San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau
www.sanluisobispocounty.com

Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau
www.santabarbaraca.com

Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.seemyla.com

Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau
www.ventura-usa.com

Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
www.redondochamber.org

For statewide information, to view a digital visitor's guide or book travel, go to www.visitcalifornia.com. California is a year-round destination. Visitors to California enjoy our pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains, desert oasis, sophisticated cities, world-class attractions and the charming countryside.

About CTTC

The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs -- in partnership with the state's travel industry -- that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. California is currently the number one travel destination in the country. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $82.5 billion annually in California, support jobs for nearly 900,000 Californians and generate $5.2 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, go to www.visitcalifornia.com or call 800-862-2543 (domestic) or 916-444-4429 (international)."

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