Modesto Announced as Host City for 2008 Amgen Tour of California

World-Class Cycling Field Will Return to California in February to Compete Across 700 Miles of California Roadway During Eight-Day Stage Race

LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2007) – The 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race will take place February 17-24, 2008, as confirmed today by AEG, presenters of the record-setting ‘Tour de France-style’ cycling road race staged across many of California’s most scenic state highways, roadways and coastline drives.  Already considered cycling’s most important and successful road race held in the United States, the event’s third running will cover more than 700 miles (increased from 650 miles in 2007) over the eight days.

Through a series of local press conferences and briefings, race organizers also announced the 12 official stage start and finish cities that have been selected for the 2008 race, including three new locales – Modesto, Palo Alto and Pasadena – that will join Sacramento, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Santa Rosa, Sausalito, Seaside and Solvang as host cities along the route.  
A community proud of its vibrant citizenry, great traditions, educational opportunities, and multicultural lifestyles, Modesto is twice-blessed with mild weather year-round and some of the world's richest soil.  Part of California's fertile Central Valley, which stretches 500 miles through the center of the state, Modesto offers the diversity and facilities of a metropolitan city, but still maintains an atmosphere of old-fashioned hospitality. Whenever you visit, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all of the "Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health" that Modesto has to offer!

“Modesto is honored and proud to host the 2008 Amgen Tour of California bicycle race as a stage start,” said Modesto Mayor, Jim Ridenour.  “This is truly an amazing event which exposes Californians to the healthy sport of cycling.  Modesto is excited to welcome these professional cyclists and looks forward to providing visitors and spectators with a memorable time.”

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