MMC is handling the marketing public relations for the San Diego Tour of California Local Organizing Committee (SDTOCLOC), which includes 11-subcommittees and had leveraged a coalition of San Diego County business owners, stakeholders, politicians, developers, organizational and community leaders to develop a multi-year partnership with international sports/management company AEG for San Diego to be a host city during the next three years. On May 15 the Amgen Tour of California professional bicycle race will start in San Diego (Ski Beach on Mission Bay) for the first time in the race’s 10 year-history, and cover 106 miles through cities and neighborhoods throughout San Diego County, finally finishing back at Mission Bay. Competing across nearly 800 miles of quintessential California terrain from May 15-22, the Tour of California course will lead World Champions, Olympic Medalists, top Tour de France competitors and other elite professional cyclists south to north for only the second time since the race began in 2006, with 12 cities to host starts and finishes along the way.

For only the second time in Amgen Tour of California history, the race will progress south to north, beginning in San Diego and traveling through 10 additional host cities (four new this year) before a new champion is crowned in the state capital of Sacramento. The peloton will endure nearly 65,000 feet of climbing, including the race’s first ascent up the infamous Gibraltar Road in Santa Barbara County.

“International cycling is coming to our region on May 15, as a parent, community member, casual athlete I am excited to witness the world-class sports event passing through the iconic scenery of San Diego County,” said Ed Clancy, chair of the San Diego Tour of California Local Organizing Committee (SDTOCLOC). “Our committee is working closely with San Diego business leaders, cities and communities to make it as easy as possible for San Diegans to experience this incredible race, with plans for viewing parties in key locations such as La Jolla, North Park, Mission Valley, El Cajon, Imperial Beach and others. For more information, visit the SDTOCLOC and the Amgen Tour of California.

SAN DIEGO — STAGE 1 PRESENTED BY AMGEN SHIFTING GEARS FOR HEART HEALTH

SUNDAY, MAY 15

San Diego

106 miles / 170.5 kilometers

Expected Outcome: Group sprint finish

The first day of racing will begin and end in first-time host city San Diego, the birthplace of California and the state’s second largest city. A natural fit for the nation’s premier cycling race, San Diego features a vibrant beach-oriented community whose residents are passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.

The peloton will depart Mission Bay traveling through Balboa Park before heading south toward downtown and the harbor with views of the historic Gaslamp District and Coronado Bridge.

The race’s first Visit California Sprint will take place in bike-friendly Imperial Beach before heading east toward the rolling hills of East County. With only one Lexus King of the Mountain point on Honey Springs Road, fans can expect a fast finish as the riders race west back to the coast.

San Diego Union-Tribune story on the San Diego First Stage announcement is — HERE

The official Amgen Tour of California Route Video: