2013 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
* The 2014 Fan Guide may be seen here: 2014 TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
2013 - Stage Information
2013 HOST CITIES & SCHEDULE
Stage 1 5/12 Escondido (City Tour Site)
Stage 2 5/13 Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
Stage 3 5/14 Palmdale to Santa Clarita
Stage 4 5/15 Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
Stage 5 5/16 Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
Stage 6 5/17 San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 7 5/18 Livermore to Mt. Diablo
Stage 8 5/19 San Francisco to Santa Rosa
Summary
Stage 1 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Escondido spectator guide
Stage 2 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | ATOC Stage 2 page
Stage 3 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Palmdale spectator guide
Stage 4 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Clarita spectators
Stage 5 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Barbara spectators
Stage 6 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | San Jose FB page
Stage 7 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | ATOC Stage 7 page
Stage 8 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Rosa spectators
Race information
Dates: May 12-19, 2013
Website: www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amgentourofcali
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmgenTourofCalifornia
Buy Apparel: jerseys, tshirts, hats and more
Buy VIP: experience and passes
2013 Amgen Tour of California route map: Download Detailed Map (PDF)
Super awesome stage maps & profiles: 2013 Combined Stage and Profile PDF
Start: Escondido, CA (San Diego County) - southern California
Finish: Santa Rosa, CA (Sonoma County) - northern California
Race Maps: by Strava and google
Pedal Dancer posts for 2013 - post-race
Photo of the Day: Two well-traveled fans
Pedal Dancer Cruisin' California 2013 - at the race
Pedal Dancer Cruisin' California fan travel series and daily Results from the 2013 Tour of California. A full week of covering the race is complete for 2013.
2013 Amgen Tour of California
RESULTS 2013
General Classification (yellow jersey)
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
Sprint Classification (green jersey)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
KOM Classification (polka dot jersey)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling - his 6th stage!
Best Young Rider (white jersey)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team
Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Jason McCartney (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling Team
Team Classification
BMC Racing Team - took over the lead in the Team Classification.
Top 10 General Classification Stage 8, final standings:
April 28, 2013 - L' Etape du California - Mt Diablo (Tour of California stage for citizens)
May 11, 2013 - L' Etape du California - Escondido (Tour of California stage for citizens)
2013 Amgen Tour of California route and host cities
Stage
Stage 1 Sunday, May 12 Escondido
Stage 2 Monday, May 13 Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
Stage 3 Tuesday, May 14 Palmdale to Santa Clarita
Stage 4 Wednesday, May 15 Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
Stage 5 Thursday, May 16 Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
Stage 6 Friday, May 17 San Jose (Individual Time Trial) (M & W)
Stage 7 Saturday, May 18 Livermore to Mt. Diablo
Stage 8 Sunday, May 19 San Francisco to Santa Rosa
Riders for 2013 Amgen Tour of California
The official roster (start list) has been released, but thre prevailing sources do not agree: view Pro Cycling Stats rider list here. Or the roster (with gaps) from VeloNews.com.
I encourage all fans to get to know the European riders, they are incredible athletes and HUGE in their home-countries. To have the kind of access that we are afforded as fans at the Tour of California is a big deal.
According to Pro Cycling Stats - the top 15 competitors are:
Teams for 2013 Tour of California
UCI ProTeams
BMC Racing Team, USA
Cannondale Pro Cycling, Italy
Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team, Belgium
Orica GreenEDGE, Australia
RadioShack Leopard Trek, Luxembourg
Team Garmin-Sharp, USA
Team Saxo-Tinkoff, Denmark
Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team, The Netherlands
UCI Professional Continental Teams
Champion System Pro Cycling Team, China
Team NetApp-Endura, Germany
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, USA
UCI Continental Teams
5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team, USA
Bissell Pro Cycling, USA
Bontrager Cycling Team, USA
Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies, USA
Team Jamis – Hagens Berman, USA
TV Coverage and Race App
Wondering how you can watch the coverage of the Tour of California in 2013 - NBS Sports Network has committed to providing a preview show as well as daily highlights of Stages 1-7, in addition to airing 2 hours of the final stage LIVE on their primary NBC station.
TV Schedule:
Sunday, May 5th, Preview Show
5:30 p.m. EDT/2:30 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network
Sunday, May 12th, daily, through Saturday May 18th, Daily Race Highlights
5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network
Sunday, May 19th, LIVE Coverage (Final Stage 8)
1-3p.m. EDT/10a.m.-12p.m. PDT live on NBC
Tour of California Finale
The Amgen Tour of California wraps up Sunday morning. Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. PDT (California time). Watch it live http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/
International race viewing
For international fans, please visit Steephill.TV and the list of live or recorded links to view the Tour of California in Europe. Last year the Tour of California was shown on Eurosport and on SBS in Australia. (1 mile = 1.60934 km). International links to coverage (bottom of page): http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/
2013 News
NBC Sports Group Returns as Live Broadcast Partner
Tour of California announces names for Women’s Invitational Time Trial By Velonation
Gilbert will race 2013 Amgen Tour, but may sit out the Tour de France By VeloNews
TOC Presents Official Race Jersey and Uniform Partner for 2013
ROUTE
Route description and details for 2013 ATOC (Amgen Tour of California)
I just love this race. Every year when the detailed route is revealed I get so excited to see which roads will be used to highlight my home state of California. I also wait in anticipation to foresee the obvious mistakes (can you say Bakersfield?). This year I am looking forward to the changes and especially the return to some of the most magnificent tourist cities and mountain climbs California has to offer.
This year the race starts in southern California and heads north to finishacross the bay in Santa Rosa. The race also begins on a Sunday and ends on a Sunday this year, taking advantage of better TV coverage and weekend crowds. That mean 8 stages in this year's Amgen Tour of California. I'm going!
2013 Amgen Tour of California route maps and profiles
Stage 1, Presented by Nissan: Sunday, May 12 – Escondido
2013 ATOC Stage 1: route map, profile, and stage information
Start/Finish Location: Broadway and Grand Ave.
Start Time: 11:15 a.m.
Stage Length: 104.3 miles
VIP Experiences Escondido Out Front – Team Presentation Gala
Downtown Event Map and Schedule
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Escondido
KEY FEATURES: Climbing begins on day 1 at mile 12, climb of Mt Palomar (from the eastern slope) summits by mile 50, followed by a fast descent and a final sprint in town. Start and finish are from the same city of Escondido.
Stage 2, Presented by Visit California: Monday, May 13 – Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
2013 ATOC Stage 2: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Murrieta City Hall/Town Square Park
Finish Location: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (short hilltop finish)
Start Time: 10:20 a.m.
Stage Length: 126.1 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Murrieta
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Palm Springs
KEY FEATURES: Rides through Temecula Valley wine country, climbs up the San Jacinto Mountains to the hamlet of Idyllwild, stage will finish up Tramway Road climb to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway parking lot. The last 3.8 miles gains 1,880 feet of elevation (average over 9%) – "one of the toughest climbs anywhere".
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
2013 ATOC Stage 3: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Marie Kerr Park
Finish Location: Magic Mountain Parkway
Start Time: 11:20 a.m.
Stage Length: 111.8 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Palmdale
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Clarita
KEY FEATURES: Enters San Francisquito Canyon, with a 22-mile climb up Lake Hughes Road and a gradual 18-mile descent down Spunky Canyon and Bouquet Road, with a field sprint expected into Santa Clarita.
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 15 – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
2013 ATOC Stage 4: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Theater Drive and Town Center
Finish Location: Cabrillo Blvd.
Start Time: 12:35 p.m.
Stage Length: 84.7 miles
PEDAL DANCER FAN TRAVEL GUIDE: California Here I come
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Clarita
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Barbara
LOCAL CYCLING ROUTES: biking near Santa Barbara
KEY FEATURES: This route was done previously in reverse, the first 33 miles are basically downhill, followed by a 9-mile climb to a KOM and a technical descent of Dennison Grade, followed by a sprint in Ojai, a climb up Casitas Pass and a flat fast finish along the beach into beautiful Santa Barbara.
Stage 5, Presented by Visit California: Thursday, May 16 – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
2013 ATOC Stage 5: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Cabrillo Blvd.
Finish Location: Front St.
Start Time 11 a.m.
Stage Length: 116.4 miles
PEDAL DANCER FAN TRAVEL GUIDE: California Here I come
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Barbara
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Avila Beach
KEY FEATURES: Rise and shine, the climb starts at mile 7.77 today over San Marcos Pass, it then skirts the town of Solvang through Los Olivos and up Foxten Canyon (a wonderful bike ride through wine county) across agricultural lands arriving into the quaint beach town of Avila Beach.
Stage 6: Friday, May 17 – San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
2013 ATOC Stage 6: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Bailey Ave.
Finish Location: Metcalf Road – Metcalf Motorcycle Park (short hilltop finish)
Start Time: 12:50 p.m.
Stage Length: 19.6 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about San Jose
KEY FEATURES: I hope you got in your car and drove because suddenly we are in northern California (south of San Francisco). Returning to the town of San Jose for a 20-mile semi-loop/uphill individual time trial. The route is south of downtown SJ with a start near Calero Reservoir and a finish up Metcalf Rd at the motorcycle park. (3km of nearly 10%).
Stage 7, Presented by Nissan: Saturday, May 18 – Livermore to Summit of Mount Diablo
2013 ATOC Stage 7: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: 3rd St./Carnegie Park
Finish Location: Mount Diablo – summit parking lot (mountain top finish)
Start Time: 11:35 a.m.
Stage Length: 91.4 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Livermore
LOCAL CYCLING ROUTES: biking near Livermore
MOUNTAIN HIGHLIGHT: Route & Location information about Mount Diablo
KEY FEATURES: Departing Livermore the peloton will ride out Morgan Territory Road, Patterson Pass Rd, looping back through Livermore for a sprint (this town is always an excellent host), and finally up famous Mt Diablo. For 2013 an additional 4.5 miles of climbing was added for a longer mountain top finish (11m climb).
Stage 8, Presented by Amgen: Sunday, May 19 – San Francisco to Santa Rosa Start 2013 ATOC Stage 8: route map, profile, and stage information
Location: Marina Green
Finish Location: 3rd Street and Santa Rosa Ave.
Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Estimated Finish: 11:40 a.m.
Stage Length: 86.2 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about San Francisco
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Rosa
KEY FEATURES: San Francisco, departing across the bay with a rolling traffic break over the Golden Gate Bridge (at approx. 8:20.a.m.)(the bridge sidewalk will be open to spectators), into Sausalito, up beautiful Highway 1, Point Reyes National Seashore, Occidental and ending with two finishing circuits in Santa Rosa. Done.
Individual Time Trial Start List for Friday Amgen Tour of California (ITT order of riders):
The best way to track the order and times of riders is to use your Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker app on your phone or ipad.
For a printable list of riders: Stage 6 ITT Start Order and Rider Start Times
Stage 5 Results
See Fan tips for watching the ITT in San Jose by Pedal Dancer: How to watch a really fast time trial
Read more details on the route on the official ATOC website at: 2013 Amgen Tour of California Route Announced.
About the Cities of the Tour of California
About cycling near the cities of
The contest design winner Matt Orendorff, of northern California, created the 2013 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey.
And for the fans:
Team Jerseys for the Tour of California
Learn the jerseys of the teams and the classification jerseys of the tour:
TEAM JERSEYS
CLASSIFICATION JERSEYS
More about the teams on the official ATOC website: Teams
Buy your jersey now: Purchase ATOC Classification jerseys
POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION AND STAGE WINNERS
General Classification (Overall Contenders)
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Michael Rogers (AUS), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
Andy Schleck (LUX), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
Thomas De Gendt (BEL), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by
Climbers
Andy Schleck (LUX), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Markel Irizar Aranburu (ESP), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
Amael Moinard (FRA), BMC Racing Team
Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team
Mathias Frank (SUI), BMC Racing Team
Chris Butler (USA), Champion System Pro Cycling Team
Haimar Zubeldia (ESP), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Sprinters
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Thor Hushovd (NOR), BMC Racing Team
Cameron Meyer (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
Baden Cooke (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
J.J. Haedo (ARG), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
Jacobe Keough (USA), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
Frank Pipp (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team
Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Boy van Poppel (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Stage Wins (One-Day Strongmen)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Jens Voigt (GER), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
Johan Van Summeren (BEL), Team Garmin-Sharp
Philippe Gilbert (BEL), BMC Racing Team
Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
Brian Vandborg (DEN), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Time Trialists
Jens Voigt (GER), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Bert Grabsch (GER), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
Jeremy Vennell (NZL), BISSELL Pro Cycling
Tom Zirbel (USA), Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies
Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
Marco Pinotti (ITA), BMC Racing Team
Fan Education:
Learn more about the pro team bikes, equipment, and jerseys:
Bikes of The Peloton : 2013 ProTeam Rides, By Cycling Tips (*Why repeat what someone else has done marvelously by capturing pictures of every road bike in the professional cycling ProTeams for 2013).
2013 Cycling Jerseys, By Ciclismo (*Again why repeat a perfectly good project that probably took this blogger hours to complete - thank you!)
2013 Riders and teams DatabaseBy CyclingNews.com (Lists of riders, managers, Directeurs sportifs, neo pros, and which riders left the teams in 2012.
2013 Team and Rider Statistics, By ProCyclingStats (team rosters, calendars, race rosters, race results, and rankings)
Pro Team Sponsors: What Do They Do? By The Inner Ring
ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Bikes, Components, Wheels and Tires By Pedal Dancer
ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Pedals, Saddles, Clothing, and Helmets By Pedal Dancer
2013 Pro Teams, and Social Media links (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, websites) By Pedal Dancer
Road Closures for the Tour of California
Please refer to the information provided by each city. At the bottom of the Official Amgen Tour of California host city pages you can find links to the cities websites with more information about traffic and road closures.
Stage 1 5/12 Escondido (City Tour Site)
Stage 2 5/13 Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
Stage 3 5/14 Palmdale to Santa Clarita
Stage 4 5/15 Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
Stage 5 5/16 Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
Stage 6 5/17 San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 7 5/18 Livermore to Mt. Diablo
Stage 8 5/19 San Francisco to Santa Rosa
Which roads will be used for the Tour of California? For an estimation of when the riders will be on which roads, please see the detailed timetable (below) of when and where the race will progress and on which local streets (route map below). More information can be found under the individual city spectator guides.
Stage 1 : Route Map | timetable | Escondido spectator guide
Stage 2 : Route Map | timetable | ATOC Stage 2 page
Stage 3 : Route Map | timetable | Palmdale spectator guide
Stage 4 : Route Map | timetable | Santa Clarita spectators
Stage 5 : Route Map | timetable | Santa Barbara spectators
Stage 6 : Route Map | timetable | San Jose FB page
Stage 7 : Route Map | timetable | ATOC Stage 7 page
Stage 8 : Route Map | timetable | Santa Rosa spectators
How to read a Stage Log (time table):
The start time is always definite. Every street and turn along the route is listed. Because the organizers of the race are not certain how fast the riders will be racing, they give several approximations of times based on average speed of a rider. The first column lists the slowest possible time at 22 mph for this stage, (speeds will vary based on flat or climbing stages). Column 2, 3, and 4 list other faster times according to increasing speeds. As fans it is best to be there by at least the fastest time listed on the log, but not to expect the riders until the slowest time listed in column 1 of the log. This insures that you will not miss seeing the race. Try to arrive much earlier to enjoy the atmosphere and avoid traffic. Pay attention to road closures.
Fun education about cycling by Pedal Dancer®
Cycling Terminology for the Amgen Tour of California
Riders: In professional cycling the racers are generally called riders as opposed to racers or cyclists.
Staff: A cycling team is made up of many parts beyond the riders. The Team Manager handles general operations, commitments, and sponsorship. Directeurs Sportif drive the team cars and plan race strategy. Coaches, Therapists, and Team Doctors work together to train and keep the athletes healthy and riding well. Mechanics maintain all team equipment. Soigneurs are the run around guys/gals handling bags and supplies, food and water, clothing, and set-up while making sure the riders know the way to the sign-in stage, start line, and hotel. They also give bidons and swag to small children. Some soigneurs also give massage after the race to riders, or the team might have a designated Masseuse. Most of the team staff are a friendly bunch, but their priorities are rider safety and support so always stay outside the rope lines and ask first for autographs or swag.
Roster: A list of each rider on each team, their country, and their bib (dossard) number. Bring a roster with you so you may easily identify riders. Both the rider and their bike will be numbered. Some riders have their last name on their jersey of helmet.
Route map (parcours): The course or path the riders will take from start to finish. Some stages will have laps where riders will repeat the same few blocks within the stage. Stage 8 has 5 laps before the finish.
Stage profile: Maps the ascents and descents along a stage. It is often fun for fans to see the riders on a climb where the rider's speed slows slightly (or coming around a corner).
Rolling neutral start: Riders begin at a start line but do not begin racing until a few blocks or miles into the route (the distance varies). A neutral start is used if the start area conditions are narrow, crowded, or unsafe for race conditions. A neutral start is also sometimes used as a show of respect. Stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 all have neutral starts this year.
Rolling Closure: Rolling road closures affect all traffic on the race route - roads are not considered "closed" but instead closed as the riders proceed along the route, enabling the racers to maintain a race speed. Rolling closures are exactly controlled and orchestrated by police, race marshals, local volunteers, and race officials for the safety of both riders and citizens. Roads are closed to all on-coming and entering traffic 20-30 minutes before the race caravan passes a stretch of road. Once the line of riders and official cars have passed each section safely, the road section will be immediately re-opened by officials or volunteers. Rolling closures are temporary moving closures, expect delays of 30-45 minutes.
Road Closure: Road Closures are completely closed to auto traffic, but often remain open to pedestrian foot traffic and bike traffic up until a set time prior to the race passing through. Road Closure times will be posted by city officials notifying citizens ahead of time, all citizens must obey. Road closures are strictly enforced and necessary for safety, with no exceptions other than official race vehicles allowed passage.
KOM (King of Mountain): First rider to the top of a designated climb on the race route. Riders receive points, the rider with the most points wins the King of the Mountain (KOM) (climber's) jersey. The jersey transfers each day to the rider with the most points overall. There may be more than one KOM point in a stage, Stage 4 has 6 KOMs.
Sprint: First rider to a designated sprint line on the race route. Riders receive points, the rider with the most points wins the sprint (green) jersey. The jersey transfers each day to the rider with the most points overall. There may be more than one KOM point in a stage.
Leader: There will be a current leader out on course while the race is taking place, but the overall Leader (yellow jersey) is the rider with the lowest (fastest) overall time for all stages. The winner of each day's stage is called the Stage Winner, not the Leader.
Feed zone: A designated area on the route where team staff must pass out food bags (musettes) to the riders containing food. Water may be handed to riders through team cars throughout the stage.
Breakaway: 1 to a few riders who are leading the race and ahead of the main peloton.
Peloton: The main pack of riders chasing the lead breakaway.
Podium girls: A tradition in professional cycling to have 2 beautiful women present the awards to the riders at the finish of every stage.
Podium: Each day the top three riders finishing the stage are awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes on the podium. Then the 6 overall Classification jerseys are awarded.
Classification Jerseys: Awards for best type of rider in a field. This year the Tour of California will feature 6 classifications: Leader (fastest overall time, yellow jersey), Most Courageous (by vote, white jersey), Mountain (climber, red polka dot jersey), Sprint (fastest sprinter, green jersey), Best Young rider (under the age of 23, orange jersey), Most Aggressive (most combative/competitive, black jersey). As the stage race progresses the overall classification winner is presented with his jersey after each stage and will wear the jersey at the start of the next day's stage. View the Official 2012 Jerseys.
Stage Race: a cycling race consisting of more than one day of racing, where points and time is tallied every day to determine an overall winner at the end of the race. The 2012 Amgen Tour of California will have 8 stages.
Bib Number or Dossard: please read an earlier Pedal Dancer post to understand how riders are numbered: Word of the Day: Dossard
*For more terminology read a far more advanced international version read The Inner Ring's glossary of cycling terms Lexicon.
Options for viewing the race for Fans:
Don't forget to bring your cowbells!
And wear your tshirts and hats, and bring your flags ...
REPORTS FROM - 2012 Amgen Tour of California - by PEDAL DANCER
Pedal Dancer stories from the tour in 2012
2012 Pedal Dancer Amgen Tour of California - Travel Series
Pedal Dancer Photos from 2012
Recognizing your favorite rider is a big part of the fun of being a fan the races..... learn these faces. All photos ©By Karen at Pedal Dancer® click any image to enlarge
I am betting on Tejay for 2013!
This is one of those pictures when I do a photo search for "tejay" in my photo files and then say ... Did I take that picture of Tejay? ... cool!
And I'll put my money on Peter Sagan again (easy bet), it is so much fun to watch this kid race a bike.
I wish them both well.
Jens Voigt - a fan favorite!
2012 winner - Robert Gesin
Looking back at the race (archived) - 2012 Amgen Tour of California - Fan Guide Page
Looking back at the race (archived) - 2011 and 2010 Amgen Tour of California - Fan Guide Page
* The 2014 Fan Guide may be seen here: 2014 TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
2013 - Stage Information
 |
| Link to full map at Amgen Tour of California |
2013 HOST CITIES & SCHEDULE
Stage 1 5/12 Escondido (City Tour Site)
Stage 2 5/13 Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
Stage 3 5/14 Palmdale to Santa Clarita
Stage 4 5/15 Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
Stage 5 5/16 Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
Stage 6 5/17 San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 7 5/18 Livermore to Mt. Diablo
Stage 8 5/19 San Francisco to Santa Rosa
Summary
Stage 1 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Escondido spectator guide
Stage 2 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | ATOC Stage 2 page
Stage 3 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Palmdale spectator guide
Stage 4 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Clarita spectators
Stage 5 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Barbara spectators
Stage 6 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | San Jose FB page
Stage 7 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | ATOC Stage 7 page
Stage 8 : Route Map | Route Profile | timetable | Santa Rosa spectators
Race information
Dates: May 12-19, 2013
Website: www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amgentourofcali
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmgenTourofCalifornia
Buy Apparel: jerseys, tshirts, hats and more
Buy VIP: experience and passes
2013 Amgen Tour of California route map: Download Detailed Map (PDF)
Super awesome stage maps & profiles: 2013 Combined Stage and Profile PDF
Start: Escondido, CA (San Diego County) - southern California
Finish: Santa Rosa, CA (Sonoma County) - northern California
Race Maps: by Strava and google
Pedal Dancer posts for 2013 - post-race
Photo of the Day: Two well-traveled fans
Pedal Dancer Cruisin' California 2013 - at the race
Pedal Dancer Cruisin' California fan travel series and daily Results from the 2013 Tour of California. A full week of covering the race is complete for 2013.
- Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
- Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
- Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
- Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
- Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results
- Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
- Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
- Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
- Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
- Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California
- Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results
- Pedal Dancer Stage 7 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Results
- Watch the Final Stage of Tour of California Live
- Pedal Dancer Stage 8 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 8 Results, final
- Team Jerseys for the Tour of California
- Photo of the Day: Bike Bags (with Trek bikes)
- Riders at the 2013 Tour of California (Photos of riders by Pedal Dancer)
- California Here I come (Pedal Dancer Fan Travel Guide to Santa Barbara)
- Teams for 2013 Tour of California Announced
- 2013 Tour of California Route Maps & Stage Info
- 2013 Tour of California Route Announced
- Tour of California vs. USA Pro Challenge
2013 Amgen Tour of California
RESULTS 2013
General Classification (yellow jersey)
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
Sprint Classification (green jersey)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
KOM Classification (polka dot jersey)
Carter Jones (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling - his 6th stage!
Best Young Rider (white jersey)
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team
Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider
Jason McCartney (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling Team
Team Classification
BMC Racing Team - took over the lead in the Team Classification.
Top 10 General Classification Stage 8, final standings:
- Tejay van Garderen, BMC, USA,
- Michael Rogers, Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, Australia,
- Janier Acevedo Calle, Jamis, Columbia,
- Mathias Frank, BMC, Switzerland,
- Cameron Meyer, Orica-GreenEdge, Australia,
- Matthew Busche, RadioShack Leopard Trek, USA,
- Francisco Mancebo Perez, 5-Hour Energy, Spain,
- Lawson Craddock, Bontrager, Australia,
- Philip Deignan, United Healthcare, Ireland,
- Chad Haga, Optum, USA,
April 28, 2013 - L' Etape du California - Mt Diablo (Tour of California stage for citizens)
May 11, 2013 - L' Etape du California - Escondido (Tour of California stage for citizens)
2013 Amgen Tour of California route and host cities
Stage
Stage 1 Sunday, May 12 Escondido
Stage 2 Monday, May 13 Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
Stage 3 Tuesday, May 14 Palmdale to Santa Clarita
Stage 4 Wednesday, May 15 Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
Stage 5 Thursday, May 16 Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
Stage 6 Friday, May 17 San Jose (Individual Time Trial) (M & W)
Stage 7 Saturday, May 18 Livermore to Mt. Diablo
Stage 8 Sunday, May 19 San Francisco to Santa Rosa
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| 2013 Tour of California race leaders jersey |
Riders for 2013 Amgen Tour of California
The official roster (start list) has been released, but thre prevailing sources do not agree: view Pro Cycling Stats rider list here. Or the roster (with gaps) from VeloNews.com.
I encourage all fans to get to know the European riders, they are incredible athletes and HUGE in their home-countries. To have the kind of access that we are afforded as fans at the Tour of California is a big deal.
According to Pro Cycling Stats - the top 15 competitors are:
1.SAGAN Peter 2635
2.CHAVANEL Sylvain 1356
3.VAN GARDEREN Tejay 1262
4.GILBERT Philippe 1240
5.WESTRA Lieuwe 824
6.MEERSMAN Gianni 764
7.ROGERS Michael 688
8.LEUKEMANS Bjorn 574
9.DE GENDT Thomas570
10.ZUBELDIA Haimar522
11.FARRAR Tyler 495
12.PINOTTI Marco 445
13.FLECHA Juan Antonio 416
14.HOWARD Leigh 370
15.CARUSO Damiano 358
Teams for 2013 Tour of California
UCI ProTeams
BMC Racing Team, USA
Cannondale Pro Cycling, Italy
Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team, Belgium
Orica GreenEDGE, Australia
RadioShack Leopard Trek, Luxembourg
Team Garmin-Sharp, USA
Team Saxo-Tinkoff, Denmark
Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team, The Netherlands
UCI Professional Continental Teams
Champion System Pro Cycling Team, China
Team NetApp-Endura, Germany
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, USA
UCI Continental Teams
5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team, USA
Bissell Pro Cycling, USA
Bontrager Cycling Team, USA
Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies, USA
Team Jamis – Hagens Berman, USA
TV Coverage and Race App
Wondering how you can watch the coverage of the Tour of California in 2013 - NBS Sports Network has committed to providing a preview show as well as daily highlights of Stages 1-7, in addition to airing 2 hours of the final stage LIVE on their primary NBC station.
TV Schedule:
Sunday, May 5th, Preview Show
5:30 p.m. EDT/2:30 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network
Sunday, May 12th, daily, through Saturday May 18th, Daily Race Highlights
5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT live on NBC Sports Network
Sunday, May 19th, LIVE Coverage (Final Stage 8)
1-3p.m. EDT/10a.m.-12p.m. PDT live on NBC
Tour of California Finale
The Amgen Tour of California wraps up Sunday morning. Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. PDT (California time). Watch it live http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/
Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker app
Also download the official Amgen Tour Tracker app for real race viewing and standings: Daily streaming available - get it on Google play or download from the Apple App Store, with a ticker updates, gps tracking of riders, and fan chat. Free worldwide. The app is slightly delayed! So becareful not to use it for your timing to come out of that shaded cafe where you are enjoying your beer before the race arrives outside - you'll miss it. Also don't read Twitter until you have watched the finish yourself
Twitter
There is a really obnoxious phenomena of tweeters who feel the need to do play by play on twitter, sitting in their chairs at home. I wish they would leave it to the best resources like the official race tweets. I would recommend reading the live text coverage by CyclingNews.com or Live Update Guy instead.
There is a really obnoxious phenomena of tweeters who feel the need to do play by play on twitter, sitting in their chairs at home. I wish they would leave it to the best resources like the official race tweets. I would recommend reading the live text coverage by CyclingNews.com or Live Update Guy instead.
International race viewing
For international fans, please visit Steephill.TV and the list of live or recorded links to view the Tour of California in Europe. Last year the Tour of California was shown on Eurosport and on SBS in Australia. (1 mile = 1.60934 km). International links to coverage (bottom of page): http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-california/
2013 News
NBC Sports Group Returns as Live Broadcast Partner
Tour of California announces names for Women’s Invitational Time Trial By Velonation
Gilbert will race 2013 Amgen Tour, but may sit out the Tour de France By VeloNews
TOC Presents Official Race Jersey and Uniform Partner for 2013
ROUTE
Route description and details for 2013 ATOC (Amgen Tour of California)
I just love this race. Every year when the detailed route is revealed I get so excited to see which roads will be used to highlight my home state of California. I also wait in anticipation to foresee the obvious mistakes (can you say Bakersfield?). This year I am looking forward to the changes and especially the return to some of the most magnificent tourist cities and mountain climbs California has to offer.
This year the race starts in southern California and heads north to finishacross the bay in Santa Rosa. The race also begins on a Sunday and ends on a Sunday this year, taking advantage of better TV coverage and weekend crowds. That mean 8 stages in this year's Amgen Tour of California. I'm going!
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| The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco |
Stage 1, Presented by Nissan: Sunday, May 12 – Escondido
2013 ATOC Stage 1: route map, profile, and stage information
Start/Finish Location: Broadway and Grand Ave.
Start Time: 11:15 a.m.
Stage Length: 104.3 miles
VIP Experiences Escondido Out Front – Team Presentation Gala
Downtown Event Map and Schedule
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Escondido
KEY FEATURES: Climbing begins on day 1 at mile 12, climb of Mt Palomar (from the eastern slope) summits by mile 50, followed by a fast descent and a final sprint in town. Start and finish are from the same city of Escondido.
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| Stage 1 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
2013 ATOC Stage 2: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Murrieta City Hall/Town Square Park
Finish Location: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (short hilltop finish)
Start Time: 10:20 a.m.
Stage Length: 126.1 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Murrieta
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Palm Springs
KEY FEATURES: Rides through Temecula Valley wine country, climbs up the San Jacinto Mountains to the hamlet of Idyllwild, stage will finish up Tramway Road climb to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway parking lot. The last 3.8 miles gains 1,880 feet of elevation (average over 9%) – "one of the toughest climbs anywhere".
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| Stage 2 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
2013 ATOC Stage 3: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Marie Kerr Park
Finish Location: Magic Mountain Parkway
Start Time: 11:20 a.m.
Stage Length: 111.8 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Palmdale
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Clarita
KEY FEATURES: Enters San Francisquito Canyon, with a 22-mile climb up Lake Hughes Road and a gradual 18-mile descent down Spunky Canyon and Bouquet Road, with a field sprint expected into Santa Clarita.
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| Stage 3 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
2013 ATOC Stage 4: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Theater Drive and Town Center
Finish Location: Cabrillo Blvd.
Start Time: 12:35 p.m.
Stage Length: 84.7 miles
PEDAL DANCER FAN TRAVEL GUIDE: California Here I come
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Clarita
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Barbara
LOCAL CYCLING ROUTES: biking near Santa Barbara
KEY FEATURES: This route was done previously in reverse, the first 33 miles are basically downhill, followed by a 9-mile climb to a KOM and a technical descent of Dennison Grade, followed by a sprint in Ojai, a climb up Casitas Pass and a flat fast finish along the beach into beautiful Santa Barbara.
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| Stage 4 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
2013 ATOC Stage 5: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Cabrillo Blvd.
Finish Location: Front St.
Start Time 11 a.m.
Stage Length: 116.4 miles
PEDAL DANCER FAN TRAVEL GUIDE: California Here I come
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Barbara
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Avila Beach
KEY FEATURES: Rise and shine, the climb starts at mile 7.77 today over San Marcos Pass, it then skirts the town of Solvang through Los Olivos and up Foxten Canyon (a wonderful bike ride through wine county) across agricultural lands arriving into the quaint beach town of Avila Beach.
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| Stage 5 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
2013 ATOC Stage 6: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Bailey Ave.
Finish Location: Metcalf Road – Metcalf Motorcycle Park (short hilltop finish)
Start Time: 12:50 p.m.
Stage Length: 19.6 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about San Jose
KEY FEATURES: I hope you got in your car and drove because suddenly we are in northern California (south of San Francisco). Returning to the town of San Jose for a 20-mile semi-loop/uphill individual time trial. The route is south of downtown SJ with a start near Calero Reservoir and a finish up Metcalf Rd at the motorcycle park. (3km of nearly 10%).
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| Stage 6 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
2013 ATOC Stage 7: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: 3rd St./Carnegie Park
Finish Location: Mount Diablo – summit parking lot (mountain top finish)
Start Time: 11:35 a.m.
Stage Length: 91.4 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Livermore
LOCAL CYCLING ROUTES: biking near Livermore
MOUNTAIN HIGHLIGHT: Route & Location information about Mount Diablo
KEY FEATURES: Departing Livermore the peloton will ride out Morgan Territory Road, Patterson Pass Rd, looping back through Livermore for a sprint (this town is always an excellent host), and finally up famous Mt Diablo. For 2013 an additional 4.5 miles of climbing was added for a longer mountain top finish (11m climb).
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| Stage 7 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
Location: Marina Green
Finish Location: 3rd Street and Santa Rosa Ave.
Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Estimated Finish: 11:40 a.m.
Stage Length: 86.2 miles
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about San Francisco
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Route & City information about Santa Rosa
KEY FEATURES: San Francisco, departing across the bay with a rolling traffic break over the Golden Gate Bridge (at approx. 8:20.a.m.)(the bridge sidewalk will be open to spectators), into Sausalito, up beautiful Highway 1, Point Reyes National Seashore, Occidental and ending with two finishing circuits in Santa Rosa. Done.
Individual Time Trial Start List for Friday Amgen Tour of California (ITT order of riders):
The best way to track the order and times of riders is to use your Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker app on your phone or ipad.
For a printable list of riders: Stage 6 ITT Start Order and Rider Start Times
Stage 5 ResultsSee Fan tips for watching the ITT in San Jose by Pedal Dancer: How to watch a really fast time trial
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| Stage 8 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile) |
About the Cities of the Tour of California
About cycling near the cities of
- Livermore
- Santa Barbara
- 2013 Amgen Tour of California merchandise
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| 2013 Amgen Race Leader Jersey |
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| 2013 Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey |
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| 2013 Visit California Sprint Jersey |
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| 2013 Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey |
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| 2013 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider Jersey |
And for the fans:
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| 2013 ATOC Limited Edition Commemorative Jersey (Buy now) |
Learn the jerseys of the teams and the classification jerseys of the tour:
TEAM JERSEYS
More about the teams on the official ATOC website: Teams
Buy your jersey now: Purchase ATOC Classification jerseys
POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION AND STAGE WINNERS
General Classification (Overall Contenders)
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Michael Rogers (AUS), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
Andy Schleck (LUX), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
Thomas De Gendt (BEL), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by
Climbers
Andy Schleck (LUX), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Markel Irizar Aranburu (ESP), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
Amael Moinard (FRA), BMC Racing Team
Timmy Duggan (USA), Team Saxo-Tinkoff
Francisco Mancebo (ESP), 5-Hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team
Mathias Frank (SUI), BMC Racing Team
Chris Butler (USA), Champion System Pro Cycling Team
Haimar Zubeldia (ESP), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Sprinters
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Tyler Farrar (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Thor Hushovd (NOR), BMC Racing Team
Cameron Meyer (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
Baden Cooke (AUS) ORICA GreenEDGE
J.J. Haedo (ARG), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
Jacobe Keough (USA), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
Frank Pipp (USA), BISSELL Pro Cycling
Lawson Craddock (USA), Bontrager Cycling Team
Lieuwe Westra (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Boy van Poppel (NED), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Stage Wins (One-Day Strongmen)
Peter Sagan (SVK), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Jens Voigt (GER), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
Johan Van Summeren (BEL), Team Garmin-Sharp
Philippe Gilbert (BEL), BMC Racing Team
Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
Brian Vandborg (DEN), Cannondale Pro Cycling
Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP), Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
Time Trialists
Jens Voigt (GER), RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK
David Zabriskie (USA), Team Garmin-Sharp
Bert Grabsch (GER), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
Tejay van Garderen (USA), BMC Racing Team
Brent Bookwalter (USA), BMC Racing Team
Cameron Meyer (AUS), ORICA GreenEDGE
Jeremy Vennell (NZL), BISSELL Pro Cycling
Tom Zirbel (USA), Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies
Sylvain Chavanel (FRA), Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA), Team Jamis-Hagens Berman
Marco Pinotti (ITA), BMC Racing Team
Fan Education:
Learn more about the pro team bikes, equipment, and jerseys:
Bikes of The Peloton : 2013 ProTeam Rides, By Cycling Tips (*Why repeat what someone else has done marvelously by capturing pictures of every road bike in the professional cycling ProTeams for 2013).
2013 Cycling Jerseys, By Ciclismo (*Again why repeat a perfectly good project that probably took this blogger hours to complete - thank you!)
2013 Riders and teams DatabaseBy CyclingNews.com (Lists of riders, managers, Directeurs sportifs, neo pros, and which riders left the teams in 2012.
2013 Team and Rider Statistics, By ProCyclingStats (team rosters, calendars, race rosters, race results, and rankings)
Pro Team Sponsors: What Do They Do? By The Inner Ring
ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Bikes, Components, Wheels and Tires By Pedal Dancer
ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Pedals, Saddles, Clothing, and Helmets By Pedal Dancer
2013 Pro Teams, and Social Media links (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, websites) By Pedal Dancer
Road Closures for the Tour of California
Please refer to the information provided by each city. At the bottom of the Official Amgen Tour of California host city pages you can find links to the cities websites with more information about traffic and road closures.
Stage 1 5/12 Escondido (City Tour Site)
Stage 2 5/13 Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
Stage 3 5/14 Palmdale to Santa Clarita
Stage 4 5/15 Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
Stage 5 5/16 Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
Stage 6 5/17 San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 7 5/18 Livermore to Mt. Diablo
Stage 8 5/19 San Francisco to Santa Rosa
Which roads will be used for the Tour of California? For an estimation of when the riders will be on which roads, please see the detailed timetable (below) of when and where the race will progress and on which local streets (route map below). More information can be found under the individual city spectator guides.
Stage 1 : Route Map | timetable | Escondido spectator guide
Stage 2 : Route Map | timetable | ATOC Stage 2 page
Stage 3 : Route Map | timetable | Palmdale spectator guide
Stage 4 : Route Map | timetable | Santa Clarita spectators
Stage 5 : Route Map | timetable | Santa Barbara spectators
Stage 6 : Route Map | timetable | San Jose FB page
Stage 7 : Route Map | timetable | ATOC Stage 7 page
Stage 8 : Route Map | timetable | Santa Rosa spectators
How to read a Stage Log (time table):
The start time is always definite. Every street and turn along the route is listed. Because the organizers of the race are not certain how fast the riders will be racing, they give several approximations of times based on average speed of a rider. The first column lists the slowest possible time at 22 mph for this stage, (speeds will vary based on flat or climbing stages). Column 2, 3, and 4 list other faster times according to increasing speeds. As fans it is best to be there by at least the fastest time listed on the log, but not to expect the riders until the slowest time listed in column 1 of the log. This insures that you will not miss seeing the race. Try to arrive much earlier to enjoy the atmosphere and avoid traffic. Pay attention to road closures.
Fun education about cycling by Pedal Dancer®
- Word of the Day: Dossard
- Word of the Day: Prologue
- Word of the Day: Tifosi
- Word of the Day: Stagiaire
- Word of the Day: Penultimate
- Word of the Day: Embrocation
- Word of the Day: Professional Cycling Teams
- Word of the Day at the TDF: voiture balai
- Word of the Day at the TDF: Boucle
- Word of the Day at the TDF: contre la montre
Cycling Terminology for the Amgen Tour of California
Riders: In professional cycling the racers are generally called riders as opposed to racers or cyclists.
Staff: A cycling team is made up of many parts beyond the riders. The Team Manager handles general operations, commitments, and sponsorship. Directeurs Sportif drive the team cars and plan race strategy. Coaches, Therapists, and Team Doctors work together to train and keep the athletes healthy and riding well. Mechanics maintain all team equipment. Soigneurs are the run around guys/gals handling bags and supplies, food and water, clothing, and set-up while making sure the riders know the way to the sign-in stage, start line, and hotel. They also give bidons and swag to small children. Some soigneurs also give massage after the race to riders, or the team might have a designated Masseuse. Most of the team staff are a friendly bunch, but their priorities are rider safety and support so always stay outside the rope lines and ask first for autographs or swag.
Roster: A list of each rider on each team, their country, and their bib (dossard) number. Bring a roster with you so you may easily identify riders. Both the rider and their bike will be numbered. Some riders have their last name on their jersey of helmet.
Route map (parcours): The course or path the riders will take from start to finish. Some stages will have laps where riders will repeat the same few blocks within the stage. Stage 8 has 5 laps before the finish.
Stage profile: Maps the ascents and descents along a stage. It is often fun for fans to see the riders on a climb where the rider's speed slows slightly (or coming around a corner).
Rolling neutral start: Riders begin at a start line but do not begin racing until a few blocks or miles into the route (the distance varies). A neutral start is used if the start area conditions are narrow, crowded, or unsafe for race conditions. A neutral start is also sometimes used as a show of respect. Stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 all have neutral starts this year.
Rolling Closure: Rolling road closures affect all traffic on the race route - roads are not considered "closed" but instead closed as the riders proceed along the route, enabling the racers to maintain a race speed. Rolling closures are exactly controlled and orchestrated by police, race marshals, local volunteers, and race officials for the safety of both riders and citizens. Roads are closed to all on-coming and entering traffic 20-30 minutes before the race caravan passes a stretch of road. Once the line of riders and official cars have passed each section safely, the road section will be immediately re-opened by officials or volunteers. Rolling closures are temporary moving closures, expect delays of 30-45 minutes.
Road Closure: Road Closures are completely closed to auto traffic, but often remain open to pedestrian foot traffic and bike traffic up until a set time prior to the race passing through. Road Closure times will be posted by city officials notifying citizens ahead of time, all citizens must obey. Road closures are strictly enforced and necessary for safety, with no exceptions other than official race vehicles allowed passage.
KOM (King of Mountain): First rider to the top of a designated climb on the race route. Riders receive points, the rider with the most points wins the King of the Mountain (KOM) (climber's) jersey. The jersey transfers each day to the rider with the most points overall. There may be more than one KOM point in a stage, Stage 4 has 6 KOMs.
Sprint: First rider to a designated sprint line on the race route. Riders receive points, the rider with the most points wins the sprint (green) jersey. The jersey transfers each day to the rider with the most points overall. There may be more than one KOM point in a stage.
Leader: There will be a current leader out on course while the race is taking place, but the overall Leader (yellow jersey) is the rider with the lowest (fastest) overall time for all stages. The winner of each day's stage is called the Stage Winner, not the Leader.
Feed zone: A designated area on the route where team staff must pass out food bags (musettes) to the riders containing food. Water may be handed to riders through team cars throughout the stage.
Breakaway: 1 to a few riders who are leading the race and ahead of the main peloton.
Peloton: The main pack of riders chasing the lead breakaway.
Podium girls: A tradition in professional cycling to have 2 beautiful women present the awards to the riders at the finish of every stage.
Podium: Each day the top three riders finishing the stage are awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes on the podium. Then the 6 overall Classification jerseys are awarded.
Classification Jerseys: Awards for best type of rider in a field. This year the Tour of California will feature 6 classifications: Leader (fastest overall time, yellow jersey), Most Courageous (by vote, white jersey), Mountain (climber, red polka dot jersey), Sprint (fastest sprinter, green jersey), Best Young rider (under the age of 23, orange jersey), Most Aggressive (most combative/competitive, black jersey). As the stage race progresses the overall classification winner is presented with his jersey after each stage and will wear the jersey at the start of the next day's stage. View the Official 2012 Jerseys.
Stage Race: a cycling race consisting of more than one day of racing, where points and time is tallied every day to determine an overall winner at the end of the race. The 2012 Amgen Tour of California will have 8 stages.
Bib Number or Dossard: please read an earlier Pedal Dancer post to understand how riders are numbered: Word of the Day: Dossard
*For more terminology read a far more advanced international version read The Inner Ring's glossary of cycling terms Lexicon.
Options for viewing the race for Fans:
Choose your experience as a fan:
- Start Area: Lots to see as teams and riders prepare for the days race, fun photographs and autographs. Good for families and knowledgeable fans. Fantastic during Individual Time Trials as the riders warm up, weigh & measure bikes and roll down the start ramp.
- In any town: You can sit and enjoy a meal at a cafe and then go to the side of the road to watch the riders race by. Good for locals or those wanting to avoid the crowds.
- In the countryside: You may picnic or hike before the riders come through on the road, then watch the flash of color roar by.
- On a mountain: Cycle out to a mountain pass to watch the riders climb - lots of atmosphere and fun with the fans. Good for cyclists.
- Finish Area: Enjoy a meal before or after the finish. Visit the Festival of vendors and sponsors. Watch a very fast exciting sprint finish to the line. Limited rider viewing, but fun anticipation and event atmosphere.
- Stay over in a host city if possible, sometimes you will see staff walking around the bustling towns, mechanics working on the bikes, or the riders stopping in for an early morning coffee.
Typical timing of a race day for fans:
- 8:00-9:00 - arrive, park, have a meal in a restaurant or coffee shop (arrive 2-3 hrs before the start time), or begin your ride out onto the course.
- 9:00-12:00 - watching fans, staff, riders at the Start area prepare for the day. Team buses arrive 1.5-2 hours before the start time.
- 10:30-12:00 - the race begins from the Start village. The roads in the direction of the race will not be passable while the riders are racing on them. Individual Time Trials start about 1pm.
- 1:00-3:00 - riders hit the climbs for the day. Use your Apps to track the race.
- 2:00-4:00 - watching fans and waiting for riders at the Finish area. The Lifestyle Festival is typically large and active at the Finish.
- 4:00-5:00 - riders race across the Finish line.
- 5-5:30ish - awards ceremony on the podium at the stage near the finish line (within 30 minutes of the finish). Bikes are cleaned and packed up near the team buses. Riders might transfer to nearby team hotels in team cars. If the team travels to another city, they will load in the big team buses.
- 5:30-7 - give back to the host city and take in a meal, shop, or hotel it while the traffic settles.
Don't forget to bring your cowbells!
And wear your tshirts and hats, and bring your flags ... |
| Which hat should I wear? |
REPORTS FROM - 2012 Amgen Tour of California - by PEDAL DANCER
- Jens Voigt on the Podium
- 2012 Time Trial Bikes
- Faces of the races (TV cameraman at ATOC)
- Recommended viewing: Aaaaand Go! (Ted King)
- Images of the Day: Maarten Tjallingii & Provence
- Time Trial legs
- Who is that voice on stage? - an interview with Announcer Brad Sohner
- You are looking good
- The fans want Podium Girls?
- Photographs from Amgen Tour of California
2012 Pedal Dancer Amgen Tour of California - Travel Series
- Traveling at the Tour of California Stage 1
- Traveling at the Tour of California Stage 2
- Traveling at the Tour of California Stage 3
- Traveling at the Tour of California Stage 4
- At the Race - Tour of California Stage 5
- At the Race - Tour of California Stage 6
- Watching the Tour of California
- Pedal Dancer Photographers
- Team Rosters and Sponsors 2012 Tour of California
- Amgen Tour of California Race Experience
- What is America's Toughest Stage Race?
- Spectator Guide Amgen Tour of California
- Amgen Tour of California Schedule of TV coverage (and Tour Tracker!)
- Nissan Ride Before the Pros'
- 2012 l'Etape du California results
- Tour of California teams announced for 2012 (and VIP)
- 2012 Tour of California route announced
- Details on 2012 Tour of California route
- Stage routes, maps, profiles - 2012 Amgen Tour of California
- Jerseys of the 2012 Tour of California
- Breakaway from Cancer® Champion
Pedal Dancer Photos from 2012
Recognizing your favorite rider is a big part of the fun of being a fan the races..... learn these faces. All photos ©By Karen at Pedal Dancer® click any image to enlarge
I am betting on Tejay for 2013!
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| Tejay van Garderen ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Joanna, Tejay and Allison on the podium in 2012 ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Tejay in the white jersey at Tour de France 2012 ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
And I'll put my money on Peter Sagan again (easy bet), it is so much fun to watch this kid race a bike.
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| Peter Sagan in Beverly Hills ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein for Pedal Dancer® |
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| Peter Sagan at ATOC sign in 2012. ©Photo by Willie Reichenstein for Pedal Dancer® |
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| Peter Sagan at ATOC ITT 2012. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Peter Sagan and Tejay van Garderen at ATOC 2012 ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Jens Voigt at the 2012 Tour of California ©By Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Robert Gesink won the 2012 Tour of California ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Robert Gesink at 2012 Tour of California, with Joanna and Allison, who will be back as Podium Girls for 2013 |
Looking back at the race (archived) - 2012 Amgen Tour of California - Fan Guide Page
Looking back at the race (archived) - 2011 and 2010 Amgen Tour of California - Fan Guide Page