February 9, 2010 – Specific route details for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race are being announced this week via specially-produced videos highlighting each of the race’s eight stages. Today’s videos, which were produced by the cities of Nevada City, Sacramento, Davis and Santa Rosa, highlight Stages 1 and 2 of the race, and can be found on the Amgen Tour of California Web site here. All eight stages will be posted by Friday, Feb. 12.

Stage 1: Nevada City to Sacramento (Sunday, May 16)


The 2010 Amgen Tour of California will begin with the first-ever visit to the picturesque town of Nevada City, Calif., which also will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nevada City Classic, in which many notable riders got their start. From there, the riders will head south en route to Sacramento, traveling through Grass Valley and Old Town in Auburn. Heading out of Auburn, the cyclists will cross over the Auburn-Foresthill Bridge – the tallest bridge in California and the third highest in the U.S. A mostly downhill stage, which will certainly favor the sprinters, will be abruptly interrupted by a grueling climb from the American River to the town of Cool. Sacramento streets will once again see the teams finish with three blistering fast circuits around the State’s Capitol building. Check out more Stage 1 details here.

Stage 2: Davis to Santa Rosa (Monday, May 17)


The 2010 Amgen Tour of California route from Davis to Santa Rosa will provide plenty of scenic settings for both the cyclists and spectators. Beginning in the city of Davis, which recently was named the best cycling town in the United States by Bicycling Magazine, the route includes evenly spaced climbs throughout the stage and spectacular views. After 20 miles of flat roads, the riders will meet their first climb up a short, but steep section leading up to the Monticello Dam. This short climb is followed quickly by the difficult “Cardiac Hill.” Another long, flat section along Lake Berryessa will take the riders to their third climb up Howell Mountain Rd., followed by a fast descent into Napa Valley. The race will pass some of the most well-known vineyards in Napa Valley along the famous Silverado Trail. After the day’s final climb up the Oakville Grade, followed by a steep descent down Trinity Grade, the cyclists will finish the race in the hometown three-time defending champion Levi Leipheimer – Santa Rosa. In previous years, Santa Rosa fans have set the mark for one of the largest and most enthusiastic crowds of the entire race. Click here for more Stage 2 details.