Community & Economic Development staff announced in August that AEG Tour officials have offered the City of Modesto a start stage in the 2017 Amgen Tour of California. Staff will make a presentation and submit a Letter of Intent to the City Council on September 13th.
John Sanders, North Modesto Kiwanian and past member of the Local Organizing Committee shared the following, “I’m very excited to hear that Modesto has been offered the opportunity to host a stage start for the 2017 Amgen Tour of California. Modesto is home to many enthusiastic bicyclists and fans, which was evident in seeing our downtown sidewalks packed six to eight people deep, waiting for the start of the event. I look forward to Modesto hosting the 2017 Start Stage!”
The City of Modesto has always valued the relationship with AEG, promoter of the Amgen Tour of California. The City was host to the race in the past, once with a start stage and three times hosting finish stages between 2008 and 2011.
Apart from the community enthusiasm and benefits to residents, race enthusiasts, etc., the economic impact of hosting is substantial. The tour draws hundreds of visitors, fills hotels, restaurants, and increases business for service industries of all sorts.
The Tour of California is one of the world’s premier bicycle races. The next Amgen Tour of California will be held in May, 2017.