george
03-25-2005, 02:45 AM
California to stage major cycling race
By JOHN NADEL, AP Sports Writer
March 24, 2005
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The inaugural Tour of California, a cycling race organizers hope will become the United States' version of the Tour de France, will be held early next year.
``There has been a long-standing appetite for a race like this in California for several reasons including the lifestyle, the scenery,'' Bob Colarossi, managing director of the race, told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Colarossi said race dates will be announced soon. Tentative plans call for an eight-stage race of more than 700 miles, with the event beginning in Northern California and finishing in Southern California.
``We need to make sure it fits in correctly with the international cycling schedule,'' Colarossi said. ``Just like the Tour de France, the route will be different every year. We hope to make this America's premier cycling race.''
The race will be officially announced Friday at Home Depot Center in nearby Carson.
Colarossi said it's hoped the world's top riders, including six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, will compete.
``Those are decisions that the riders make in conjunction with their teams,'' he said. ``The one thing I can tell you is we're going to develop this course with the riders in mind, to make sure this is a challenging race, and to make sure it's designed in such a way that it will attract all the top riders. We're going to invite all the top teams.''
Details regarding the course will be announced in the upcoming months, Colarossi said, adding that organizers hope to draw a million or more fans.
Organizers have petitioned the Union Cycliste International and USA Cycling to officially sanction the race, something Colarossi doesn't expect to be an issue.
Colarossi recently left his job as president of USA Gymnastics to work for AEG, a sports and entertainment group that will present and promote the Tour of California. The event's title sponsor along with other marketing and promotional partners will be announced later.
By JOHN NADEL, AP Sports Writer
March 24, 2005
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The inaugural Tour of California, a cycling race organizers hope will become the United States' version of the Tour de France, will be held early next year.
``There has been a long-standing appetite for a race like this in California for several reasons including the lifestyle, the scenery,'' Bob Colarossi, managing director of the race, told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Colarossi said race dates will be announced soon. Tentative plans call for an eight-stage race of more than 700 miles, with the event beginning in Northern California and finishing in Southern California.
``We need to make sure it fits in correctly with the international cycling schedule,'' Colarossi said. ``Just like the Tour de France, the route will be different every year. We hope to make this America's premier cycling race.''
The race will be officially announced Friday at Home Depot Center in nearby Carson.
Colarossi said it's hoped the world's top riders, including six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, will compete.
``Those are decisions that the riders make in conjunction with their teams,'' he said. ``The one thing I can tell you is we're going to develop this course with the riders in mind, to make sure this is a challenging race, and to make sure it's designed in such a way that it will attract all the top riders. We're going to invite all the top teams.''
Details regarding the course will be announced in the upcoming months, Colarossi said, adding that organizers hope to draw a million or more fans.
Organizers have petitioned the Union Cycliste International and USA Cycling to officially sanction the race, something Colarossi doesn't expect to be an issue.
Colarossi recently left his job as president of USA Gymnastics to work for AEG, a sports and entertainment group that will present and promote the Tour of California. The event's title sponsor along with other marketing and promotional partners will be announced later.