Amgen race starts in Sacramento, passes through Auburn and Lincoln — map

Stage 1, Presented by Visit California: Sunday, May 11 – Sacramento 
Start/Finish Location: State Capitol Building, L Street Start 
Time: 10:50 a.m. 
Stage Length: 123 miles

The 2014 Amgen Tour of California will begin and finish at the steps of the State Capital on L Street. As the route heads north out of the city, it will hug the east bank of the Sacramento River.

After passing through Pleasant Grove and a Sprint in Lincoln, the racers will head into one of the race’s favorite towns…Auburn. Here the race will contest the second sprint of Stage 1.

After a fast decent to the American River, the peloton will be confronted with a difficult climb up Hwy 49 and the third Sprint of the day in the town of Cool.

The riders then head south and west for a fast and flat run back into Sacramento. Once the race passes back through the start/finish line and what is sure to be a large and loud crowd, the race leaders will see three laps to go.

The circuit finish in Sacramento has delivered some of the most thrilling finishes in the race’s history. This year will be no different. The winner of this stage will be on his own in the defense of the yellow jersey at the time trial on Stage 2.

—Amgen Tour of California

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(Photo: Barry Walton)