For a third time, Morro Bay has been chosen as one of the Amgen Tour of California host cities. On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, the breathtaking Morro Bay waterfront will serve as the Stage 4 race finish area for the weeklong prestigious international professional cycling race. Everyone is invited to celebrate America’s biggest race as well as the Central Coast’s love of cycling and healthy lifestyle.
The Amgen Tour of California challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines. In previous years, participants included UCI World Tour teams, Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and other World Champions, qualifying the Tour of California as one of the most important cycling races in the world. The 14th edition of the 7-stage race is scheduled to take place May 12-18, 2019.
Photo by Hunter Kilpatrick
“We are beyond thrilled to host this prestigious race in Morro Bay and show off our awesome community to the rest of the world,” said Morro Bay Mayor, Jamie Irons. “Morro Bay truly is a cyclist’s paradise with our picturesque views and open roads.”
The City of Morro Bay is working with Race SLO to produce a first class finish line, a festival to showcase Morro Bay as a premier cycling destination and to build connections with the valued cycling community members. The festival is free to the public, with live music, vendors, food and beverage offerings.
The public is also invited to a fundraising community fun ride and fun walk, at lunchtime on May 14, with all proceeds benefiting Bike SLO County. Bike SLO County is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, advocate, and work to build a safe, healthy and connected community through bicycling.
The popularity of cycling is rising. In 2017, estimated 3.8 million visitors included biking in their vacation plans according to Visit California. In 2017, when the Amgen Tour of California finished the third stage in Morro Bay, the event drew thousands of people to town. The 2018 Amgen Tour was seen by an estimated 15.92 million worldwide TV viewers, and 125 million checked in on the race via social media.
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About Morro Bay
A true gem, this seaside fishing village with bustling waterfront offers a picture perfect getaway for travelers who seek food, wine and outdoor adventures found in a gorgeous natural setting. Located along coastal Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County just south of Big Sur, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay offers year round activities in an unspoiled slice of California. Recently recognized as her home in Finding Dory, Morro Bay was named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, and outdoor activities are a way of life. From ocean-side golf, kayaking, sailing, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, and bird watching, to kite flying, shopping, dining, wine bars, local craft brews and miles of unspoiled beaches, there is something for everyone.
Sitting majestically between the beach and the harbor lays the iconic and historic landmark Morro Rock, welcoming travelers from miles away as they approach Morro Bay. Located just minutes from world-renowned Hearst Castle, historic missions, breathtaking Montana de Oro State Park, and surrounded by vineyards from Paso Robles to Edna Valley, Morro Bay is a destination designed to fit any style and budget for families, couples or groups. Morro Bay also offers a myriad of year-round events including food, wine and music festivals, art fairs and car shows unique to the town. For more travel information, follow Morro Bay on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest or visit www.morrobay.org.
About Race SLO
Established in 2008 to bring world class sporting events to the beautiful California Central Coast, the 2018 Race SLO endurance event portfolio included the inaugural California Warrior Experience, 7th SLO Marathon + Half, Relays and 5K plus Kids Races, 3rd SLO Ultra trail races and the US Trail Running Conference. In 2018 Race SLO launched the new Endurance Town USA Podcast and a new Headstrong Fit Endurance Team for SLO County athletes to train and race together. Race SLO Team produces both fun & competitive endurance events year-round to create human connection through fitness while raising funds for local nonprofits: Jack’s Helping Hand, The Land Conservancy of SLO, Team Red, White & Blue, Grizzly Youth Academy and SLO County Parks. Over the last 10 years, Race SLO has helped raise and donated over $250,000 to nonprofits in our community.
Race SLO Mission: Through human experiences, we create social & economic impact to share our legacy.
Visit RaceSLO.com for more information.
