World’s Top Female Cyclists Contend Amgen Tour of California Time Trial


The second annual Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Race, presented by SRAM, is set to take place in Bakersfield during Stage 5 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California on Thursday, May 17. The Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Race will use the same course as Stage 5 of the men’s individual time trial in Bakersfield. The women’s event will be an invitation-only competition featuring the leading female athletes in the world of cycling, all vying for a piece of the $10,000 prize pool.

The Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Race will begin at 11:10 a.m. PDT on Thursday, May 17, with the women leaving at one-minute intervals. The men’s competition will follow beginning at 1 p.m. PDT. The women and men will navigate the same 18.4-mile course.

“AEG has the reputation of being staunch advocates and supporters of women’s cycling and once again including the women’s time trial as part of the Amgen Tour of California is further evidence of our commitment,” said Kristin Bachochin, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of AEG Sports. “The dedication and spirit of the incredible athletes from around the world who will compete in Bakersfield in the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Race should not only be commended but looked upon as examples for young women today embarking on athletic careers.”

This year’s competition race will have an exciting start as cyclists launch onto an immediate descent to Alfred Harrel Highway. From there, it will be a straight—but not exactly flat —route to the turnaround point at Lake Ming. The route around Bakersfield is full of 100-foot rollers, and as the riders approach the finish, they will be able to spot it from atop a 300-foot bluff. The cyclists will, however, need to save some energy for the China Grade, which presents an eight percent climb to the top and then a hard left, and it still won’t be over yet. They will face a slightly uphill, .44-mile run to the finish.

“It’s an honor to be one of ten athletes selected to compete in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Race,” said Kristin Armstrong, Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Race defending champion. “I’d like to thank AEG for their efforts and hard work on this event. Getting this race included in the Amgen Tour of California is such a wonderful opportunity to showcase women’s cycling, and to be able to do it on a stage where the whole world will be watching is fantastic!”

The Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Race will be featured on the May 17 NBC Sports Network broadcast of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California. The world’s greatest women’s time trialists have been invited to compete, including: Robin Farina, current 2011 Elite Road Race National Champion; Alison Powers, the 2008 National Time Trial champion; Kristin Armstrong, defending champion and 2008 Olympic Women’s Time Trial Gold Medalist; Emilia Fahlin, current National Time Trial Champion of Sweden; Tayler Wiles, the reigning champion of the 2011 U.S.A. U23 National Time Trial Championship; and first-year pro, Jade Wilcoxson, 2011 Nature Valley Grand Prix best amateur jersey.

“I applaud AEG for continuing to support a women’s race at the Amgen Tour of California,” commented Nicola Cranmer, General Manager, Exergy TWENTY12. “For time trial specialists, this event has now become an important part of the racing schedule. For me, as team manager, it is a critical event because of the media coverage, not to mention it’s a tremendous opportunity to showcase our athletes and partners.”

The current race roster is as follows:
1.      Alison Tetrick (Exergy TWENTY12), USA
2.      Tayler Wiles (Exergy TWENTY12), USA
3.      Kristin Armstrong (Exergy TWENTY12), USA
4.      Emilia Fahlin (Team Specialized-Lululemon), SWE
5.      Loren Rowney (Team Specialized-Lululemon), AUS
6.      Bridie O’Donnell (Vanderkitten-Focus), AUS
7.      Janel Holcomb (Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies), USA
8.      Jade Wilcoxson (Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies), USA
9.      Alison Powers (NOW and NOVARTIS for MS), USA
10.   Robin Farina (NOW and NOVARTIS for MS), USA

“It’s great that the Amgen Tour of California is committed to supporting women’s racing again in 2012,” remarked Kristy Scrymgeour, Team Owner and General Manager of Specialized-Lululemon. “We’re looking forward to bringing our riders to compete on a world stage and in front of the great crowds that California always provides.”

“The Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Ride has quickly evolved into being a central component of the Amgen Tour of California,” added Alison Powers, member of the 2012 NOW and Novartis for MS team. “The world of female cycling might finally receive the attention it deserves!”

The 2012 Amgen Tour of California Women’s Time Trial Ride is officially sponsored by SRAM, a long-standing, established supporter of women’s cycling.

“In 2011, SRAM jumped at the chance to support the Amgen Tour of California’s Women’s invitational Time Trial,” said Alex Wassman, SRAM US Road Sponsorship Manager. “With the London Olympics just around the corner, we are thrilled to again help construct this unique stage where the fastest and most acco

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