The highlight of the U.S. cycling calendar is nearly here, and fans have the unique opportunity to experience America’s most prestigious professional cycling stage race, the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, from the inside.
Race organizers are recruiting nearly 5,000 volunteers to assist with the race along the approximately 750-mile course from Escondido to Santa Rosa, May 12 – 19, 2013. Race fans can sign up to volunteer at amgentourofcalifornia.com.
As one of the most anticipated professional cycling races on the international calendar, the Amgen Tour of California draws the world’s top cyclists to the Golden State to compete in front of millions of fans, as well as an international television audience. In 2013, for the first time in its eight years, the race will run from south to north, visiting 12 host cities for official stage starts and finishes.
Many of the volunteer positions available are Course Marshals, a critical race duty. Course Marshals are assigned along the race course to assist race staff and local law enforcement authorities in each city. They have the opportunity to be on the race route and close to the cyclists, helping to monitor pedestrian traffic, barricades and road closures, as well as keeping spectators informed as the race is in progress.
“The Amgen Tour of California is the largest outdoor sporting event in California, and it literally takes a village to ensure the race and spectator experience is the best of any cycling event in the nation,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the race and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “Our volunteers are the backbone of the race, not only in terms of the logistical support they provide, but in spreading their passion and enthusiasm for cycling to the millions of fans who will turn out across the state.”
Additional volunteer positions, such as media support, security and volunteer check-in, are being recruited by the 12 host cities as needed. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult. Shortly after filling out the online form at amgentourofcalifornia.com, applicants will be contacted by their local organizing committee with further information.
Schedule and route for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California:
- Stage 1: Sunday, May 12 – Escondido
- Stage 2: Monday, May 13 – Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
- Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
- Stage 4: Wednesday, May 15 – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
- Stage 5: Thursday, May 16 – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
- Stage 6: Friday, May 17 – San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
- Stage 7: Saturday, May 18 – Livermore to the Summit of Mount Diablo
- Stage 8: Sunday, May 19 – San Francisco to Santa Rosa
Photo © Christy Nicholson / EchelonDesignPhoto.com
