Scenic coastal route starts in Pismo Beach and ends in Morro Bay

– The 2017 Amgen Tour of California, America’s most prestigious annual cycling event, will feature San Luis Obispo County for the fourth straight year. Offering a top-notch field of men’s professional teams in 2017, cyclists will race along one of the most scenic regions in California, beginning Stage 3 in Pismo Beach, riding through the heart of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL), and ending in Morro Bay.

The 12th annual Amgen Tour of California is a seven-stage race covering nearly 800 miles of California terrain May 11-20, 2017. This year’s event will include 17 of the world’s most decorated and esteemed teams with many of the top cyclists in the world, competing for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.

In 2017, Amgen organizers at AEG worked in partnership with Visit SLO CAL, the City of Morro Bay and the City of Pismo Beach to bring this year’s event to the region. “Visit SLO CAL is proud to continue our partnership with AEG in sponsoring the 2017 Amgen Tour of California,” said
Brooke Burnham, VP of Marketing at Visit SLO CAL. “We are thrilled the Tour has chosen Pismo Beach as their Stage 3 start and Morro Bay as the finish line. Both offer iconic California backdrops and we look forward to showcasing San Luis Obispo County, to the regional, national and international audience, giving them a glimpse of our beautiful county.”

Stage 3 kicks off Tuesday, May 16, 2017, in Pismo Beach along the beautiful Pacific coastline. The Amgen Tour of California riders will take in all that SLO has to offer with beaches, sand dunes, vineyards and wineries along the way. The 113.7-mile course will sweep across Nipomo, Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo before riders head back to the coast and a finish in Morro Bay.

Both Pismo Beach and Morro Bay will be hosting events to coincide with the main race. In Pismo Beach, the celebration will begin on the morning of Tuesday, May 16, with the National Anthem at 10:40 a.m. Following the start of the race, visitors have the opportunity to sign up for their own competition Pismo-style, during the Surrey Bike Race. Before the race on Friday, May 12, the City of Pismo Beach will be featuring Disney’s MOANA at 8 p.m. at Dinosaur Caves Park. Guests can partake in food trucks, activities, tricycle races, a raffle and vendors starting at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Amgen’s Breakaway from Heart Disease initiative. “Pismo Beach is proud to again host the Amgen Tour of California,” said Jim Lewis, City Manager. “We are excited to represent Classic California, provide warm hospitality to world class riders, engage our community in pre-race events, and to raise funds on behalf of Amgen’s Breakaway from Heart Disease initiative.”

The City of Morro Bay will be holding their Community Bike Ride on Monday, May 15. Biking enthusiasts are encouraged to meet in City Park at 6:00 pm, and the ride will follow the Amgen Tour of California route through Morro Bay from the state park to the Embarcadero, and on to the finish
line. On race day, May 16, restaurants and bars throughout Morro Bay will host viewing parties.

“We are excited about being the Stage 3 Race Finish this year and look forward to the community coming together to once again welcome the cycling world to Morro Bay” said Ikani Taumoepeau, Morro Bay Deputy City Manager.

For more information on cycling events in SLO CAL, the region, or to book your stay during the Amgen Tour of California, visit www.SLOCAL.com.