SOLVANG - The Amgen Tour of California is returning to the Central Coast in time for Solvang's year-long Centennial celebration.
It's the fourth time the popular tourist town will play host to one of professional cycling's premier events.
Stage Six will be held on Friday, May 20th starting at the intersection of Mission Drive or Highway 246 and First Street in the heart of downtown.
Local organizers and sponsors gathered in Solvang Park for the unveiling of the new Stage Six route for this year's Tour in May.
The big change this year comes at the northern tip of the route where the cyclists will have to navigate a sharp s-curve and u-turn from Santa Barbara Avenue near Los Olivos onto Ballard Canyon Road.
The 15 mile stage then comes back into downtown Solvang for the finish on First Street.
"Solvang's individual time trial stage will be seen in over 200 countries from above and below", says Tracy Farhad of the Solvang Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Many in the cycling world agree the Tour of California is fast becoming one of the premier professional events in the world.
"You notice more and more of the big name European riders are coming over", says Spencer Smithman, a team trainer preparing for the Tour, "in preparation for the Tour de France or leaving out other big races like the Tour of Italy."
"This place is epic to ride", says avid cyclist Mike Hecker, "you have trade teams coming here still to train, you have training camps held by Carmichael training systems, and other companies, you have touring companies like Trek bicycle excursions that come here like monthly."
The return of the Amgen Tour of California to Solvang will be a major financial shot in the arm for the tiny tourist mecca which is made up mostly of small businesses.
"We will have people from all over the state, all over the country, all over the world coming to see it live or watching it on television", says local Santa Barbara County Supervisor Doreen Farr.
"This event of course raises worldwide awareness of our fair valley beyond compare", Farhad adds, "positive economic impact to Santa Barbara County, priceless."
It's estimated the Amgen Tour of California will pump hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Santa Ynez Valley economy between now and when Stage Six is held in May.
