After months of planning and anticipation, it’s finally here. The Amgen Tour of California races into Solvang for individual time trials on Feb. 20.
Solvang Park kicks off the day with a free lifestyle festival running from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Find health and fitness tests, booths, race merchandise for sale, and live broadcasts of the race on a big-screen TV.
The starting line stage area is open to the public at Mission Drive and First Street. The “Race of Truth” amateur time trial ceremonies start at 11 a.m. Hear the national anthem sung by four Solvang Middle School students, then watch the fundraiser race made up of 30 non-professional riders from around the country. Proceeds benefit the Solvang Local Organizing Committee to help defray costs of hosting the Tour.
At 11:45 a.m., local dignitaries and organizers will kick off the big race with rider introductions, a blessing of the riders, a presentation of colors, and another rendition of the national anthem.
Noon marks the first pro rider (the last-ranked cyclist) hitting the course, followed by riders every minute afterward. The last rider should leave the gate at around 2:10 p.m.
Competitors should start cycling into the finish line stage area at about 12:35 p.m., continuing until just before 3 p.m. Closing ceremonies will follow.
For more information, visit tourofcalifornia-solvang.com or call 588-5942.
Executive Editor Ryan Miller compiled this week’s Sports Shorts. Send items for consideration to rmiller@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 19-26, 2009.