Women's Race Returns to Tour of California

by Jen See on Feb 22, 2010 2:11 PM EST in Women's Cycling

The 2010 Amgen Tour of California will again feature a women's race, the Sacramento Grand Prix. This year, the women will compete on the finishing circuit in Sacramento. Originally, talk circulated that the women would race in Nevada City, but the logistics proved impossible. The women's race will take place during the California's opening stage on 16 May.

Here is a map of the circuit:

Watch Twitter for updates on the Sacramento Grand Prix. The organizers have also put up a Facebook page for the race.

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Yay! Very cool. :)

…but boo! This means that both AToC start and this Sac race conflict with the combined state championship race of the northern and southern California High School Mountain bike racing leagues.

I want to have my cake and eat it, too. *pouts… :(

by gregm on Feb 22, 2010 2:23 PM EST reply actions

Same course as previous visits?
Seems like a boring course but it is hard and fast.
In ’08 or ’07, some joker was throwing tacks on the back stretch roadway. A ton of sudden flats, even the motos picked up half a dozen in each tire!
Somebody is not a fan.

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the Flag and carrying the Cross."
--Sinclair Lewis

by MavicMoto on Feb 22, 2010 3:54 PM EST reply actions

Length: 1.4 mile

Awesome crit monkey course.

by tedvdw on Feb 22, 2010 4:28 PM EST reply actions

As happy as I am that the women get to have a race...

It is such a shame that they are always stuck doing crits or short circuit races and not being able to go and do an 60-80 mile RR and get good prize money but whatever. At least they have a chance to race in front of a good crowd.

by Vlaanderen90 on Feb 22, 2010 4:47 PM EST reply actions

For sure!

Originally, last year, the plan was for a three-day stage race for the women. That thing would have totally rocked. Sadly, the orgs couldn’t make it happen – not enough money, apparently. Nevada City would have been cool, because it’s silly hilly there and the circuit is not your usual stage race. Also, it’s a lovely corner of the planet. This thing’s been so it’s happening, it’s not happening, this year that I’m just glad to see a women’s race at all.

Dear Tooth Fairy, Please bring more media exposure and sponsorship money to women’s cycling. XOXO, Gav.

by Jen See on Feb 22, 2010 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

Dear Media,

Watching the women race to Big Bear about 2 hours before the big boys would be fascinating. Incredible. I’d watch that in a heartbeat.

Thanks,
dansel

by Douglas Ansel on Feb 23, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions

That would be cool.

by Jen See on Feb 23, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

Hella cool

Maybe we need a PdC fundraiser? Like a bike wash?

by Douglas Ansel on Feb 23, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

Ha!

I think it would take quite a lot of bike washing to make that thing a go. But I do like how you think…

by Jen See on Feb 23, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions

You could make some money on this one

Give Didi a wash while you’re at it.

by Jens on Feb 23, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions

Dear Gavia

Please make women’s racing more exciting so it attracts more media exposure, which, in turn, will bring more sponsorship money to women’s cycling.

Signed,

The Tooth Fairy

by Chief Commissaire on Feb 22, 2010 9:40 PM EST reply actions

It's only exciting if the tooth fairy watches it

I sense a circular logic here.

by Douglas Ansel on Feb 22, 2010 11:52 PM EST up reply actions

I know chicken & egg discussions are notoriously difficult

but in this case I’m 99% sure you’ve got your poultry mixed up.

by Jens on Feb 23, 2010 3:08 AM EST up reply actions

Hmmm

I’ve long since learned that I’m a crappy barometer for what the public will like. But if I’m watching a race in person, I much prefer crits to road races. I think they’re exciting as hell. I also find that the womens races are as exciting as the mens, if not more. Maybe it’s because I’m lucky enough to live in a place with a lot of great women riders, but I certainly have never felt that the races I was watching lacked excitement.

"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."

by jsallee00 on Feb 23, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions