Folsom, CA ' The 2018 L'Etape California by Le Tour de France, a mass participation bike ride set to take place in Folsom on Sunday, September 2, has been postponed to Sunday, October 28th due to current air quality and other issues caused by the nearby wildfires it was announced by the event's partners AEG and the Folsom Department of Parks and Recreation.
'It is a difficult time in California, and this was a difficult call to make, but the current air quality conditions would not allow us to host the quality event that we pride ourselves on. The City of Folsom appreciates AEG's commitment to putting the health and safety of our participating cyclists and volunteers first, and we thank the riders' understanding and support,' said Folsom Mayor Steve Miklos. 'Holding L'Etape California in autumn will provide riders cooler temperatures and scenic views of the American River canyon and Sierra Nevada foothill fall colors. Our new date also provides visitors an opportunity to explore the region's premier seasonal experiences, such as Apple Hill, and El Dorado and Amador County wineries during harvest season.'
Produced by AEG, owner/operators of the Amgen Tour of California with the support of A.S.O., owner and operator of the Tour de France, the annual L'Etape California by Le Tour de France is open to the public and road riders of all skill levels.
'With the overall event experience and the safety of our participants and fans being our top priority, we believe that postponing L'Etape California to October 28 was the best and most prudent path to take,' said Kristin Klein, President, Amgen Tour of California and Executive Vice President, AEG Sports. 'We look forward to not only a great cycling event but the launch of the region's recovery from these devastating fires.'
Riders who previously signed-up for the event's original date will remain registered while space remains for new entries who can register for the Folsom-first weekend event which now begins on Saturday, October 27 ' a day filled with French food, sights, appearances from cycling legends, and family cycling fun ' followed by the L'Etape ride on Sunday, October 28.
L'Etape California by Le Tour de France is a ride designed to challenge cyclists on a course comparable to an Alps Mountain stage of the world's most well-known cycling race. The second annual L'Etape California by Le Tour de France will take riders on a scenic hilly ride through the Sierra foothills in a region known for
warm summer weather and sunshine. New for 2018, two route distances will be offered: riders can experience the full ride through 90 miles 7,500 feet of climbing, or the short ride through 60 miles and 4,000 feet of climbing to navigate the scenic vistas of Folsom, an active community at the base of the Sierra Foothills which is well known for cycling and running.
About A.S.O.
With the Tour de France, one of the most followed international sporting events, prestigious classics such as Paris-Roubaix, Li'ge-Bastogne-Li'ge, the Fl'che Wallonne and Paris-Tours plus stage races such as Paris-Nice, the Crit'rium du Dauphin' and the Vuelta a Espa'a, A.S.O. is the world leader in bicycle race organisation with 100 days of competition each year. The globalization of cycling is one of its major areas of development. With the Tours of Germany, Oman, and Yorkshire, the Arctic Race of Norway and the organisation of the Tour of California, A.S.O. continues to energetically contribute to the growth of cycling as an example of sustainable transportation for city centres.
About AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world's leading sports venue and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, AEG operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which is affiliated with or owns, manages or consults with more than 120 preeminent arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs and convention centers around the world including The O2 Arena, the Sprint Center and the Mercedes-Benz Arenas; AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world's largest operator of sports franchises and high-profile sporting events; and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 100 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.
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Contact
Christine Brainerd
Communications Manager
916-461-6013
cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us
