Jerseys Are Out -- Not Cows, Cycling Shirts

MORGAN HILL, CA -- The jerseys are out, but we're talking about cows.

Amgen Tour of California organizer and operator AEG announced the cycling apparel brand ASSOS of Switzerland has renewed a multi-year partnership to provide official race jerseys, VIP and staff apparel and licensed merchandise for America’s premier cycling stage race scheduled from May 12 to 18.

Newly designed 2019 leader jerseys as well as 2019 Limited Edition and Extra Limited Edition commemorative race jerseys are now available for preorder at www.amgentourofcaliforniastore.com.

Some of today’s best known and most decorated international cyclists have been awarded coveted leader jerseys on the roads of California, a time-honored tradition in cycling that signifies the best performers in various categories. And spectators and fans may be a part of the excitement beyond watching the race itself by ordering the jerseys.

In turn, Amgen Tour organizers will buy into philanthropic efforts. They're offering $100,000 to aid in the recovery for victims of California's deadliest, most destructive wildfire known to have killed 86 people, demolished almost 20,000 structures of mostly homes and incinerated the towns of Paradise and Magalia. To help with relief from the devastation, the Amgen Tour of California, in partnership with the Los Angeles Kings and AEG Sports, are donating the funds to the American Red Cross.

The staged race features 13 host cities including several fast and flat sections in Morgan Hill, Sacramento and Pasadena, which will cater to sprinters -- not to mention a section featuring WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca motor speedway.

The annual Amgen Tour of California is the only U.S. cycling stage race on the UCI WorldTour calendar (men’s and women’s). The 14th edition will traverse 750 miles of roadways, highways and coastlines from Sacramento to Pasadena. The Amgen Tour of California Women's Race showcases the world’s best women cyclists cycling concurrently and covering up to 180 miles over three days ending May 18.

In addition to the organizer accepting purchases on the e-store, a selection of jerseys, race apparel and merchandise will be available during the race at the Amgen Tour of California Lifestyle Festival near the finish line each day.

“Heading into year three of our Amgen Tour of California sponsorship, we are excited to build upon our momentum and continue to support such a great event,” Global Brand and Digital Marketing Director for ASSOS Chris MacKay said. “It’s an honor to have ASSOS worn by the daily leaders and the race staff, and we look forward to being on the ground for another year."

The Amgen Tour of California leader jerseys each represent a specific skill or achievement and are presented to leading riders on-stage at the conclusion of each day’s for the women’s and men’s events during a special awards ceremony near the stage finish line:

· Amgen Race Leader Jersey: The prized “yellow jersey” will go to the rider with the lowest cumulative time over the entire race at the end of each stage.

· Breakaway from Cancer® / Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTMMost Courageous Rider Jersey: This meaningful jersey will be awarded daily to the person who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer and heart disease.

· Lexus King of the Mountain (KOM)/Queen of the Mountain (QOM) Jersey: This jersey recognizes the peloton's strongest climber each day.

· Visit California Sprint Jersey: Cyclists who specialize in bursts of power and speed or consistently finish near the top of each stage have the best chance to wear the respected “green jersey.”

· TAG Heuer Best Young Rider Jersey: This coveted jersey will be awarded daily to the rider under age 25 with the least amount of elapsed time over the entire race to that point.

This year’s Amgen Tour of California will highlight the distinct beauty of Northern, Central and Southern California. Host city information and a highlight video are available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com or https://youtu.be/9EumaLheLe8.

In addition to lining the race course, fans of all ages will once again have the opportunity to experience the race as a VIP from an all-inclusive hospitality tent or through once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. To learn more, visit https://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/vip-experiences. VIP Hospitality Passes for stage starts and finishes are available at: https://www.axs.com/amgen2019. Questions may be fielded at sales@amgentourofcalifornia.com.

--Image courtesy of Amgen Tour of California