Amgen Tour Route To Run From Livermore to San Jose

Stage 4 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California will zip around Lawrence Livermore Labratories before sending the professional cyclists through a hilly and winding Mines Road, officials announced today.

The tour is considered cycling's most important and successful road race held in the United States. Livermore is no stranger to the tour, having hosted cyclists riding through town in previous races.

But this year marks the city's first time hosting a stage start in the tour. The Livermore-to-San Jose Stage 4 route of the race is scheduled for May 18.

"This is very exciting. Livermore is already the home of world class technology, world class wineries and now we're bringing a world class cycling event into Livermore," Vice Mayor John Marchand said. "It's a chance to show the world what Livermore has to offer."

Stage 4 stretches 81 miles and is considered a difficult route because of challenging climbs, which include Mount Hamilton, officials said.

The tour is expected to provide an economic boost to Livermore.

On the eve of the event, downtown businesses will sponsor Bike Night, which will feature bike-related activities for the community.

In addition, school officials are planning on incorporating the tour into lesson plans by highlighting the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

For more information on the 2011 Amgen Tour of California click here.

For more information on Livermore downtown activities during the tour click here.