The Second Lap

By Alexandra Krueger

Talking Amgen Tour of California’s Return with Local Cyclist Evan Huffman

The Amgen Tour of California is returning to Stockton for the second year in a row on May 14. This being Tour’s longest and most challenging route in its 14-year history, trust us when we say you’re going to want front row seats to this spectacular event.

High stakes aside, Amgen’s return to Stockton is a major deal for both the city and for the fans—in fact, it was the fans’ enthusiasm for last year’s race that was the deciding factor in bringing the tour back through Stockton. AEG has even routed a lap around Downtown.

“So many fans showed up last year,” remembers Evan Huffman, professional cyclist and Amgen participant. Hailing from Elk Grove, Evan won stages four and seven of the 2017 Amgen Tour. “In terms of sporting events, I think Stockton often gets dwarfed by Sacramento, so to host the largest cycling event in the world here was a big deal,” says Evan. “People were excited to see us.”

If you’re planning on joining in on the fun in May, keep an eye out for Evan as he’ll be putting the pedal to the metal this year, too. The starting line is at the Stockton Arena, so those of you who work in the heart of the city will have full view of the race.

This year’s Tour begins in Sacramento on May 12, and speeds through our Golden State all the way to Pasadena on May 18. With seven stages to complete, the world’s most elite professional cyclists will navigate mountain roads, highways, and coast lines through their 777.6 mile course. As if that doesn’t sound tough enough, this year the Tour will feature 25 King of the mountain climbs—the most in race history.

“It’s both fun and exhausting because it’s a weeklong race,” Evan admits. “I maintain my momentum by just to stay focused on the goal. Keep a bigger perspective when you’re in the difficult moments helps. I remind myself why I’m racing and remember that this is going to make me stronger later.”

With such a demanding course ahead, Evan and the rest of the professional cyclists are no doubt going to have to give themselves more than a few pep-talks along the way. Be sure to give them your best cheer as they speed through Downtown Stockton!

For More Information:
AmgenTourOfCalifornia.com