Tour of California organisers optimistic for the best ever edition of the race
Tour of California is considered as one of the most prestigious cycling races across America and cyclists from all across the world take-part in the eight-day race.
Organisers raise the bar every year and it is believed that the 2013 edition of the race will be more challenging than all the previous editions.
The final list of cities to host this year’s race has been confirmed by the organisers, which is quite delayed compared to the previous editions of the event mainly because it was not easy for the cities to put out the sum of $100,000.
The reported amount is a requirement by the organisers, AEG and is mandatory for every city interested to host a stage.
However, the rumour that AEG is on the verge of selling out, raised a lot of suspicions on the race’s future itself.
While commenting on the issue, Race Director, Kristin Bachochin denied all the rumours stating that the firm is doing good business as usual and nothing has been changed.
He told Cyclingnews, "We're just as strong if not stronger. It's business as usual for all of us at AEG. Nothing has changed in terms of the overall support and commitment to continuing to grow this race".
"We were not able to meet the Tour’s increased hosting criteria and financial requirements specific to the Time Trial stage".
"The positive thing is that we continue to receive more bids every year, and one of the challenging things from our side is that the state of California is so large, and there are so many beautiful areas to highlight".
The annual event started back in February 19th, 2006 with Floyd Landis as the first ever winner of the American event.
Dutch cyclist Robert Gesink succeeded during the most recent edition of the race, while the recent drug convict, Levi Leipheimer holds the honour of winning it for a maximum number of three times.
Leipheimer confessed to have doped previously in his career and helped USADA in building a strong case against Lance Armstrong and received ban of six months.
The Tour of California 2013 is scheduled from May 12-19 and Leipheimer is barred from professional cycling until March 1, 2012, but finding a new team after being involved with the biggest sport’s scandal ever will be not an easy mission for the American.
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