For the first time ever, Greater Palm Springs will be part of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, May 12-19, 2013, considered America’s largest and most prestigious professional road cycling stage race.

The race, which stretches from California’s Escondido to Santa Rosa, will enter Greater Palm Springs on Monday, May 13, as competitors cycle down Hwy 74 through the cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City before coming to a historic end for the stage of the journey in Palm Springs.

“The City of Palm Springs is honored to host the best cyclists in the world for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California,” said Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet. “The cyclists will have a great race experience with beautiful desert scenery and unmatched hospitality when they arrive at the finish line in Palm Springs.”  

A total twelve cities have been named official Host City partners for the Amgen Tour of California by AEG, presenter of the race, helping to make up the 1,207 km route which will take riders on a South to North course for the first time in the eight-year race history.

“Taking the Amgen Tour of California from South to North is something we always knew we wanted to do, and we are thrilled with the way things have come together for 2013,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “We think this will bring a whole new element to the competition for the elite cyclists who participate, not to mention some striking California scenery for our worldwide audience. California provides a variety of beautiful yet challenging terrain, helping us achieve our goal of creating a challenging route year after year while showcasing the very best this state has to offer.” 

"I'm very excited to hear about the new South - North route for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California,” said Chris Horner, 2011 Amgen Tour of California champion. “After growing up in San Diego, I love seeing the race back on the roads I've ridden for the past 25 years. Being welcomed by thousands of fans in Escondido in 2009 was a highlight of my career, and I'm sure the crowds will be even more amazing for the 2013 edition. The Amgen Tour of California is one of my favorite races of the year, and I'm already looking forward to battling it out on the California roads again this May!”

The Amgen Tour of California continues to draw global attention as one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year – one that attracts Olympic medalists, World Champions and the top Tour de France competitors.

The 12 Host City partners for the 2013 Amgen Tour of California includes:
Stage 1: Sunday, May 12 – Escondido
Stage 2: Monday, May 13 – Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 15 – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
Stage 5: Thursday, May 16 – Santa Barbara to Avila Beach
Stage 6: Friday, May 17 – San Jose (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 7: Saturday, May 18 – Livermore to Mt. Diablo
Stage 8: Sunday, May 19 – San Francisco to Santa Rosa