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Turlock loses bid for 2014 Amgen Tour
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For the second year in a row, the City of Turlock has been denied a spot on the Amgen Tour – one of the nation’s largest cycling races.

In August, the Turlock City Council supported the Turlock Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce in applying to host a stage event for the 2014 Amgen Tour, also known as the Tour of California. This was the second year Turlock has applied as a host-city for the event, both times resulting in the same ill-fated outcome.

Although the city has been denied once again, Turlock Chamber of Commerce CEO Sharon Silva, who spearheaded the application process, remains hopeful that Turlock may be selected as a host city in the future.

“Amgen did notify us to say that they were very pleased with our application, and that they continue to be very interested in us,” said Silva. “Next year is the 10th annual event, and we will continue to apply; but it just honestly depends on the committee who chooses the route for the race.”

Turlock City Manager Roy Wasden also shared interest in the city continuing its efforts in bringing the race to town, as he believes it could be very beneficial for the community.

“It would be a wonderful thing to bring to our community,” said Wasden. “They invited us to submit a proposal, and so we were honored to do that again this year. I have been told, however, that the route they ended up choosing was not anywhere near this area, which is why we were not selected. We would love the opportunity to host it here, and the City continues to support that. We’ve been assured they’ll continue to request applications from us, as they’re impressed with our city. The hope is to bring it here in the future.”

The 2014 Amgen Tour announced the 12 host cities as Sacramento, San Jose, Monterey, Pismo Beach, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, Folsom, Mt. Diablo, Cambria, Santa Barbara, Mountain High and Thousand Oaks. With the vast amount of coverage the annual race receives, including being seen in more than 216 countries and territories worldwide, Turlock leaders maintain the belief that bringing Amgen through the city would be extraordinarily beneficial for the community.

“It would be a great economic boost for us, which is one of the reasons why we will continue our efforts to bring it here,” said Silva. “The tour would also be a great opportunity to showcase our community, and it would bring the community together for a great event. It could be a really positive thing for our community altogether.”

The 2014 Amgen Tour will begin its eight day race in Sacramento on May 11, with the finish line waiting in Thousand Oaks.