Feb. 19, 2015 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – For the first time 14 of the top women’s cycling teams from around the world will vie for the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race title, a three-stage cycling competition with the first two stages in Lake Tahoe, May 8-9. The race is sanctioned by Union Cycliste International, denoting the highest level for a non-World Cup event.

The start and finish line for both stages are located at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California Main Lodge. Stage 1 on Friday, May 8, consists of a 74-mile clockwise lap around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe and provides a bit of everything: twisting descents, fast straights, two challenging Queen of the Mountains (riders completing the climbs in the lowest cumulative time), and stunning views. The debut as part of the 10th anniversary edition Amgen Tour of California, and the first three-day women’s stage race of its kind begins at 10 a.m. in South Lake Tahoe.

The climb along the West Shore overlooks iconic Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake and continues along the scenic shoreline into Tahoe City. The peloton proceeds through Kings Beach, passing into the state of Nevada at historic Crystal Bay and Incline Village. Athletes will experience the breathtaking views above Sand Harbor State Park while racing continues east with a 1,000-foot ascent to U.S. Highway 50 near Spooner Lake. Racers then descend into Zephyr Cove before embarking on a climb back into South Lake Tahoe, Calif., as they near the finish line. Cyclists will leave U.S. Highway 50 at Lake Parkway and wind their way behind the casinos toward the finish line with the brutal climb up a 15 percent grade. This opening stage will produce a worthy winner from the international field.

Stage 2 on Saturday, May 9, begins at 10:30 a.m. The 50-mile two-loop race will take cyclists along Pioneer Trail, South Upper Truckee and state Route 89. After a descent from Heavenly they will ride off to the beautiful canyons of state Route 89. The second half of the course features the switchback Queen of the Mountain challenge followed by the climb up Ski Run Blvd. to the finish line, concluding two challenging days in Lake Tahoe.

Following the two stages in Lake Tahoe, the third and final stage of the competition is in Sacramento on Sunday, May 10.

“As one of the country’s most enthusiastic cycling destinations, Tahoe South and our partners look forward to hosting the event,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “It should highlight the talent and elevate the awareness of women cyclists and the Tahoe area.”

“North Lake Tahoe is recognized as a premier human-powered sports destination and is proud to partner with Tahoe South for the Amgen Tour of California,” said JT Thompson, tourism director, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “Furthermore NLTRA is hosting the USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships this coming June with over 1,000 cyclists that are expected to enter the competition.”

Local law enforcement, race and tourism officials created routes with the least impact to residents and visitors. Travelers should expect 20 minute delays along the courses on both days while the race is passing through a given point. Specific road information will be provided at a later date.

Powerhouse teams such as Velocio-SRAM (formerly Team Specialized-lululemon), which ranked second in the world last season, and Alé-Cipollini boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport will compete in what many experts believe will be the best women’s cycling event ever to take place on U.S. soil. Several of the teams expected to put forward top contenders for the overall win are also mounting counterparts in the men’s race, including Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies, BMW p/b Happy Tooth Dental (under the same management as Team SmartStop) and UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team.

The full list of teams that will race May 8-10 includes:

Full rosters will be available in May for the first of its kind three-day stage race as well as the Invitational Time Trial event.

As part of a multi-year partnership, Lexus will serve as a premier partner of the Amgen Tour of California women’s stage race and award the winner of the stage race with a two-year Lexus NX luxury compact crossover lease. The bold NX offers a utility-focused alternative to a sport sedan.

Lake Tahoe will be one of 14 host cities for elite cyclists from around the world, thousands of cycling fans and a global audience.

For further information about the Amgen Tour of California and to experience the race like never before with VIP Access, please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.