On the eve of the 2019 Amgen Tour of California, I am reminded of a - at least to me - poignant conversation I had with my boss and Team Novo Nordisk co-founder Phil Southerland when I first joined the team. As I stepped in to the world of cycling in 2016, I had a target that was simple - ride for the professional team. To affect change to all of those around the world living with diabetes. At this point, whilst delving in to my motivations, dreams and potentially naive, thoughts, a few races came in to the conversation; Milan San Remo and the Tour of California.
The Tour of California has always attracted the biggest names in cycling but since 2017 the race has stepped up from 2.HC to 2.WorldTour (the highest level of professional cycling). As I turned professional in 2018 I was eagerly awaiting the chance to earn a spot on our teams roster for the race but was slightly disheartened to see that the race hadn't been confirmed in our race schedule. Not to worry. Fast forward a year, and we are here. The eve of the race. The best thing for me, one more year of experience. Something that, at times, I forget is so fresh.
This race cannot be underestimated! Tough conditions, an extremely challenging parcours with an extremely strong peloton but I am excited for the challenge and battle ahead.
You can see some of the race details here. The route will travel south from Sacramento to Pasadena over seven stages with many ways to stay in touch with the action including TV and Tour Tracker App. The highlights and coverage in the UK will be through Eurosport but as a bonus if you're in the Isle of Man, you can watch/stream the race live on the Amgen Tour of California App.
Make sure to download the app to stay up to date.
Thank you for all of the messages of support. You're all amazing.
