When cyclists speed into Bakersfield in May 2010, city will see huge benefits
The recent announcement that the 2010 Amgen Tour of California will be making a stop in Bakersfield is great news for the community, and it will be a proud day in our city's history.
Bakersfield will host a stage-five finish on May 20 at Bakersfield College. Lance Armstrong and company will start in Visalia and end atop the Panorama Bluffs in front of thousands of spectators.
The ATOC is the largest professional bike race in the nation, spanning over 750 miles in eight days, showcasing all regions of California. In 2009, more than 2 million people attended the race, and 13 million more watched on TV both domestically and internationally. The race is broadcast to over 200 countries in 22 languages including the Versus network in the United States and Eurosport in Europe. The amount of positive media exposure our community stands to receive is unlike any we have ever seen.
May 20 will be the culmination of over four years of work by many people throughout the community.
Bakersfield is very fortunate to have dedicated individuals who aspire to attract first class events to the city. The city of Bakersfield, county of Kern and the Bakersfield Sports Foundation collaborated on many levels, resulting in what will be one of the largest events in the history of Bakersfield. A special thanks to local stage partner Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield for its generous contribution to this fantastic community endeavor. Mercy's involvement is a reflection on organizations, individuals and businesses throughout Kern County that have made a commitment of support for the Bakersfield stage.
An important component of the race is raising awareness in the fight to cure cancer. Bakersfield is home to many doctors and facilities working daily to find a cure for this horrible disease. Locally, the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center and the Florence R. Wheeler Cancer Center are both committed to this cause and dedicated to working with the Tour of California to raise awareness.
As the cyclists, support vehicles, media entourage and helicopters make their way toward Bakersfield College, the world will witness a live, two-hour look at the rugged beauty of Kern County and Bakersfield. The coverage will highlight many unique activities that make visiting our area special. Although the media coverage is important, involvement by the residents of Kern County and Bakersfield is vital to the success of race day.
Between today and May there is plenty the community at large can do to be a vital part of race day. We anticipate the need for nearly 300 volunteers to work in different capacities on race day. There are plenty of opportunities for those interested in helping out, including positions such as course marshals, media liaisons and dignitary hosts.
The current economic climate is still very volatile and businesses are hesitant to freely spend valuable marketing dollars. Although the local organizing committee has raised sufficient private donations to fund this stage of the race, there are still great opportunities for local businesses to sponsor the event. The Bakersfield Sports Foundation offers four levels of local sponsorships that are sure to give organizations exposure to thousands of people.
Finally, though the cyclists are the main attraction of the event, each finish stage comes complete with a lifestyles festival, entertainment and children's activities. Best of all, the event is free to attend.
Whether you are an avid cycling fan or just want to check out a unique event, you are encouraged to come out and join the community for a day you will not soon forget. Route information and the best viewing spots will be determined closer to the race day, but make plans now to line the streets near Bakersfield College to see this great event in person.
For more information on the race, volunteer and sponsorship information, go to: http://www.visitbakersfield.com/amgen.
Be proud, Bakersfield: More than 50 cities submitted proposals to host a stage of the race, and only 16 cities were selected.
Don Cohen manages the Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, a nonprofit, city-managed, economic development organization responsible for strengthening Bakersfield's economy through tourism.
