2016 Amgen Tour of California will begin in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Organizers of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California bicycle race announced Thursday that the first leg will take place in San Diego next spring.

The race is scheduled for May 15-22, 2016

The race, which receives international media attention, covers hundreds of scenic and demanding miles in the state. It draws around 200 riders, many of whom are preparing for the Olympics or Tour de France.   

Olympic gold medalist and 2014 Tour of California champion Brad Wiggins of Great Britain is scheduled to compete in the event.    

The race attracted large crowds when it came through San Diego County in the past, but it hasn’t been in the area since 2013. That year, the first leg began in Escondido, climbed Palomar Mountain, and returned to Escondido.   

Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, South Pasadena and Thousand Oaks are other Southern California cities that will host early stages of the race, according to the organizers.