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FeedCycle Sight
Spanning a staggering 800 miles, the Amgen Tour of California is the country’s largest cycling event. And on May 18, Stage 4 of the race runs 81 miles from Livermore to San Jose. Here’s how to get in on the action.
Courtesy of the City of Livermore
Leisure Viewing
Riders begin their prerace parade at the intersection of First and L streets in Livermore at 11:45 a.m. and lap downtown twice. Eschew sidewalk seating for a table and lunch on the patio of First Street Alehouse or Zephyr Bar & Grill. Or get a bird’s-eye view—and rock star toes—while sipping a mimosa at second-story Salon Tivoli.
Spectator Sport
Die-hard fans should stake out a spot on the race route. Cyclists make their first big turn at Vasco Road and East Avenue, before traversing the steep, curvy terrain of Mines Road. The latter has a killer view, if you can find a safe place to stand.
Names to Know
Amgen alum Lance Armstrong recently retired, but there are other stars to watch for, including Armstrong’s two-time Tour de France teammate Christian Vande Velde, three-time Amgen champ and Olympic bronze medalist Levi Leipheimer, and Australian sprint sensation Matthew Goss.
Family Fun
On the eve of Stage 4, head to downtown Livermore for Bike Night, a street fair including official merchandise, bike-related menus, and art displays. livermoredowntown.com.
