LOS ANGELES (May 5, 2015) – An unparalleled list of riders is preparing to compete in the unprecedented three-day women’s road race as part of the 2015 Amgen Tour of California. In addition to the invitational time trial competitors announced earlier [insert link], the 84 cyclists representing 14 teams will kick off the women’s road race May 8 in South Lake Tahoe, concluding in Sacramento May 10 as the men begin their 8-day event (full team rosters attached).

Celebrating its 10^th year, the Amgen Tour of California is the most esteemed stage race in the U.S. and one of the most important on the international calendar. The field will include several champions including: Lisa Brennauer, Velocio-SRAM, the current individual and team time trial World Champion and current German road and time trial National Champion; Ana Teresa Casas, Mexico National Team, current Mexico road National Champion; Karol-Ann Canuel, Velocio-SRAM, current team time trial World Champion and Leah Kirchmann, Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies current Canadian road, time trial and criterium champion.  The women’s race, empowered with SRAM, is in its eighth year and has grown to include four days of racing for the first time.

“We’ve always been committed to expanding opportunities for women cyclists at the Amgen Tour of California,” said Kristin Bachochin Klein, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California and senior vice president of AEG Sports. “The women’s team rosters this year reflect the immense talent in the sport today, and we’re extremely excited to help provide these incredible athletes with an international platform and fan base.”

Favorites for podium finishes during the women’s race include:

General Classification (Overall Contenders)

Allie Dragoo (USA), Twenty16 p/b Sho-Air

Dalia Muccioli (ITA), Alé-Cipollini

Emily Collins (NZL), Team TIBCO-SVB

Katie Hall (USA), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team

Lauren Stephens (USA), Team TIBCO-SVB

Leah Kirchmann (CAN), Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies

Lex Albrecht (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies

Lisa Brennauer (GER), Velocio-SRAM

Sprinters

Erica Allar (USA), Colavita|Bianchi p/b Fine Cooking

Hannah Barnes (GBR), UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team

Leah Kirchmann (CAN), Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies

Miranda Griffiths (AUS), BMW p/b Happy Tooth Dental

Barbara Guarischi (ITA), Velocio-SRAM

Climbers

Karol-Ann Canuel (CAN), Velocio-SRAM

Lauren Stephens (USA), Team TIBCO-SVB

Lex Albrecht (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies

Maria Carla Alvarez (ARG), Xirayas de San Luis

Stage Wins

Alison Tetrick (USA), Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies

Linda Melanie Villumsen (NZL), UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team

Meredith Miller (USA), Pepper Palace Pro Cycling p/b The Happy Tooth

Sarah Storey (GBR), Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International

Fans can cheer on these world-class athletes on the racecourse May 8-10, with the time trial following May 16, or catch the action with the free Amgen Tour of California app for tablets and mobile devices. More information on ways to watch is available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

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