Amgen Tour of California women’s criterium

Organizers for the Amgen Tour of California confirmed yesterday the participation of 28 women’s teams in the first Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium presented by the Redwood Regional Breast Center.

As a new component to the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional road cycling race, the Women’s Criterium will bring the thrill of professional women’s cycling to fans in the hours before the men’s finish in downtown Santa Rosa. Using portions of the Stage 1 men’s finishing circuit in Santa Rosa, the newest addition to the National Racing Calendar (NRC) promises to be an exciting and historic event for racers and fans alike. Held on Monday, Feb. 18 during the Amgen Tour of California, the Women’s Criterium will consist of a field of 125 riders competing for more than $10,000 in prizes.

“The response from women’s cycling teams when presented with an opportunity to take part in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium has been robust and enthusiastic,” said Laura Charameda, race director. “The event will boast top talent, and we can expect an aggressive race from a highly-motivated women’s field. I am very encouraged to see that we’re getting such good feedback from the women’s elite cycling community for the event’s first edition.”

The 2008 Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium roster includes representation from top American women’s cycling teams including, Aaron’s, Cheerwine, Colavitta/Sutterhome, Proman, Team High Road, Tibco and ValueAct Capital.

“I’ve been in Sonoma County all week with the ValueAct Capital team for our training camp,” said Katie Mactier, Australian World Champion, riding for ValueAct Capital Cycling Team. “I’m really looking forward to racing with the girls again in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium. We have a very strong team; and I know the competition will be very good and we plan to go out there and win.”

9 Comments

  1. …glad you brought up the subject, fritz…

    …credit needs to go to nicola cranmer of PROMAN women's professional cycling team for making this race possible…

    …nicola is not only the founder & de facto major domo of PROMAN's but she also sits on the board of directors for hellyer velodrome…as if she didn't have enough on her plate, she is responsible for approaching the TofC organizers & suggesting & lobbying for this womens criterium in conjunction w/ the stage 1 finish of the mens race…

    …just wanted that fact to be known so that ms cranmer gets the props she deserves…
    …tip of the ol' cycling cap, nikki !!!…

  2. …glad you brought up the subject, fritz……credit needs to go to nicola cranmer of PROMAN women's professional cycling team for making this race possible……nicola is not only the founder & de facto major domo of PROMAN's but she also sits on the board of directors for hellyer velodrome…as if she didn't have enough on her plate, she is responsible for approaching the TofC organizers & suggesting & lobbying for this womens criterium in conjunction w/ the stage 1 finish of the mens race……just wanted that fact to be known so that ms cranmer gets the props she deserves……tip of the ol' cycling cap, nikki !!!…

  3. does anyone know about what time the woman's crit might begin? I understand it will be "towards the end of stage one", but what time is that?

  4. does anyone know about what time the woman's crit might begin? I understand it will be "towards the end of stage one", but what time is that?

  5. Anon, Stage 1 is expected to end about 3 p.m. in Santa Rosa, give or take about 30 minutes.

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