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Monday, December 22, 2008 Sacramento Hosts Amgen Tour of California Gala by VeloNation Press at 7:03 AM EST   comments Categories: Pro Cycling   The City of Sacramento, the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau and AEG will host the Official Team Presentation and Gala for the 2009 Amgen Tour of California on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium. A portion of the proceeds from the black tie-optional event will benefit Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative — a complementary component to Amgen’s race sponsorship that is designed to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer patients from prevention to education, and patient care to advocacy and financial support. Now in its fourth year, the Amgen Tour of California, a road cycling race similar to the Tour de France, has quickly grown to be one of California’s most popular sporting events. The Official Team Presentation and Gala is a unique opportunity for cycling enthusiasts and race supporters to meet and mingle with the world-class cyclists competing in the race. The 2009 Amgen Tour of California will begin in Sacramento on Feb. 14, with the world’s top professional cycling teams competing over a challenging 750-mile course through California’s most scenic highways, roadways and coastline drives, concluding on Feb. 22, in San Diego County. All of the professional cyclists competing in the 2009 Amgen Tour of California will attend the black tie-optional evening reception where the riders will be introduced on stage. Many of these athletes have competed in the Tour de France and previous Amgen Tour of California races. “The opportunity to host the Opening Gala and official rider introduction is something we look forward to with tremendous excitement,” said Steve Hammond, president and CEO of the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Not only will this event bring a substantial economic boost to this community, it allows us to foster community pride by showcasing Sacramento on a world stage and bringing some of the world’s best athletes to our city.” In addition to the professional cyclists who will race in the Amgen Tour of California, celebrities, local dignitaries, legendary cyclists and retired racers will participate in the festivities. Representatives from host cities throughout the state also will attend, as will executives from AEG and race sponsor Amgen. The evening will include an elegant dinner by award-winning caterer Classique Catering, the team presentation, a variety of entertainment and the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items. The program will begin at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Auditorium. Red Jersey tickets are $300 each or $2,500 for a table of 10. Yellow Jersey VIP/sponsored tables are $3,000 for eight seats. Yellow Jersey VIP tables are closer to the stage and include an invitation to a VIP reception. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductable. For tables and tickets, or information, contact Stacy Mello at 916-808-8984 or smello@cityofsacramento.org. For additional information on weekend events, call the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau at 916-808-7777.       comments Follow @Pro_Cycling Tweet Subscribe via RSS or daily email Contact the editor about this article