Till May 22 California will again host The Amgen Tour of California, the largest professional cycling race in North America. This is an 8-day race featuring the same teams and riders that will compete in this year’s Tour de France. Stage 4 will start in Morro Bay on Wednesday, May 18 at 10:10 a.m. and finish at the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca at 3:45 p.m. The entire race caravan is about one mile in length. The race moves at 25-30 mph so it should pass by any given point in about 5 minutes. CHP will accompany the race and make every effort to minimize the impact on the residents, businesses, and traffic. The race will be broadcast live on NBC Sports to 200 countries around the globe.
The race route will provide a postcard of the best California has to offer for our global audience watching the race. The route up CA-1 will take racers past Cambria, San Simeon, Ragged Point, Big Sur, and the Carmel Highlands, before heading east on Carmel Valley Road. 
The race will reach the Carmel Highlands at 2:45 p.m. If you have the need to head north on CA-1 from this area, we suggest you try to leave by 2:20 p.m. Traffic heading south on CA-1 will be pulled to the side of the road by CHP as the race passes. Your hold time should be about 10 minutes
 
Below, are road closures that may impact your personal or business travel. Please plan accordingly.

Affected Roads with Temporary Closures (total road closure)

• Race will reach Gorda at 12:25 p.m., Luica at 1:00 p.m., Esalen Institute at 1:25 p.m.

• Race will reach the Nepenthe restaurant at 1:50 p.m. and Bixby Bridge at 2:30 p.m.

• Race will reach Carmel Highlands at 2:45 p.m.

• Race will turn right at Carmel Valley Rd at 2:47 p.m.

• Race will turn left onto Laureles Grade Rd from Carmel Valley Rd at 3:20 p.m.

• Race will turn left onto CA-68 and then into Laguna Seca from Laureles Grade Rd at 3:40 p.m.

All times are approximate. All roads will reopen to normal traffic conditions as the race passes each intersection. You may be directed to pull your car to the side of the road by CHP to allow the race to pass by safely. If you find yourself behind the race, we will be moving at 25 mph so you can drive behind us, until you reach your destination.

Major Points for Residents and Business Owners: On-coming traffic toward Carmel Valley Rd will be stopped about 15 minutes before the race. Traffic going the same direction of the race will be allowed until the race approaches. All driveways exiting onto the course will be closed as the race passes. Traffic will be allowed to cross the course until the race is approaching. Emergency vehicles will not be affected by road closures. All public facilities, parks, and businesses will remain open.

Any event promoter knows the impact their event has on the local traffic, businesses, and residents. This is especially true for the route we are taking up CA-1. While this area is a national treasure, it is also heavily trafficked by tourists and the weekend cyclists. Our event has been grateful for the support the residents and businesses have provided through the years. We will make every effort to keep the race in a tight package and have CHP flow as much traffic before the race arrives.

There is a free app that can be downloaded for your tablet or smartphone. It is called “Amgen Tour of California Tour Tracker.” It allows you to follow the race with live video and the exact location of the race Or call 888-777-7517 with any questions. Visit http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com for more information.