Brand new over the wires: " The first ever Tour of California, set for February 19-26, 2006, announced its title sponsor, route and participating teams today in a press conference in San Francisco - which will also serve as the race's starting venue. Race presenter AEG announced that biotechnology company Amgen will be the title sponsor, and that U.S. sports network ESPN 2 will serve as the official broadcast partner.

AEG's president and CEO Tim Leiweke pointed to the importance of having a strong television package to promote the race to the country and to the world. "With the partnership with ESPN, we will be talking to a million people every night, and with the worldwide distribution rights, this will be the most televised cycling event on American soil." 16 teams will take the start of the 700 mile race, with eight teams already confirmed to participate. Discovery Channel, Gerolsteiner, Davitamon-Lotto, Phonak, Saunier-Duval and T-Mobile will represent the Pro Tour teams, while Health Net/Maxxis and Navigators Insurance will defend the Continental Tour's reputation. Beginning with a prologue in San Francisco the race will move south, from Sausalito to Santa Rosa, Martinez to San Jose, an ITT in San Jose, and then from the Monterey Peninsula to San Luis Obispo, then to Santa Barbara and south again to Thousand Oaks. The race will finish in a circuit race around Los Angeles, specifically in the south bay area of Redondo Beach."

I'm stoked to have a stage end in my home town, I know whatever roads they're using and I hope they use Calaveras to get into town. All the other stages look sweet too, no real big transfers, AEG puts on a great event, and ESPN2 coverage so my entire family can see us race. Looking forward to it already!