Road: Let’s Go Racing: The Amgen Tour of California

The 2009 Amgen Tour of California kicks off this Saturday, February 14th with a 2.4-mile Prologue through the Capitol streets of Sacramento. Eight stages and 780 miles later, the ToC concludes in Escondido on Sunday, February 22nd with a very difficult final stage that includes a run up the challenging Palomar Mountain.

The Trek-sponsored Astana Cycling Team comes to California with a high-powered roster determined to deliver two-time Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer to a third-consecutive overall victory. Helped on by teammates like 7-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, fellow American Chris Horner, and climbing-ace Jose Luis “Che-Chu” Rubiera, Levi’s time trialing experience and excellent climbing skills will be put to the test as he competes against a star-studded field that includes some of the world’s best.

In addition to his trusty Madone 6.9 Pro, Levi will race a special, custom-painted Equinox TTX 9.9 SSL as he goes after the California hat trick. Designed by in-house Trek designer Shane Siedschlag and painted by Project One, the unique ursine-themed TTX gives the two-time champ both the recognition he deserves and a little something special to help fuel his chase for number three.

Of course, Lance Armstrong’s first race back on American soil is an equality important occasion, especially in light of his LIVESTRONG Global Campaign. So Pfaltzgraff and Project One again teamed up to give the cycling legend his own special ride—a custom-painted Equinox TTX 9.9 SSL outfitted to match his 1274:27.5-themed Madone.  

If you’re in the area or coming out to watch the Tour, be sure to stop by the Trek expo booth at each day’s Lifestyle Festival and say “hi.” There you’ll be able to check-out the latest goodies from Trek and Bontrager, including a replica of Lance Armstrong’s 1274:27.5 Madone. You’ll also be able to buy limited-edition “Bear” and “1274:27.5” t-shirts, as well as Lance Armstrong posters and various Astana team apparel items. If you can’t make it to the Festival, follow along in the adventures by checking out the “Up the Road” blog.

Want inside access and a sneak peak under the Astana team tent? Let Trek’s team liaison Ben Coates be your eyes and ears inside the team huddle by checking out his Twitter feed.  

And then be sure to check back on trekbikes.com for stage win details and other team news.