Tour of California 2014 stage locations unveiled

The 2014 Tour of California will start in Sacramento on Sunday May 11 and finishes eight stages later in Thousand Oaks on Sunday, May 18.

Overall contenders will not have to wait long to make their mark on the race, with an individual time trial stage based on Folsom on stage two.

There are two mountain-top finishes in next year's race - stage three to Mount Diablo and stage six to Mountain High.

Exact route details and stage lengths have yet to be announced.

"We strive to raise the bar each year to present an Amgen Tour of California that not only continues to attract and challenge the world's top cyclists, but also fittingly features and promotes California's unique sights and striking scenery," said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California.

"We're confident our worldwide audience will enjoy everything next year's race has to offer, from epic climbs to rolling hills and thrilling finishes by sea, it's a testament to California's iconic terrain."

The 2013 edition of the UCI 2.HC-ranked Tour of California was won by American Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing).

2014 Amgen Tour of California stages

Stage one, Sunday May 11, Sacramento to Sacramento

Stage two, Monday May 12, Folsom to Folsom, time trial

Stage three, Tuesday May 13, San Jose to Mount Diablo State Park, mountain finish

Stage four, Wednesday May 14, Monterey to Cambria

Stage five, Thursday May 15, Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara

Stage six, Friday May 16, Santa Clarita to Mountain High, mountain finish

Stage seven, Saturday May 17, Santa Clarita to Pasadena

Stage eight, Sunday May 18, Thousand Oaks to Thousand Oaks

Related links

Tejay van Garderen wins 2013 Tour of California