Dear Mr. Messick:
Since Santa Rosa's participation in the inaugural Amgen Tour of California in 2006, to our stage finish this past May, the importance of this event to the community has been well established. In good weather and bad, this race is a celebration. We celebrate the beauty of our location that attracts world class cyclists year-round, the grit of our hometown hero and three-time Amgen Tour of California champion, and the dedication of our community -- from avid cyclists to casual fans--who come out by the thousands to cheer for this race.
This race is also a celebration of our past and our future. It reminds us of two of our tireless leaders who helped shepherd the success of the Tour in Santa Rosa who were sadly lost to cancer. By working with and supporting Breakaway From Cancer we honor them. By continuing to promote the Tour as one of the most important events in our city, we celebrate them.
It is, however, due to the adamant and vocal desire of the community, as well as our communal love of cycling and the Amgen Tour of California, that the City Council, on behalf of all of our citizens, respectfully invite AEG and the Tour back to our fine city for the 2011 race.
As in years past we will continue to work hard to keep Santa Rosa an integral part of the race and an important partner with AEG. We look forward to working with you in 2011.
Sincerely,
SUSAN GORIN
Mayor
Dear Mr. Messick:
It has been a thrill to participate in the Amgen Tour of California as a founding Host City, and an honor to have been recognized by AEG since 2006 as an ideal stage location for this event. By submission of this proposal we invite the Tour to return to Santa Rosa, and commit our resources to enabling yet another successful year.
As in years past we remain committed to providing the best in race operation support. Through the benefit of experience we have become adept as meeting the changing needs of this great race. Rain or shine, February or May, weekend, holiday, or weekday, our staff stands ready and able to transform the streets of Santa Rosa into a world class professional cycling arena.
In essence, from our City Council, City services, and private partner commitments to the dedication of the community at large, we are preparing to offer AEG another exciting, successful event in 2011. We look forward to working with you again.
Sincerely,
WAYNE G. GOLDBERG
Interim City Manager
The Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau extend a warm and enthusiastic invitation to the Amgen Tour of California to again bring a stage of the race to Santa Rosa.
We are pleased to partner with the City of Santa Rosa in securing the Tour’s hospitality needs, and bringing together past and new event sponsors to raise the resources to host another outstanding race stage. The Amgen Tour of California has become one of our most exciting events to occur in our city, and like us, our local sponsors are proud to be associated with the race.
We have learned much by hosting each past year of the Tour, and we have very high expectations for our ability to host an even finer event in 2011.
Jonathan Coe
President, Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce
The County of Sonoma has been honored to host the Amgen Tour of California as it has ridden into Santa Rosa for the past 5 years. Our beautiful hills, vineyards and challenging terrain truly makes our County a world-class cycling destination. Year after year, cyclists from all levels use our County to train and race while enjoying the breathtaking views and the hospitality that Sonoma County is famous for.
We look forward to working with the City of Santa Rosa to once again deliver an unmatched stage finish that will enthrall rider and fans alike.
Efren Carrillo
County of Sonoma
Supervisor, Fifth District
COMMUNITY COMMENTS
The Amgen Tour of California, more than any other event has become a cornerstone in our community, and has helped to shape our identity as that of a world-class cycling destination. For that reason we will endeavor to support its return.
Carlos Perez, Editor - Bike Monkey Magazine; Promoter - Levi’s King Ridge Gran Fondo
What does it mean for the Tour to come to Santa Rosa? What doesn't it mean. It is truly one of the times that Sonoma County comes together to share in something truly special. I believe we all agree that it brings unity, business to our beautiful city and is something we can all cheer about. Even in the rain we all stand out there soaking wet and proud that this wonderful event is right here in our home town... who could not see that as a blessing?
Laura Bradley-Woodard, ATOC Facebook Fan and Tour follower
Its our Super Bowl.
Michael Hayes, ATOC Facebook Fan and Tour follower
We have gone every year and wouldn't dream of missing it. The excitement of seeing world class cyclists just feet away from you is beyond amazing. It inspires me to be a more passionate, competitive, and strong athlete.
Laura O'Hanesian, ATOC Facebook Fan and Tour follower