Jan 31, 2008

Bike race lets fans get close, personal

If you have the cash, you can practically ride along with pack

By Vytas Mazeika / Daily News Staff Writer

Imagine the chance to stand in the huddle next to Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. Sorry, not gonna happen, unless you're a member of the New England Patriots.

The Amgen Tour of California, on the other hand, has found a way to get cycling fans in the middle of the action through packages called VIP Experiences.

"There are more recreational cyclists in the United States than skiers, tennis players and golfers combined," said Michael Roth, vice president of communications for AEG, presenters for the race. "What we found was that the cyclists are so accessible and the fans are so passionate that they were looking for additional ways to enhance this experience."

Three VIP Experiences are offered on the tour's Web site, with each one available in the eight stages of the race. This includes the prologue that kicks things off Feb. 17 in Palo Alto.

"We fully believe that the team dinners and VIP car rides will be sold very soon," Roth said.

The Team Dinner consists of access to a dinner put on for the world-class athletes and their support staff following each stage. Purchase of one Team Dinner VIP Experience allows two people to rub elbows with the riders and find out what they go through on a day-to-day basis.

"It's a great way to share the race with them," said Roth, who credits the riders for helping design the experiences. "The teams have been terrific because they understand what we're trying to do."

On a more formal setting, there is the Cyclist Meet & Greet package. This consists of access to a VIP area prior to the racing, where riders will meet guests and sign autographs. Included is a yellow leader's jersey with each purchase.

Then there is the crown jewel of VIP Experiences.

"The VIP car ride we found out is certainly most popular because you're on the course," Roth said.

Though Palo Alto's time trial runs for only 2.1 miles and provides limited exposure to the riders on the course, take Stage 4, which extends from Seaside to San Luis Obispo and covers 135 miles.

Anyone who purchases the VIP car ride will follow the race in an Amgen Tour of California official car, where they can listen to the riders communicate. At the end of the day's race, they will join the riders at their nightly team dinner.

To make all of this financially feasible, with extra staffing and costs, prices have been set at $500 for the Team Dinner or the Cyclist Meet & Greet. The VIP Car Rides go for $2,000.

"Fortunately, or unfortunately, we only have a limited amount of these experiences that we can offer," Roth said.

For more information or to purchase a VIP Experience, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com or contact Teresa Torres at 213-742-7145 or ttorres@aegworld wide.com.


E-mail Vytas Mazeika at vytas@dailynewsgroup.com.