That is awesome. To bad it won't be open for general entry. I'd take two weeks off work for something like that.

yyeaahh!! http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/ ... comin right through my town!!

Wow thats pretty interesting. Well anyways I can't waite stage one ends in my city. Should be a good race.

Yeah, I read that too. Pretty ironic that they sponsor a sport with some of the most rampant abuse of one of its products. Kind of wonder why they would to draw that sort of attention to them.

I know some people at companies such as Amgen and Genentech, their products (such as synthetic insulin, growth hormone and EPO) were developed in order to help people with illnesses (some of them very serious) not to illegally enhance performance - as opposed to Balco, who's only purpose is to create undetectable, illegal steriods. They HIGHLY discourage the illegal use, and are especially upset by things like EPO and growth hormone abuse. The legitimate market for these drugs is big enough to sustain their businesses and they don't want the money, nor need the taint associated with abuse.

knauert, I completely agree with you. The EPO use is sport is an abuse of one of their products which does help save many lives (including Lance's for instance).

Brian

AMGEN says that they are motivated to sponsor the Tour of California by its awareness of the inappropriate use of its product. Wonder what will be in the pre race kits:
Timing chip, race number, power gel, EPO, Gatorade, granola bar.... :D
- T

I totally agree these substances were made to help people with illness and better their lives but as with everything in life there are people who abuse. But at the same time with all the talk about doping these days it is still amusing that they would sponsor such a race. Hopefully they can reach some people and let them know the risks of taking ped's.