Escondido's slumping economy will get a major boost next month when one of the most prestigious bike races in the world brings more than 40,000 spectators to the heart of downtown Escondido, local officials told the North County Times last week.
The corner of Broadway and Grand Avenue will be the finish line for the Amgen Tour of California, a nine-day race conducted in eight stages across the state.
The final stage will begin in Rancho Bernardo and pass through Valley Center, go up and down Palomar Mountain and conclude in Escondido between 3 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22.
In addition to seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and other top international bicyclists, the race will also bring TV cameras, tourists and much-needed exposure to Escondido, Cami Mattson, chief executive of the San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau told the paper.
"This a great opportunity to showcase the city," said Mattson, who played a key role in persuading race officials to choose Escondido. "At least 40,000 people will be swarming the streets."
Read more about the race and the expected economic kiss to the city in the article in the North County Times.
