Paso Robles, Solvang and Thousand Oaks will all play host to parts of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California cycling race, Amgen and the race’s other organizers announced Oct. 7.

The eight-day, 800-mile race starts May 15 in South Lake Tahoe and winds its way down the state to finish May 22 in Amgen’s home city of Thousand Oaks. Along the way, it will finish its May 19 leg in Paso Robles and hold time trials on May 20 in Solvang.

The Amgen Tour started six years ago and has become one of the world’s premier cycling races. It also brings thousands of spectators to each of its host cities.

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