Volunteer

The 2011 Amgen Tour of California, the largest cycling event in North America, recently announced that volunteer opportunities have been posted on their official website, AmgenTourofCalifornia.com, for the race, including opportunities for Stage 1 and 2 in Lake Tahoe.

Approximately 500 volunteers are needed for the Overall Start, Sunday, May 15 in South Lake Tahoe and the Stage 1 Finish in North Lake Tahoe at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, as well as the Stage 2 Start taking place nearby at Squaw Valley USA on Monday, May 16.

Several assistants are needed to provide support for the 75 professional course marshals who travel with the tour and help the local law enforcement agencies. They'll have an opportunity to be on the race routes, close to the cyclists, with responsibility for monitoring pedestrian traffic, barricades and road closures.

According to the race officials, more than 4,500 volunteers in communities throughout the state participated in last year's race, making it seamless and successful from start to finish and solidifying it as the largest sporting event in the state of California.

Positions include:

Course Marshals will be assigned a designated area along the racecourse to assist with the coordination and safety of the field of play for all race venues. They'll aid in keeping the course clear of pedestrians, spectators, cars, etc., and will keep spectators informed as the race in is progress. These positions are for local stages only; traveling Course Marshals are not being recruited at this time.

Media in Start Cities will help with the distribution of media credentials at check-in. Volunteers in Finish cities will support tour media operations staff in the media office, including credential distribution, serving as "runners," and assisting with general Q&A and office set-up.

Security will work with Tour Security Staff regarding access-control, including on-course, hospitality, awards, green room and press conferences (special Security t-shirt will be provided).

Volunteer Check-in will assist LOC Volunteer Coordinator with set-up, check-in/registration.

Volunteers must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult. The online sign-up form allows individuals to rank their top-three job preferences with every attempt made to match their area of interest. Respondents will be notified soon thereafter by the local organizing committee.

"Volunteering for the Amgen Tour of California is an opportunity to help us showcase all that Lake Tahoe has to offer," said Director of Tourism Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. "You're not just a volunteer; you're an ambassador for the entire Lake Tahoe region."

The Lake Tahoe Stages for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California include:

Stage 1 (Overall Start):
South Lake Tahoe
Presented by Michelob Ultra
Sunday, May 15

Stage 1 (Finish):
North Lake Tahoe - Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort
Presented by Michelob Ultra
Sunday, May 15

Stage 2 (Start):
North Lake Tahoe - Squaw Valley USA
Presented by the California Travel and Tourism Commission
Monday, May 16



For information on volunteering for the Lake Tahoe stages, please contact Sean Sweeney, Volunteer Coordinator, at ssweeney@sierraattahoe.com or at 530-545-0509