VERSUS TO AIR THIRD ANNUAL AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

 
From the Redwoods to Wine Country and All Along the Pacific Coast, VERSUS’ All-Inclusive Coverage Begins February 17 at 5 p.m. EST / 2 p.m. PST
 
STAMFORD, Conn. (February 12, 2008)—VERSUS, the network that celebrates real competition in all its forms and the home of professional cycling, today announced details of its coverage for the third annual Amgen Tour of California cycling road race.  VERSUS will air wall-to-wall coverage from February 17-24 as the world’s top professional teams descend on California for the 650-mile, eight-day event.   VERSUS’ expert cycling commentating team, which includes Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Bob Roll, will deliver live, on-site commentary for the race. 

“VERSUS is the only network in the United States that gives the type of in-depth and all-encompassing cycling coverage that the sport deserves,” said Gavin Harvey, President of VERSUS.  “The intensity of the competition among the top teams in the world coupled with the picturesque landscapes in the Golden State makes the Amgen Tour of California a can’t-miss event.”

In addition to television coverage, VERSUS.com will be kicking off its cycling content with exclusive Amgen Tour of California information for all cycling enthusiasts which includes interviews, video highlights, photos and information as well as reports from VERSUS’ analysts and experts about each stage.

"We are thrilled that once again, VERSUS will be our broadcast partner for the Amgen Tour of California,” said Andrew Messick, President AEG Sports, owners/presenters of the race.  “Their coverage of last year’s race was exceptional and provided millions of viewers the opportunity to experience this great event as if they were traveling with the tour.  Nobody covers cycling like VERSUS.”

VERSUS’ on-air schedule for the Amgen Tour of California follows:
 
February 17:  Prologue, Palo Alto-Stanford University (half same day delay, half live), 5 p.m. EST (2 p.m. PST)
February 18:  Stage 1, Sausalito to Santa Rosa, 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST)     
February 19:  Stage 2, Santa Rosa to Sacramento, 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST)
February 20:  Stage 3, Modesto to San Jose, 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST)       
February 21:  Stage 4, Seaside to San Luis Obispo, 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST)      
February 22:  Stage 5, Solvang time trial, 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST)
February 23:  Stage 6, Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita (half same day delay, half live), 5 p.m. EST (2 p.m. PST)         
February 24:  Stage 7, Santa Clarita to Pasadena, 5 p.m. EST (2 p.m. PST)

*Same-day delay unless noted; times subject to change