Modesto lobbies for Amgen bike tour leg

The city of Modesto has begun lobbying the owners of the Amgen Tour of California, the Anschutz Entertainment Group, to once again be a host city for the multi-stage bicycle mid-May race.

The city hosted it from 2008-11, but was passed over as a stop last year.

As part of its efforts, the city has created a Website that points out why it should be chosen.

The city submitted a bid before the Aug. 17 deadline.

Last year, race organizes announced host cities in early November and unveiled the route in February.

Race organizers the past few years have followed a trend of asking new cities, such as Sonora, to submit bids. Sonora's proximity to Modesto was the reason Modesto was not chosen last year.

Sonora, as well as Turlock, have also submitted bids for the 2013 race.

AEG, which also owns the Los Angeles Kings and Staples Center, is up for sale, and it is unknown what effect that will have on the Amgen race.