Solvang California
Celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2011, the Danish-American city of Solvang is proud to welcome the return of the Amgen Tour of California for the prestigious Individual Time Trial Stage on May 20, 2011. Solvang hosted the race's 2007, 2008 and 2009 Individual Time Trial stages, as well as hosts several Pro Tour cycling team training camps every year and some of the largest amateur cycling events in the USA including the Solvang Century (5,000+ riders in March) and the Prelude (3,000+ in November).
Solvang, often affectionately referred to as "Little Denmark," is set in scenic Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast of California—130 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco. Orbitz Worldwide Travel named Solvang one of the Top 5 "US Domestic Destinations with International Flair" and the city has been recognized by Sunset magazine as one of the "Ten Most Beautiful Small Towns in the Western United States." Solvang, a federally-recognized "Preserve America Community" will be heralding its heritage with a year-long series of events in 2011. For more information on the 2011 Centennial celebration activities, visit www.Solvang100.com or www.SolvangUSA.com.
Solvang attracts over a million visitors annually with its thriving Danish village, unique shopping, distinctive architecture, award-winning bakeries, international cuisine and regional wines. With the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop and near perfect year-round climate, this European-style enclave has retained its charm for the last 100 years. Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley wine country, Solvang also features more than a dozen wine tasting rooms and was the location for the award-winning film "Sideways" featuring area wines and attractions.