February 13, 2008
Cyclists roll, roads close, for world-class bike race on Sunday
The Tour of California, boasting many of professional cycling's best international teams, rolls onto Palm Drive this weekend, bringing 20,000 to 40,000 spectators—and road closures for parts of the Stanford campus and downtown Palo Alto.
All of Palm Drive and most of University Avenue will be blocked off for much of the day on Sunday. Cross-traffic will be blocked as well.
Sunday's time-trial event, with individual riders racing the clock on a 2.1-mile course, kicks off an eight-day race that travels from Palo Alto to Pasadena. The first rider will leave the starting ramp at City Hall at 1 p.m., pedaling all-out down University Avenue, across El Camino Real, onto Palm Drive and around the Oval. Fans will be able to watch from any point along the course. There is no admission charge.
Stanford and the City of Palo Alto are co-hosting Sunday's race and an accompanying health and fitness festival that will include children's activities.
Road closures
The race will result in some road closures on Saturday and Sunday:
Stanford campus
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 17: Palm Drive from Campus Drive to the Oval, 7 a.m. Saturday to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Sunday only: Palm Drive from El Camino Real to Campus Drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Palo Alto
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 17: Hamilton Avenue from Bryant Street to Ramona Street, 3 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Sunday only: University Avenue from Cowper Street to El Camino Real, Hamilton Avenue from Ramona Street to Cowper Street, Cowper Street from Hamilton Avenue to University Avenue, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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