Tour of California to use electric motorcycles during Big Bear time trial

Zero Motorcycles to be included as part of the race’s motorized support fleet for the pivotal men’s Big Bear Lake Time Trial stage

SANTA CRUZ, California - Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, announced a partnership today with the Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race to be included as part of the race’s motorized support fleet for the pivotal men’s Big Bear Lake Time Trial stage. Zero Motorcycles are particularly optimal for cycling race support, as there is no exhaust or noxious chemicals for the athletes to breathe in, and with virtually no sound, athletes can clearly hear any audio instructions given to them by their team over race radios. Both elements are critical for success in a race where every watt counts.

This will be the first time an electric motorcycle has been used in the eleven-year history of the Amgen Tour of California, the most prestigious international cycling event in North America. From May 11-20, this seven-day men’s and four-day women’s event attracts World Champions, Olympic medalists and Tour de France stage winners from around the world to California to compete across one of the most scenic and challenging courses in any race on the international racing calendar. Starting in Sacramento and finishing in Pasadena, the men’s race will be contested by 16 teams across 575 miles of coastlines, highways and mountain roads. The 16 women’s teams will compete across 257 miles through South Lake Tahoe, Elk Grove and Sacramento. This year’s event will feature top UCI WorldTour teams with the world’s best and most legendary riders.

“The Amgen Tour of California is proud to partner with best-in-category companies, and Zero Motorcycles will be a valuable addition to the Big Bear Time Trial stage this year, while also furthering our sustainability efforts for the race overall,” said Kristin Klein, Amgen Tour of California president and executive vice president of AEG Sports.

The Big Bear Lake Time Trial is 14.2 miles long, with 400 ft of elevation gain in total, with cyclists taking off one by one in a race against the clock. The short distance allows cyclists to “drain their tanks” with one, huge effort, with most riders averaging solo speeds of 29 to 31mph. When you add up all of the racers expected to be on the course for this stage, it comes out to approximately 1800 miles of total road distance. In addition to one motorcycle per racer, there will also be approximately 8 photographers, 5 police, and 3 VIP/Media motorcycles running the course. This in turn means that if all gas powered bikes are used, this day alone produces well over 1400 pounds of CO2 emissions, as well as noxious chemicals that small motors are known to emit. Putting this number in the perspective of a multiday stage race, it’s easy to see how replacing gas powered vehicles with electric options would vastly reduce the event’s carbon footprint, while also increasing the athletes’ ability to perform at the highest levels.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Amgen Tour of California in bringing electric motorcycles to this prestigious race,” said Todd Andersen, VP of Marketing, Sales and Aftersales at Zero Motorcycles. “Our powertrain’s relative silence and zero emissions are particularly well suited to the needs of elite athletes in competition. We’re excited at the prospect of growing our relationship to expand the use of Zeros across even more stages of the Amgen TOC in the coming years.”

Detailed information and prices are available at: www.zeromotorcycles.com. Amgen Tour of California route, tickets, and event information is available at: www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

About Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles is committed to transforming the motorcycling experience by bringing innovative electric motorcycles to market with exceptional value and performance. Zero is powered by innovation, driven by passion, guided by integrity and measured by results. Through extensive research, insight and experience, Zero combines the art and science of motorcycle development in the design and execution of products that excite consumers and inspire brand loyalty. Zero is determined to remain the preeminent global electric motorcycle company. Every Zero motorcycle is designed and built in California.