Full Press Release Details
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. , May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen today announced that four individuals who are an inspiration and have made a difference for others affected by cancer have been selected as Breakaway from Cancer ® Champions. They will be honored as part of Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer initiative at the eighth consecutive edition of the Amgen Tour of California , America's largest and most prestigious road cycling stage race, which will travel approximately 750 miles from southern to northern California from May 12 - 19, 2013 .
The four Breakaway from Cancer Champions were selected following a public call for nominations in four of this year's host cities, followed by an online voting campaign that concluded earlier in April. The 2013 Breakaway from Cancer Champions are:
"Amgen is proud to honor individuals who make a positive difference in the fight against cancer," said Bob Azelby , vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. "After all, our mission is to serve patients. Breakaway from Cancer was founded on the knowledge that it takes a team to overcome this disease and the Champions program exemplifies this commitment to helping others."
The Breakaway from Cancer Champions will lead the "Breakaway Mile," an approximately one-mile walk that celebrates cancer survivors and crosses the Amgen Tour of California finish or start line prior to the professional riders. The Breakaway Mile will take place in four 2013 race host cities on race day: Escondido ( May 12 ), Santa Clarita ( May 14 ), Santa Barbara ( May 15 ) and Livermore ( May 18 ).
At the conclusion of each stage of the Amgen Tour of California , the Breakaway from Cancer Champion or a local cancer survivor will present Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider jersey to the professional rider who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer—courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance.
Also during the 2013 Amgen Tour of California , a local cancer survivor will officially start each day's stage by firing the official start gun. He or she will also have the opportunity to meet the prior day's recipient of Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider jersey.
Representatives of the four organizations with whom Amgen collaborates on its Breakaway from Cancer programs - Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship - will travel with the Amgen Tour of California , providing information at the Breakaway from Cancer information booth at the Lifestyle Festival held at each stage.
More information about the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, including helpful resources is available at www.breakawayfromcancer.com .
About the Amgen Tour of California The largest cycling event in America, the 2013 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, that challenges the world's top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 12-19, 2013 .
CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Kristen Davis , 805-447-3008 (media) Arvind Sood , 805-447-1060 (investors)