School children get the chance to learn about the world of cycling.

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Starting this week, elementary schools throughout California will receive the 2009 Amgen Tour of California education curriculum booklet in preparation for the annual bicycle race.

As a host city, Santa Clarita will be filled with cyclists on February 21 as they bike to their next stop in Pasadena. There will also be an added element of excitement as seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will be participating in the race.

An educational booklet, specially designed for fourth–through sixth graders, aims to incorporate children into the race that will make its way through 16 California cities in February of next year.

The booklets include interactive lessons about the history of cycling, bike safety, and maintenance tips, as well as student-targeted activities such as drawing, coloring and essay contests, and spirit contests among schools
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“This informative handbook—which includes valuable lessons in bike safety, maintenance, history, geography, science and math—can help make our kids safer, smarter and healthier,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In the classroom, many teachers will be able to use the booklets as a catalyst for teaching world geography, math lessons, and informing students of the race, current participants, and its past winners.

The Amgen Tour of California is an annual Tour de France-style bicycle race that challenges the best in the bicycling world with an 800-mile course through California. Beginning in Sacramento and ending in San Diego County, participants will race through 16 “host” cities, and give communities in between a glimpse of the glory as they ride through.

For more information about the 2009 Amgen Tour of California and the Educational curriculum, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.