Organizers of the Amgen Tour of California--Stage 2 of which is leaving Monday from Murrieta--are taking extra security precautions in light of the recent tragedy at the Boston Marathon.
The eight-day, 750-mile professional bicycle race from Southern California to Santa Rosa kicks off Sunday in Escondido, and according to an official with race operator, AEG, security measures have been taken.
"We have been assured there is no threat internationally or locally to the Amgen Tour, but of course we are going to increase security..." said Matt Bettenhausen, vice president and chief security officer of AEG Worldwide, during a press conference that was live-streamed Friday.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the Boston Marathon bombing," Bettenhausen said. "And of course we want to make sure we are doing everything possible..."
This includes working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies said Bettenhausen, who in a previous position worked for the Department of Homeland Security.
"We couldn't do this without the cooperation of our CHP...our local law enforcement," Bettenhausen said.
As a host city, Murrieta is expecting large crowds Monday for the event that will be broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories by NBC Sports Network.
The security chief encouraged the public to be aware of their surroundings, and to call 911 if they see something unusual.
"If you see something, say something."
