Women's Amgen Race Kicks Off In South Lake Tahoe

82 women cyclists from 15 countries are here. Gabriela Shaw is from England.

“Women are prepared to travel to go to all these destination to ride all the top races.”

Katie Donovan, from southern California, rolled her bike to the start line, saying the key to getting more women into the sport is showing that it’s fun.

“If you are not having fun, it is not worth it. 'Cuz it’s hard.”

Fans sent them off, 74 miles around the lake.

“We came down specifically to see the women.”

Sara Browder is from Jacksonville, Oregon.

“It was wonderful it was so nice that all the women are coming out. Women power, its great!”

The announcer shouts: “And here it is, into the finale and the final 200 meters."

Three hours later, Katie Hall of Oakland powered across the line first with a pump of her fist. Unlike previous women’s races, this one is like men’s, long and grueling. That makes it a historic day for women’s cycling.

“I think it is an awesome day for women.”

Stage Two is Saturday. Riders will start at Heavenly Ski Resort, follow U.S. 50 to Highway 89 and return to Heavenly.

Stage Three of the women's race and the first leg of the men's race will take place Sunday in Sacramento.

Stage Four of the women's race and the final stage of the men's race will be May 15 at Big Bear Lake.