High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 2012 Amgen Tour of California was the seventh running of the Tour of California cycling stage race. It was held from May 13–20, and was rated as a 2.HC event on the UCI America Tour. It began in Santa Rosa and concluded in front of Los Angeles` Staples Center after eight stages. As per the International Cycling Union rules adopted in 2011, the use of race radios was prohibited, since only the events which are designated UCI World Tour events can use the devices.