Photo by Evan Thomason, City of Santa Clarita

Professional cyclist Timmy Duggan is gearing up for one of the nation’s largest sporting events, the Amgen Tour of California. Duggan rode into Santa Clarita this week to accept a challenge from SCVTV Sports Director Dave Caldwell.

The 2012 U.S. olympian and USPRO National Champion went head-to-head with Caldwell in a trike race at the SCV Boys and Girls Club Tuesday afternoon.

He used his time there to stress the necessary safety measures he takes before each ride.

“No doubt, a helmet has saved my life a couple of times,” Duggan said at the start line. “We’re out there taking risks on our bikes, riding upwards of 60 miles per hour. A crash without a helmet there obviously could be catastrophic.”

High-speed races are not the only time riders are vulnerable to a head injury, he said.

“Just riding through school in a neighborhood, even then it’s important to wear a helmet. You never know what sort of accident could be lurking around the next corner.”

Duggan will be competing in the 2013 Amgen Tour of California in May. The eight-day event is a prestigious cycling event that brings together professional athletes from all over the world.

The Amgen Tour will begin in Escondido, Calif. on May 12 and end in Santa Rosa, Calif. on May 19.

Photo by Evan Thomason, City of Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita is one 12 cities to host various stages of the race this year. Riders will finish stage three in Santa Clarita on Tuesday, May 14 and begin stage four to Santa Barbara from Santa Clarita on Wednesday, May 15.

For a list of events planned around Amgen’s ride into Santa Clarita, click here.

More information about the race here.