The Tucson Bicycle Classic brings four days of road racing to four very different parts of the Tucson region, combining serious competition with some of the roads and scenery that have made Southern Arizona a winter cycling destination.
The racing begins Thursday with the Marana Time Trial, a fast 4.5-mile prologue on the Chuck Huckelberry Loop where every rider races Eddie Merckx style and the first leaders of the General Classification are determined.
Friday brings the Sahuarita Road Race, racing in the reverse direction of Tucson’s legendary Shootout route. The 20.5-mile circuit around the Helmet Peak area combines climbing, rollers, fast descents and wide-open desert roads where tactics and teamwork come into play.
On Saturday, racing moves into the heart of Tucson for the Rio Nuevo Tucson Criterium. The 0.73-mile course alongside historic Barrio Viejo features tight corners and a 180-degree turnaround, with cafés, restaurants and breweries nearby. With racing throughout the day, this may be the best stage for spectators who want to experience the speed and excitement of bike racing up close.
The weekend finishes Sunday with the Oro Valley Circuit Race, a fast and tactical 2.8-mile course featuring rolling terrain and a punchy uphill finish on Musette Drive. Spectator areas and a finish-line beer garden make the finale as much fun to watch as it is difficult to race.
Four days. Four communities. Four completely different courses. Whether you’re racing for the GC or simply want to see what competitive road cycling looks like from a few feet away, the Tucson Bicycle Classic is a great showcase of why Tucson has become one of America’s great cycling communities.
February 18–21, 2027 | Tucson, Marana, Sahuarita & Oro Valley
Take part in one of the most challenging stage races in North America, April 24-28, 2024, in and around Silver City, New Mexico. You have the chance to race on the same courses and at the same time as the top professional men and women teams during the 2024 Tour of the Gila. The Pro Women’s and Pro Men’s races are part of the UCI America Tour and the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour.
The Tour of the Gila is honored to put on a challenging and rewarding stage race. We organize men’s and women’s UCI races on the international professional stage, and include multiple amateur categories that allow racers to test their skills on the same terrain that the Pros race. Gila is a race that helps aspiring athletes gain experience to move their careers forward, whether that be to competing internationally, or simply moving up a category.
The Tour of the Gila has reworked the amateur races for 2024, with the goal of offering a better chance for racers to attend. We have a 4-day format for Men 2,3 and Women 2,3; and a 3-day race for Women 4,5, Men 4,5, and Masters Men 3,4—40+/50+/60+. The Junior Men 15/16 and 17/18 will race together in a 3-day event. With the exception of the Junior Men’s race, there is a required minimum of 30 racers for each category. Please spread the word and encourage your fellow racers to register.
Each racer will receive a swag bag at packet pick-up.
The TBC is a three day USA Cycling sanctioned stage race (time trial, road race, circuit race). You must complete each stage to enter the next.
Qualifiers must all complete the Stage 1 TT to enter the RR, and then complete the RR to enter the Circuit Race. Lowest overall time wins.
I went to this race wearing many hats. Father, Coach, Cheerleader, Photographer, Spectator. The only role I did not play that I would have done differently is athlete.
For the weekend I shot over 7000 photos and have them broken down in the following categories. People and Podiums, Time Trials(Men and Women), Road Race and Circuit race. They are all on facebook, but even if you do not have an account, you should be able to see them.
There is also an Album for El Grupo Youth Cycling. If you want a high resolution image I am giving them for free, but ask you make a donation to El Grupo Youth Cycling (or buy me a new camera or lens – I’m due).
El Grupo Youth Cycling
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153944124510154.1073742074.228735085153&type=1
People and Podiums
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153940034460154.1073742071.228735085153&type=1
Time Trail
Mens
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153934146500154.1073742069.228735085153&type=1
Women
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153930188795154.1073742065.228735085153&type=1
Road Race
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153941365095154.1073742072.228735085153&type=1
Circuit Race
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153943593275154.1073742073.228735085153&type=1
