Tour of the Gila Offers Encouragement to Joe Martin Stage Race, Reaffirms Commitment to Future of American Stage Racing
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (March 22, 2024) — In light of the news that Joe Martin Stage Race is canceled this spring, Tour of the Gila organizers wish to express support and state their commitment to sustaining American road bicycle racing.
With a close peer relationship, Tour of the Gila and Joe Martin Stage Race are America’s two UCI stage races. With the postponement of the latter, Tour of the Gila will be the sole UCI stage race offered in the U.S. in 2024 and North America’s only multiday UCI event for both men and women.
Tour of the Gila is going on 37 years of offering stage racing for cyclists at all levels. Similarly, Joe Martin Stage Race by All Sports Productions has offered amateur stage racing for 46 years, USA Cycling professional racing for 21 years, and UCI racing in North America for nine years. Sharing comparable longevity, Tour of the Gila organizers sympathize with the annual struggle to keep up with the rising costs of producing multi-day races, grow corporate and stakeholder sponsorship, and secure consistent funding.
Traditionally situated near Tour of the Gila on the American road racing calendar, Joe Martin Stage Race plans on working toward a 2025 race. So, along with Joe Martin Stage Race, Tour of the Gila is in talks with USA Cycling and other American stage race promoters to bring more cohesion and coordination to the sport nationwide. To start, teams can expect a survey from Tour of the Gila, Redlands Bicycle Classic and Joe Martin Stage Race. Input from these stakeholders will inform collaborations and influence the national racing calendar. Allied in the commitment to the future of cycling in the USA, these races will continue supporting and partnering with each other for years to come.
