October 10, 2012 — Steve Miller, President of the Tour of Utah, confirmed today that next year’s Tour of Utah event would continue as a six-day, 2.1-rated UCI stage race. It will retain its position on the international cycling calendar during the first full week of August, Tuesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 11, 2013. The overall route and host cities will be announced in the coming months.
The Tour of Utah bicycle stage race gained attention in its eighth year in 2012 for increased race mileage, more elevation gain, and stronger international field of competition. The race route covered 543 miles of diverse and mountainous terrain with 38,500 feet of elevation gain. Mileage increased 33% and vertical feet of climbing increased 25% from 2011, solidifying the event as “America’s Toughest Stage Race”. Seven of this year’s 17 professional cycling teams competed at the Tour de France, including the BMC Racing Team, which featured 2012 overall Tour of Utah winner Johann Tschopp of Switzerland.
The Utah Sports Commission supports the Tour of Utah as it looks to expand in 2013 to the southern part of the state. An exploratory committee has received positive feedback from more than seven communities interested in hosting the multi-day stage race in Southern Utah. The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah continues to be free to all spectators, making professional cycling one of the most unique professional sports in the world today. More information about the Tour of Utah and its partners can be found by visiting www.tourofutah.com .
