Cycling enthusiasts to participate in four organized rides plus training, support and swag
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (February 7, 2018) — The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah announced today a new public program that invites cycling enthusiasts to participate in a series of group training sessions, organized rides and special activities to create an all-inclusive summer experience that includes the marquee events along the Wasatch Front.
The Tour of Utah Summer of Cycling is partnering with the Salt Lake City Marathon Bike Tour on April 21, the Huntsman 140 on June 16 and the Snowbird Hill Climb on July 28 to create a series of rides that culminate in taking on the Ultimate Challenge presented by University of Utah Health citizens ride on Aug. 11 during the Tour of Utah.
Registration is now available directly at www.usacycling.org/register/2018-847 or through www.tourofutah.com with a singular entry fee for all the rides and activities. To register, participants need to have free USA Cycling account.
“The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah is actively engaging the cycling community with a six-month program that encourages people at all levels to be participants in this great sport,” said John Kimball, managing director of the Tour of Utah. “The Summer of Cycling is designed to provide the support, motivation and opportunities for recreational cyclists to have their best year of riding thanks to a partnership with these classic rides.”
The Summer of Cycling begins in March with group training and nutrition sessions designed by University of Utah Health and rides hosted by the Huntsman 140 coaches. Participants will have access to neutral support, call-up and starting line preference and a designated Summer of Cycling tent at finish line areas for all events.
The Salt Lake City Marathon Bike Tour follows the same 26.2-mile running course as the Salt Lake City Marathon in a first of its kind ride in Utah. The non-competitive, family-friendly ride starts at the Olympic Legacy Bridge at the University of Utah and finishes at Library Square with a one hour, 45-minute time limit.
The Huntsman 140 is a fundraising road cycling event finishing at Fort Douglas on University of Utah campus. It is a ride of all distances for survivors and supporters and a fundraiser in honor of all cancer patients. Proceeds raised through this one-day, non-competitive ride go to Huntsman Cancer Foundation to support cancer research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Participants will also have access to all Huntsman 140 VIP events.
The Snowbird Hill Climb, a 10-mile ride up Little Cottonwood Canyon, adds a new challenge with 3,500 vertical feet of climbing as a final preparation for the Ultimate Challenge. The 40th edition of this ride starts at 9400 South near Highland Drive before summiting at Snowbird Resort. Participants will also receive discounted activity passes at Snowbird Resort.
The fourth and final ride of the Summer of Cycling is the Ultimate Challenge, the non-competitive, gran fondo-style bicycle ride that mirrors the Tour of Utah’s Queen Stage as the precursor to Stage 5. Cyclists can experience the same demanding mountain course as the professionals from the Canyons Resort to Snowbird Resort. Entry in the Ultimate Challenge presented by University of Utah Health also includes accommodations at the Canyons Resort on Aug. 10 and passes to the pre-ride Pasta Party and meet and greet with pro cyclists.
Throughout the Summer of Cycling, group riding opportunities will be scheduled with professional cyclists. Four exclusive “Rides with the Pros” will occur in Davis and Utah counties in May, Salt Lake City in June and Park City in July. Another benefit of the package is cycling swag, including a Tour of Utah/Summer of Cycling kit from DNA Cycling, T-shirt and participation medal.
The 14th edition of the Tour of Utah will be held on Monday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 12. The Tour of Utah will start in St. George for the first time with a prologue and conclude in Park City after six days of stage racing. Additional host cities or venues are Cedar City, Payson City, Antelope Island State Park, Layton City, Salt Lake City, Canyons Village, and Snowbird Resort.
