“Big Mig” makes rare appearance to lead record number of cyclists on 122-mile “tour of Las Vegas”
LAS VEGAS – At the end of a 122-mile trek along the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the majestic heights of Red Rock National Conservation Area and cavernous Hoover Dam, Miguel Indurain led a charge to the finish amid a fast approaching peloton of professional cyclists including Carter Jones and Chris Baldwin of the Bissell professional cycling club.
The former five-time Tour de France and two-time Giro d’Italia champion proved his mettle once again as an elite cycling champion at the 5th annual Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) 2012 Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo Pinarello Presented by Vector Media held Sept. 22, 2012.
Having retired from professional cycling in 1996, “Big Mig’s” rare appearance proved to be a featured draw as the annual charity ride set a new attendance record of 2,500 cyclists eclipsing last year’s mark by 500.
“I do not often travel outside of Spain, and I rarely ride in events in the United States, but Viva Bike Vegas was one that I just could not miss,” said Indurain, who traveled to Las Vegas from Spain specifically to participate in the Gran Fondo. “The vistas of Red Rock and the majesty of the Hoover Dam are so impressive. The rides I enjoy most are those whose scenery is so breathtaking that the ride is not only a great athletic challenge but also a once-in-a lifetime memory. Las Vegas is simply a great destination for cycling.”
“I am going to ride Viva Bike Vegas again next year so I lay down the challenge to former and current cycling champions to join me as we conquer this epic desert ride together. It will be fun to create a rivalry and raise awareness for cycling here in Nevada and benefit the charities that need our help,” Indurain continued.
Joining Big Mig next year will be Fausto Pinarello, president of Pinarello cycling, the world-renowned bicycle manufacturer and official sponsor of Viva Bike Vegas.
“We envision making Viva Bike Vegas the ultimate one-day cycling experience on the West Coast,” said Pinarello, who also rode in the event this year. “The course is simply spectacular and provides a challenge for cyclists at all levels. It was wonderful to see a true champion like Miguel test himself against the cyclists of today. We look forward to making next year’s event even more exciting by working with our partners at the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.”
Next year’s cycling event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013.
In total, the fifth annual cycling event attracted 2,500 riders from all over the U. S. as well as internationally, from such countries as England, Spain and Canada.
RTC 2012 Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo Pinarello, which occurred at the conclusion of Interbike, the largest bicycle trade event in North America, started under the bright lights of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Riders then embarked on a 17-mile ride, 75-mile ride, 102-mile century ride and 122-mile Gran Fondo.
Proceeds from Viva Bike Vegas again benefited three local charities: UC San Diego Nevada Cancer Institute, After-School All-Stars Las Vegas and Communities in Schools of Nevada.
