CEDAR CITY – Cyclists from around the world are gathering in Cedar City preparing to take a tour.
The Tour of Utah starts Tuesday at Brian Head. This is the first time in the race’s seven-year history that stages will weave through the Southern Utah canyons.
“From the red rocks of southern Utah to the Wasatch Front, it will be a memorable route to showcase the beauty of our state,” said Miller Sports Properties president Steve Miller.
In the past the tour has focused on northern Utah roads. At a news conference organizers expressed their excitement to see the race expand, and showcase some of the beautiful scenery Utah has to offer.
“People around the world are going to be breathless when they see the spectacular vistas in our great state,” said Utah State Office of Tourism Director Vicki Varela.
But along with those views come high altitudes and steep canyons. Those are a couple of the obstacles that make the Tour of Utah the toughest stage race in America. But pro racers say it’s also what gives it such appeal.
“We like to race aggressively in our team and to see what we can pull out,” says Team Optum cyclist Jesse Anthony. “I think we’ll be keeping our card kind of close to us.”
“I’ve grown up watching the tour of Utah, every year I think,” says Team Bontrager cyclist and Park City native Tanner Putt. “It passes right by my house. It’s a great honor to be out here racing with all these guys.”
For more information on the race and to see the routes, click here: http://www.tourofutah.com/2013/stages
