SUU welcomes Tour of Utah
By Nikki Koontz
Southern Utah University and Cedar City will host the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah Aug. 4–7. Deemed “America’s Toughest Stage Race,” the Tour of Utah is a weeklong professional race for some of the best cycling teams in the world. Cedar City has been the overall start headquarters and Stage 1 host of the Tour of Utah four times (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018), and SUU has partnered to provide the “Athlete Village,” bringing international cyclists and spectators to campus.
This year, riders will start and finish in Cedar City in front of the Southern Utah Museum of Art on University Boulevard and 300 West, the same site as in 2016. The first Utah Sports Commission Sprint line will be contested in Parowan, then hit a Category 1 climb up Parowan Canyon through Brian Head. The ascent into Cedar Breaks National Monument climbs 4,500 vertical feet in 15 miles with some sections challenging riders with a 15 percent gradient. From there, it’s all downhill into the college town of Cedar City. The riders will complete three circuits around Southern Utah University’s campus.
“This race creates a buzz and level of enthusiasm that reverberates throughout the community,” said Emilee Ballard, SUU Tour of Utah coordinator. “With the start and finish of the race being held on campus, the organizing committee has been planning activities to keep people involved and entertained throughout the day. We encourage everyone to come to SUU that day to participate in this exciting international event.”
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah is free to all spectators, making professional cycling one of the most unique professional sports in the world today. The Tour of Utah remains a 2.HC-rated stage race on the UCI America Tour, making it one of the premier events for professional cycling teams in North America. It is also one of the prominent road cycling events that is also part of USA Cycling’s Pro Road Tour.
Kicking off the Tour of Utah weekend are team presentations Aug. 4. This free event starts at 4:30 p.m. on the Ashton Family Greenshow stage at the Beverley Center for the Arts. Riders will be introduced by team and have a question-and-answer session, and fans can get autographs and meet the riders in person.
On race day at the start and finish line, spectators can enjoy the Cedar City Velo Village from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along with the Sprint to the Finish Kids Bike Race at 1 p.m., a live bands, giveaways, chalk art, games, yoga classes, a climbing wall, booths, entertainment, and art projects.
Visit tourofutah.com for more information.
Articles related to “SUU welcomes Tour of Utah”
Unsatisfied with Tour of Utah decision, Springdale setting booby traps for cyclists
