Boosting the women’s racing calendar and making a significant addition to the competitive events in the USA, a new five day 2.1 ranked stage race will debut next May. The Exergy Development Group, which already backs the 2012 women’s team plus the recently unveiled junior/youth squad, has announced the race, which will be called the Exergy Tour and run from May 24th to 28th.
It is aiming to be ‘one of the most significant international pro-cycling events’ on the women’s pro calendar.’
The race will consist of a range of stages, described as alpine, high desert and sprint format, and will be based in Idaho. The competition and technical production will be run by Medalist Sports, which is already known as the event management arm for the Amgen Tour of California, USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado and the Tour of Utah.
Being a 2.1-ranked event, there will be international ranking points up for grabs and these could prove crucial in qualifying for the Olympic Games. Initially run over five days, the intentional is to expand it to a seven stage, eight day race in the future.
USA Cycling President and CEO Steve Johnson hailed the plans. “Thanks to the support of Exergy we now have, for the first time in many years, a world-class, UCI women’s stage race in the U.S.,” he said. “This event will provide our top American women, who are among the best in the world, with the opportunity to showcase their talent and race on home soil.”
Next year’s race will be held in Idaho’s capital and the surrounding Treasure Valley. While full course details haven’t yet been announced, the city of Boise will have a big part in hosting the event.
As the title suggests, Exergy is a big part of making the event happen. Its CEO James Carkulis explained some of the aims of the race. “The Exergy Tour shall showcase the power and excitement of women's professional cycling and its growing influence globally, while working at all levels to engage our communities in teaching young girls the benefits that individual and team sports competition can bring throughout their lives.
“Our vision with the Exergy Tour is to communicate this global message and align with relevant organizations dedicated to advancing self confidence, self-esteem and overall well-being of girls and women through physical activity.”
The organisers have confirmed that they are seeking an approximate 1,500 volunteers; registration is now open for that.