The organisers of the Larry H Miller Tour of Utah have announced the ten cities that will play host to the race’s six stages for the 2013 edition. The stage race, which is claimed to be “America’s Toughest” will run between August 6th and 11th, retains the International Cycling Union International Cycling Union (UCI) 2.1-ranked status that it has held since 2010, which means that America Tour Continental teams will be able to race against WorldTour ProTeams; six took part in the 2012 event, as well as five Professional Continental teams.
Of the ten cities that will be visited by the 2013 race, which will be the ninth edition, seven will be making their first appearance.
The race will cover almost the entire length of the Beehive State, beginning in the south with a stage between the Brian Head ski resort and nearby Cedar City.
“We've always had our eye on expanding the Tour to the southern part of the state, and with great fan, sponsor and community support, we've been able to do that,” said Steve Miller, President of the Tour of Utah, and newly named COO of Miller Sports Properties. “Our fan base provided solid crowds every day last year, and we attracted widespread audiences watching the race live on FOX Sports Network and on the web with TourTracker.
“The Tour of Utah generated $14 million in direct economic impact for the state in 2012 and our race expansion is expected to have an even greater impact,” Millar added. “From Cedar City to Park City, we appreciate the support of all our 2013 host cities and look forward to the biggest year yet.”
The second stage will begin in Panguitch and head in a northerly direction to Torrey, with stage three heading further north between Richfield and Payson. Slt Lak City will host the fourth stage, making its sixth appearance in the race, with a circuit that promises to be as challenging as the 80 mile (132km) route used in the 2010 race.
The “Queen stage” of the race will come on the penultimate day, with a tough mountainous course between Snowbasin Resort and the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, featuring the climb through Little Cottonwood Canyon. The last day will see a repeat of the 2012 final stage with a challenging stage, starting and finishing in Park City, which will feature the climb of Empire Pass.
"We are excited to see the continued growth of the Tour of Utah that will now expand into the southern part of the state," said Jeff Robbins, president & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. "The event generates significant economic impact for the state and will now be able to showcase Utah's red rock scenery along with the beauty of the northern part of our great state."
Since taking on its UCI 2.1 status, the Tour of Utah was won in 2011 by then RadioShack rider Levi Leipheimer, with the 2012 event taken by then BMC Racing, now IAM Cycling rider Johan Tschopp.
Larry H Miller Tour of Utah (2.1) August 6th-11th
Stages
Stage 1: Brian Head to Cedar City
Stage 2: Panguitch to Torrey
Stage 3: Richfield to Payson
Stage 4: Salt Lake City circuit race
Stage 5: Snowbasin Resort to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Stage 6: Park City to Park City