Jai Crawford of Team Fly V Australia wins the final stage

Levi Leipheimer, as a solo rider for Lance Armstrong's Team Mellow Johnny's, crossed the finish line just behind stage winner, Jai Crawford of Team Fly V Australia, securing his overall win in this year's Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, presented by Zions Bank.
 
Today's fifth and final stage was the Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort road race, which began at Park City's Newpark Resort & Hotel and finished at Snowbird. Known as the "Queen Stage," the 100 mile route featured more than 11,000 vertical feet of climbing.
 
As the day of racing got underway, strong winds buffeted the field. A group of 18 riders brokeaway from the main peloton within the first few minutes of racing. The group contained those in contention for the XO Communications Sprinters Jersey.
 
The Breakaway pushed their lead to as much as two minutes as they fought for the last remaining sprint points. David Tanner of Fly V Australia and Trek-LIVESTRONG's Taylor Phinney went into today separated by only one point.
 
The race soon hit the first big climb of the day passing Sundance Ski Resort and then continuing over the Alpine Loop. The race began to spread out and the break deteriorated, allowing Crawford to bridge up to the leaders. This move gave him the advantage he needed to later win the stage.
 
Crawford's group held their lead as they entered Little Cottonwood Canyon. Crawford and UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling presented by Maxis rider, Marc De Maar, pushed themselves up the canyon leaving behind the rest of the remaining group. It wasn't long before De Maar faltered and Crawford rode alone.
 
Leipheimer left the chase group with five kilometers to go in hot pursuit of Crawford. Leipheimer caught Crawford within the last kilometer to the finish line, but Crawford held him off during the final meters to the line and took the stage win.

"I made a big effort to catch up to Jai and I caught him just before the end," said Leipheimer, "He could see me coming, so I think he left a little bit in the tank for the finish. I think the bottom line is, that he deserved the stage win more than anyone and he got it."
 
"This is actually my first win of the year on my last day of racing in America," said Crawford. "It's great for me and it's great for my wife as well. It was a great race and I loved it."
 
Leipheimer's effort to catch Crawford and finish second solidified his lead over the rest of the general classification.
 
The final top five general classification riders are Leipheimer with a total time of 12:39:40 winning the AT&T Yellow Leaders Jersey. Canyon Bicycle's Francisco Mancebo earned second with a total time of 12:42:10, Ian Boswell of BISSELL Pro Cycling Team moved from fifth place overall to third with 12:43:36, Crawford climbed from eleventh place to fourth with a time of 12:43:38, and Darren Lill of Fly V Australia went from third place to fifth with 12:44:12.
 
The other jersey winners were Crawford winning the Toyota Dealers King of the Mountains Jersey from Mancebo, because of his stage win today, Fly V Australia's David Tanner kept the XO Communications Sprinter Jersey, and Boswell's performance today earned him the Siegfried & Jensen Best Utah Rider's Jersey, taking it away from Lill.
 
The final top five team general classification was Fly V Australia moved up from second to first, Team Holowesko Partners move up from eight to second, Trek-LIVESTRONG moved up from eleventh to third place, UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling presented by Maxis was fourth having been in seventh place, and On The Rivet presented by Ion Sports Nutrition was fifth.
 
"I have had a great time here this week," continued Leipheimer, "I think Utah is a fantastic place for a bike race. The climb up to Snowbird is worthy of a Tour de France finish. I would love to see the race grow and become bigger and better."
 
"I couldn't have hoped for anything better for this year's tour," said Steve Miller, president of the Tour of Utah. "The race has been tremendous. We had a strong field of international caliber riders that rode hard and made following each stage exciting. We're going to sit down soon and make plans for another successful Tour next year."

For a complete list of results, go to www.tourofutah.com

Photo: Tour of Utah Winner Levi Leipheimer of Mellow Johnny's

Photo Credit: Eric Schramm

With more than 30 minutes to go Jeff Louder of BMC Racing Team launched his solo attack in the second to last stage of the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, presented by Zions Bank. Louder held onto his lead and won in front of his home crowd.

Tonight's Criterium, the Heiden Davidson Orthopedic Criterium, followed a one-mile loop, climbing Park City's historic Main Street before plummeting down Swede Alley at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour.

Thousands of screaming spectators lined the course as the race began. With less than one lap underway, Alex Dowsett of Trek-LIVESTRONG started to attack off of the front of the group. It wasn't long before he was caught and then a barrage of other attacking riders went up the course.

With every acceleration, riders were dropping off the back of the peloton. Taylor Phinney of Trek-LIVESTRONG made an aggressive attack taking the first intermediate sprint.

The day belonged to Louder as he made a super human effort riding solo for close to half of the race. "The course was obviously very challenging. I have to thank the fans for today, it was insane," said Louder, "That is for sure, the biggest crowd I have won in front of. Without them I don't know how I would have done it. The cheering softened the hill a little bit."

After Louder had crossed the line with his arms held high, there was a group sprint where Jai Crawford of Fly V Australia took a distant second place, with former Tour of Utah Champion Francisco Mancebo of Canyon Bicycles a close third.

Louder was a long time friend of the late Terry McGinnis, the previous executive director of the Tour of Utah. "I really had my thoughts all day on Terry," said Louder. "He was one of my best friends. He trained with me for years. Once I was out there and I felt like I had a chance I felt like I had him with me and it meant a lot to think of Terry today."

With no change in the general classification, Levi Leipheimer will go into the final day of racing in the AT&T Leaders Jersey with minute twenty-eight second lead. "It was a tough course and a really great crowd," commented Leipheimer, a former Utah resident. "Here we are at 6,000 feet, you could really feel the effort."

Eric Heiden, former five-time Olympic speed skating gold medalist, a former pro-cyclist for Team 7-11, and today's sponsor stated, "It was really great how well Park City embraced this race. I think for the riders it was a spectacular event. This was a hard criterium for these guys and you saw it very early on in the race. It was one of those chamber of commerce days here in Park City and I hope we can do this again next year."

There was no change in the Jersey competition with Leipheimer still in the AT&T Yellow Leaders Jersey, Francisco Mancebo of Canyon Bicycles in the Utah Toyota Dealers King of the Mountains Jersey, Fly V Australia's David Tanner still has the XO Communications Sprinter Jersey, and his teammate Darren Lill hung on to the Siegfried & Jensen Best Utah Rider's Jersey.

There was no change in the top five general classification riders as well. They are Leipheimer with a total time of 8:12:36, Mancebo in second with 8:14:04, Lill in third place with 8:14:25, Zajicek fourth with 8:14:33, and Ian Boswell of BISSELL Pro Cycling Team is in fifth place, with a time of 8:15:05.

After the criterium, there were several changes in the overall team competition. BMC Racing Team moved from fifth place to first, replacing Trek-LIVESTRONG, which is now in eleventh place. Fly V Australia moved from third to second place. Team Type 1 moved up from eleventh to third place. BISSELL Pro Cycling Team dropped from second place to fourth, and Jamis Sutter Home presented by Colavita remains in fifth place.

Going into tomorrow's fifth and final stage, the Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort road race, the riders will face four European style climbs with over 11,000 vertical feet of climbing. The race will begin in Park City and follow a difficult 100-mile course to a mountain top finish at Snowbird.

For a complete list of results, go to www.tourofutah.com

Photo: Left to right - Canyon Bicycle's Franciso Mancebo, BMC Racing Team's Jeff Louder, and Jai Crawford of Fly V Australia

Photo Credit: Eric Schramm

Trek-LIVESTRONG's Taylor Phinney won yesterday's Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, presented by Zions Bank, teamgive individual time trial by two seconds, but Levi Leipheimer, riding for Mellow Johnny's, retained the AT&T Yellow Leaders Jersey. The time trial was held at the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

Phinney was the 20th competitor, out of 120, to ride the 9.2-mile course. His ride set the mark high with a time of 16 minutes and 46 seconds averaging close to 33 miles per hour. He would sit for close to an hour waiting for the last rider, Leipheimer, to cross the finish line before knowing his victory was secure.

"I went off early so I had a lot of time to be nervous about the guys who could potentially beat me," said Phinney, "But in the end, it all worked out and I feel great. There are a lot of really strong guys here so it is amazing to come out on top of a great field."

Leipheimer's time of 16 minutes and 38 seconds was two seconds shy of Phinney's time earning him second on the day. Jeremy Vennell of BISSELL Pro Cycling Team came in third, just in front of Phinney's teammate Alex Dowsett of Team Trek-LIVESTRONG with a time of 16 minutes, 57 seconds.

"It was a really fast course. I was just trying to keep it steady because it was a flat smooth course without any section harder than the other. It was just a matter of just keeping it pegged the whole time," said Leipheimer, "I knew I had to push from the beginning with this being more like a long prologue. It isn't a very long time trial so you can't afford to lose too much time at the beginning."

"I actually thought Phinney was going to win this, but I didn't think Levi would get second after Thursday's big effort on Mount Nebo," said Tour of Utah Commentator Todd Gogulski, "I don't know where he got that. He is obviously really on fire right now. He is one of the best time trialists in the world, but he rode so hard Thursday that it is impressive that he earned second."

There was no change in the Jersey competition with Leipheimer still in the AT&T Yellow Leaders Jersey, Francisco Mancebo of Canyon Bicycles in the Utah Toyota Dealers King of the Mountains Jersey, Fly V Australia's David Tanner still has the XO Communications Sprinter Jersey, and his teammate Darren Lill hung on to the Siegfried & Jensen Best Utah Rider's Jersey.

The top five general classification riders are Leipheimer with a total time of 6:57:24, Mancebo in second with 6:59:01, Lill stayed in third place with 6:59:13, Philip Zajicek of Fly V Australia remained fourth with 6:59:31, and Ian Boswell of BISSELL Pro Cycling Team slipped from a tie of third place with Lill to fifth place, with a time of 6:59:53.

After the time trial, there were several changes in the overall team competition. Trek-LIVESTRONG is now in first place, having moved up from eleventh. Moving up from fifth place to second place is BISSELL Pro Cycling Team. Fly V Australia dropped from first to third. Team Holowesko Partners dropped from second to fourth, and BMC Racing Team went from fourth to fifth place.

Today's Stage Four, presented by Heiden Davidson Orthopedics, is a 75-minute criterium that will follow a one-mile course around downtown Park City, including a climb up historic Main Street.
 
For a complete list of results, go to www.tourofutah.com

Photo: Taylor Phinney of Trek-LIVESTRONG

Photo Credit: Eric Schramm

A dramatic mountain top finish in the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah's second stage, the XanGo Thanksgiving Point to Mt. Nebo road race, ended with Levi Leipheimer standing atop the podium in the AT&T Leaders Jersey.

The day started on the doorstep of the stage sponsor XanGo's world headquarters with a neutral roll out. As soon as the group hit the official start line riders were immediately trying to breakaway. At one point, the peloton was strung out in a long fast paceline. Eventually a group of about 16 riders managed to breakaway.

As the race wound its way through a small canyon, around mile 40, U.S. national road champion George Hincapie of BMC Racing Team and 15-time Tour de France finisher crashed and abandoned the race. He sustained abrasions to the right side of his head and shoulder and received 18 stitches to close a cut on his right knee.

Near the base of the foreboding 20-mile climb up cloud-covered Mount Nebo, the breakaway group was caught as they started their way uphill. Riders soon were dropped as the strong climbers made their way to the front.

Darren Lill of Fly V Australia made a move early on, wreaking havoc on the rest of the field. He pushed his lead to as much as 40 seconds before being caught by a group of four riders, which included former Tour of Utah Champion Francisco Mancebo of Canyon Bicycles, Levi Leipheimer of Mellow Johnny's, Ian Boswell of BISSELL Pro Cycling Team and Philip Zajicek of Fly V Australia.

As this lead group neared the summit, Mancebo accelerated, which Leipheimer matched and eventually attacked Mancebo to breakaway for a solo win by 52 seconds. Leipheimer finished the 70-mile course with a time of 3 hours, 11 minutes and 43 seconds. Boswell finished third, and was assigned the same time as Mancebo.

"I just tried to not go too far over my limit and keep it steady. I knew those behind were hurting and they weren't working together well," said Leipheimer. "I came here to win a stage and I saw the opportunity, so I took it."

Steve Miller, Tour of Utah president stated, "I think it is pretty conceivable that this might go down as the most exciting stage in America this year. Could we have scripted a better ending? Nature sure added to the drama and suspense of an already close race by rolling in those dark clouds over Nebo. It looked like it was going to open up a deluge any minute."

With the stage win, Leipheimer took the AT&T Yellow Leader's jersey from Trek-LIVESTRONG's Alex Dowsett. Dowsett also lost the Utah Toyota Dealers King of the Mountains Jersey to Mancebo, and the Powerade/vitaminwater Best Young Riders Jersey to Boswell.

Yesterday's stage winner, Fly V Australia's David Tanner Tanner still has the XO Communications Sprinter Jersey, and his teammate Darren Lill is now wearing the Siegfried & Jensen Best Utah Rider's Jersey, instead of Jeff Louder of BMC Racing Team.

The top five general classification riders were split between less than two minutes, Leipheimer ending with a total time of 6:40:36, Mancebo with 6:41:32, Boswell and Lill with 6:41:52 and Philip Zajicek of Fly V Australia with 6:42:10.

In the overall team competition, the top five in order are Fly V Australia, Team Holowesko Partners, On The Rivet presented by Ion Sports Nutrition, BMC Racing Team, and BISSELL Pro Cycling Team.

"I think Utah has fantastic roads, really tough climbs and it is the perfect place for a bike race." continued Leipheimer. "I would really like to see the race grow in the next couple years. I think it would complement the new Tour of Colorado race very well and then together they can become the two August high-altitude big stage races that attract the worlds top riders. I think the Tour of Utah is doing well and growing, and that's what's important."

Tomorrow's stage, the teamgive time trial, will take place at the Miller Motorsports Park, 40 miles west of Salt Lake City. The 9.2-mile individual time will test the rider's limits as they race against the clock. Click here for a list of riders starting order and times.

For a complete list of results, go to www.tourofutah.com

Photo: Left to right - Bissel Pro Cycling Team's Ian Boswell, Mellow Johnny's Levi Leipheimer, Fly V Australia's Darren Lill and David Tanner Tanner, and Canyon Bicycles' Francisco Mancebo

Photo Credit: Brian Hodes, Velo Images

The first stage of the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, presented by Zions Bank, came down to a two man battle for the stage win between Team Fly V Australia's David Tanner and Trek-LIVESTRONG's Alex Dowsett. Tanner took the stage win, but it was Dowsett who pulled on the AT&T Leaders Jersey at the end of the day.

The University of Utah Health CareOgden to Salt Lake City road race started with three neutral parade laps through downtown Ogden before continuing up Ogden Canyon in 100-degree heat. As soon as racing was under way, subtle attacks drove up the pace.

"Today was really fast and pretty tactical," said Siegfried & Jensen Best Utah Rider Jersey wearer, Jeff Louder. "There was a lot of attacking, a lot of gambling, and some bluffing. It was a fast race, but it was pretty typical for this stage."

The day's stage followed a difficult course over two categorized climbs causing large gaps in the peloton. As the group hit the first climb, it wasn't long before the group was split and there were constant attacks up the road from the main field. It wasn't until the race hit the last climb that the lead group's gamble paid off. The Lead group held on to their gap of over a minute into the finish at the University of Utah Research Park.

Dowsett ended the day holding three jerseys; The AT&T Yellow Leader's Jersey, The Utah Toyota Dealers King of the Mountains Jersey, and the Powerade/vitaminwater Best Young Riders jersey. It was the stage winner, Tanner, who will wear the XO Communications Sprinter Jersey. BMC Racing Team's Louder will keep the Siegfried & Jensen Best Utah Rider's Jersey.

In the over all team competition, the top five in order are Trek-LIVESTRONG, Fly V Australia, Team Type 1, Jamis/Sutter Home resented by Colavita, and BMC Racing Team.

"So far the race is going really well," said Steve Miller, president of the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. "It is full of surprises, but they are good surprises. Having Taylor Phinney sign up literally at the last minute is a great thing for the race. Then he ends up winning the Prologue, and today his teammates protected the yellow jersey by keeping it within the team."

Stage Two, the XanGo Thanksgiving Point to the top of Mt. Nebo road race, will again test the rider's climbing legs with its beyond classification climb, hors catégorie, to a mountain top finish. Today's third place finisher, Javier Megias Leal of Team Type 1 said, "Tomorrow will be a difficult journey. Levi and Mancebo are strong climbers, but I feel good too."

Team Trek-LIVESTRONG came out swinging in the Tour of Utah Prologue, presented by the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, with Taylor Phinney and Alex Dowsett taking the top two positions. The course followed a 2.8 mile out and back course finishing near the steps of the state capitol.

The seventh rider to start, Robert (Bobby) Lea of ON THE RIVET presented by Ion Sports Nutrition, posted up the time to beat early on in the day with a time of 6:15.07. One hundred riders would go by before Dowsett would finish taking the lead with 6:05.45. It wasn’t long before Phinney came in beating last year’s course record of 6:12, previously held by Brent Bookwalter of Team BMC, today’s third place finisher, by ten seconds.

“Taylor Phinney is fast,” said Bob Roll famed racer turned commentator.

George Hincapie of BMC Racing, Levi Leipheimer of Mellow Johnny's, Rory Southerland of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling presented Maxxis, and defending Tour of Utah Champion Francisco Mancebo of Canyon Bicycles all had strong showings. But at the end of the day, only two racers pulled on winner’s jerseys. Phinney will start tomorrow in the yellow AT&T Leader’s Jersey, Jeff Louder, previous tour winner of team BMC, will start in the red Siegfried & Jensen Best Utah Rider Jersey.

“Honestly with the race being so hard it has become a race people train for,” continued Roll, “Terry McGinnis had the right idea. Create a great race and the riders and sponsors will follow.”

Tonight’s Prologue was dedicated to McGinnis, the Tour of Utah’s executive director during the 2008 and 2009 races. McGinnis died of cancer in October 2009.

Tomorrow’s stage, the University of Utah Health Care Ogden to Research Park road race, will set the precedent for the rest of the difficult Tour with two category one and two European style climbs starting the Utah Toyota Dealers Association King of the Mountains competition and 86 miles through Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.

WHAT:
The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, presented by Zions Bank, starting next week will take professional cyclists from around the world through the toughest and most scenic race routes in the United States. In a Prologue and five stages held throughout central and northern Utah, cycling teams will compete for the leader jersey in the race dubbed "America's Toughest Stage Race."

Before the 2010 Tour of Utah begins, Tour of Utah President Steve Miller, USA Cycling Hall of Fame Member and broadcaster Bob Roll and Olympian Eric Heiden give race leader predictions and explain to media and local enthusiasts what the Tour of Utah means for the sport of cycling. The race Prologue also at the Utah State Capitol will immediately follow.

WHEN:
Opening Press Conference: Tuesday August 17, 2010 at 5 p.m.
Prologue: Tuesday August 17, 2010 at 6 p.m.
Tour of Utah Stages One - Five, August 18 - 22 starting and ending at various times. Please refer to the Tour of Utah website for specific event and category times.

WHERE:
Opening Press Conference and Prologue: Utah State Capitol front steps (south side of the building)

Tour of Utah Stages One - Five at various locations described below:

WHY:
The Tour of Utah draws talented and high-profile cyclists to Utah and further strengthens Utah's reputable cycling conditions and community. The press conference, Prologue and Stages will highlight the best of cycling in Utah and the international significance of the sport:

Opening Press Conference - Hear from the professionals how the Tour of Utah is gaining its prestige on the national and international stage and what media and general spectators should watch for over the course of the race.

Prologue, presented by the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau - A short and exciting individual time trial that determines which rider wears the leader jersey for Stage One.

Stage One, presented by University of Utah Health Care - Starting at Ogden's Union Station and finishing at Research Park, the 85.2-mile road race takes the racers through Ogden Canyon south to Salt Lake City.

Stage Two, presented by XanGo - The second road race of the week is a new route this year that goes from Thanksgiving Point to a mountaintop finish at Mt. Nebo. It is a mostly flat course with a grueling 20-mile climb to the finish.

Stage Three, presented by teamgive - An individual 10-mile time trial at Miller Motorsports Park, a world-class race track in Tooele, Utah.

Stage Four, presented by Heiden Davidson Orthopedics - A 90-minute criterium in downtown Park City that takes speeding competitors uphill and around a many-cornered, one-mile track that uses the entire Main Street.

Stage Five, presented by Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort - The "Queen Stage," with mountaintop finish and four climbs, is a road race with 96 mountainous miles that ends at Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort.

Details:
Tour of Utah Press Room - located in the Orion Room at the Sheraton Downtown SLC (150 West 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801.401.2000). Open every day of the Tour, Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Media Tent - Located close to the start line of each stage. Stage results, updated team rosters, etc. will be available.

Race details, photo gallery, video clips, EOD press releases and a media guide, compete with helpful background info can be found on the Tour of Utah Media page:
(http://www.tourofutah.com/index.php?p_resource=media)

You can also follow Tour of Utah happenings on Twitter @thetourofutah, and during each day of the race turn-by-turn updates @TOULive. When Tweeting about the event, use #TOU10 in your tweet for searchability.

Darren Lill of Fly V Australia to lead off amateur cyclists on ride dubbed "America's Toughest One-day Cycling Adventure"

WHAT:
The Ultimate Challenge, presented by the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, is a non-competitive ride for cycling enthusiasts held leading up to the Tour of Utah pro race. The Ultimate Challenge ride takes place on Saturday, August 14 2010 and the Tour of Utah pro race takes place, August 17 - 22, 2010. Described as "America's toughest one-day cycling adventure," The Ultimate Challenge is a 96-mile ride for amateur cyclists covering nearly 11,000 feet of climbing. The Challenge course, starting in Park City and finishing at the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, is the same route that will lay waste to the world's top professional bike racers a week later during the Tour of Utah.
 
WHEN:
Saturday, August 14, 2010
6 a.m. - 8 a.m. open start
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. finish (Due to open start and wide range of riders' abilities)
 
WHERE:
Ride Start:
Newpark Resort, Hotel and Convention Center
1456 Newpark Blvd
Park City, UT 84098

Ride Finish:
Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort
Highway 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Snowbird, UT
 
WHY:
The Ultimate Challenge takes cyclists through some of the most scenic parts of northern Utah. The ride landmarks include:

• Jordanelle Reservoir with a modest climb and view of the water
• Midway, Utah, the Swiss-inspired town where the first climb finishes with flat and rolling terrain
• Sundance Resort that starts the riders' 8.7-mile climb through the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway- nearly 3,000 ft of elevation gain
• American Fork Canyon, which is one of the toughest descents in the country
• Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort finish line, where cyclists will finish a 3,000-ft vertical ascent through Little Cottonwood Canyon
• More details about The Ultimate Challenge are available here.

In honor of the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah happening next week, the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies is screening the documentary films "Chasing Legends" and "Bicycle Dreams" at select Megaplex Theatres August 13 - 22 in the Salt Lake area. In addition, the Tour of Utah is hosting two screenings of "Chasing Legends" at the Jupiter Bowl in Park City, August 21.

"Chasing Legends," a film directed by Jason Berry released this year during the Tour of California, captures the passion, pain and triumph of the HTC-Columbia cycling team racing in the 2009 Tour de France.

Stephen Auerbach's "Bicycle Dreams," winner of seven 2009 film festivals, tells the story of cyclists riding in the Race Across America, determined to bike across the United States in only 10 days. The 3,000-mile journey from coast to coast is considered one of the most grueling in the world.

Salt Lake City residents anticipating the Tour of Utah, a spectator-friendly cycling race, can see "Bicycle Dreams" and "Chasing Legends" at Megaplex 12 at The Gateway or Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons. Please refer to megaplextheaters.com for show times, ticket pricing and driving directions.

After spending a day in Park City watching Stage Four of the Tour of Utah, the Heiden Davidson Orthopedics criterium, cycling fans will be able to watch "Chasing Legends" at the Jupiter Bowl at 8 and 10 p.m. $10 per person tickets can be purchased that night only. Seating is limited to 40 people per screen. For directions to the Jupiter Bowl, go to www.jupiterbowl.com.

The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank is pleased to announce that Levi Leipheimer will race in the Tour taking place August 17-22. Leipheimer will race solo, not assigned to a team. He recently placed 13th overall in the 2010 Tour de France.

“Not only am I personally excited to have Levi participate to the race, but on behalf of the Tour of Utah, we look forward to welcoming him to our great state,” said President, Steve Miller. “Racers of Levi’s caliber enhance the competition on the course and his participation speaks volumes about the professionalism and reputation of the Tour of Utah. We have captured the attention of the best cyclists in the world and we plan to make sure their experience here is a good one.”

Leipheimer began his cycling career in 1987. His major results include: 1st overall in the 2009 Tour of California (winner of Stage 6 time trial), the 2008 Tour of California (winning the Stage 5 time trial), 2nd overall in the 2008 Vuelta a España (winning two stages), 1st overall in the 2007 Tour of California (winning the Prologue and Stage 5 time trials), 1st overall in the 2006 Dauphiné Libéré, 1st overall in the 2005 Deutschland Tour, 3rd overall in the 2001 Vuelta a España, and four top-ten finishes in the Tour de France general classification, including 3rd overall in 2007. Leipheimer won the 2007 USA road championship, 1:11 seconds ahead of Discovery teammate and defending champion George Hincapie. He also won the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the road time trial.

In 2009, he founded and led the King Ridge Gran Fondo, a recreational benefit bicycle ride based in Santa Rosa, California. The ride takes place in October of each year with approximately 6,000 participants.

Leipheimer lives in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Odessa Gunn, though during the cycling season he primarily lives in Gerona, Spain.

The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah is a six-day, professional bicycle road race along the Rocky Mountain's Wasatch Range through some of Utah's most beautiful and challenging terrain. Spanning 325 miles and nearly 30,000 feet of climbing, the Tour of Utah will attract 19 professional cycling teams totaling 144 cyclists competing for a cash/prize purse of $45,000.

More than 30,000 spectators are expected to line the racecourse and attend the festivals in Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele.

For more information about the Tour of Utah, please visit www.tourofutah.com.

About the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
Deemed "America's Toughest Stage Race," the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank, is a six-day, six-stage, 325-mile professional bicycle road race with nearly 30,000 feet of climbing. The race takes place August 17-22, 2010 along the Rocky Mountain's Wasatch Range through some of Utah's most beautiful and challenging terrain. The Tour will attract 19 professional cycling teams totaling 144 cyclists competing for a cash/prize purse of $45,000. The 2010 Tour of Utah will be accompanied by a colorful, rolling festival celebration that will take place at the finish line. More than 30,000 spectators are expected to line the racecourse and attend the festivals in Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele, and 60,000-plus race fans are expected to follow online.

National road champion George Hincapie, and Salt Lake City native and 2008 Tour of Utah winner Jeff Louder to race

SALT LAKE CITY - July 12, 2010 - The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank is pleased to announce that the BMC Racing Team will participate in next month's race with a squad of five-riders.
 
The squad will include three-time National Road Rhampion George Hincapie, Salt Lake City native and 2008 Tour of Utah winner Jeff Louder, and fellow Americans Chris Barton, Chris Butler and Swiss national Simon Zahner.
 
Hincapie went pro in 1994 and is recognized for riding on the team of eight Tour de France champions and for being the only rider to join Lance Armstrong in all seven of his victories from 1999-2005.
 
"I'm excited to be able to do another race in the U.S.," said Hincapie. "From what Jeff and other racers have told me, The Tour of Utah is well organized and very demanding."
 
Louder has been a pro-cyclist since 2000 and lives in Salt Lake City when he's not racing overseas. Besides his win at the 2008 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, he also finished third overall at last year's race, and has finished on the podium in several international races including the Tour de Beauce and the Tour of Qinghai Lake.
 
"I am very happy to be racing the Tour of Utah with BMC Racing," said Louder. "As a Utah native, I am particularly motivated to do well and we are bringing a team that will be competing for the win."
 
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah is a six-day, 300-mile plus professional bicycle road race along the Rocky Mountain's Wasatch Range through some of Utah's most beautiful and challenging terrain. Scheduled to take place next month, August 17-22, 2010, the Tour of Utah will attract 18 professional cycling teams totaling 144 cyclists competing for a cash/prize purse of $45,000.
 
More than 30,000 spectators are expected to line the racecourse and attend the festivals in Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele.
 
For more information about the BMC Racing Team, please visit www.bmcracingteam.com.

SALT LAKE CITY - July 9, 2010 - The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, dubbed "America's Toughest Stage Race," today announces the five jersey sponsors for its August 17-22, USA Cycling sanctioned pro-race. The sponsors are AT&T, XO Communications, Utah Toyota Dealers Association, POWERADE and Glacéau vitaminwater, and Siegfried & Jensen Law Firm.

Each jersey in the Tour of Utah has its own sponsor and is used to identify leaders in the various inner competitions that make up a stage race.
 
AT&T is sponsoring the yellow Leader Jersey, which is awarded at the end of each stage to the rider with the best general classification time and distinguishes the race's overall leader.
 
XO Communications is sponsoring the orange Sprinter Jersey. Riders are given sprint points at designated sprint lines at key points along the course and the rider with the most sprint points retains the jersey.
 
Utah Toyota Dealers Association is sponsoring the polka dot King of the Mountains (KOM) Jersey, is awarded to the rider accumulating the most points earned. Points are awarded by being one of the first three riders to cross the KOM check points held at the top of each significant mountain throughout the course.
 
POWERADE and Glacéau vitaminwater is sponsoring the blue Best Young Rider Jersey. This jersey is awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative time under the age of twenty-three.
 
Siegfried & Jensen Law Firm is sponsoring the red Best Utah Rider Jersey. The winner of this jersey is the participant with the lowest cumulative time that considers Utah their home a minimum of 180 days a year.

All five of the jerseys are designed and produced by Blackbottoms Cyclewear.

Course Marshalls Still Needed: The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank is reaching out to the community in search of volunteers to help with the Ultimate Challenge ride on Saturday, August 14, and the Tour of Utah professional stage race on Wednesday, August 18, Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22.

Course marshals are needed to help keep the course clear along an assigned portion of the race course. Volunteers will get to see the riders up close and the course from great vantage points. In addition, volunteers are needed to conduct a spectator survey, assist with race course construction and general assistance with tasks as the need arises. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on positions still available, please visit the Tour of Utah's volunteer website page.

Volunteers will receive a Tour of Utah bag, commemorative uniform t-shirt, hat, and water bottle. All volunteers will receive a box lunch during their shift, as well as other refreshments such as PowerAde and Glacéau vitaminwater.

Those interested in volunteering should visit www.tourofutah.com or contact Volunteer Director John Cotter at (801) 694-8618; jecotterii@gmail.com.

The cycling industry’s leading component manufacturer will provide tech support for “America’s Toughest Stage Race”

SALT LAKE CITY – June 22, 2010 – Tour of Utah President, Steve Miller, today announced that Shimano will be the official technical support sponsor for the fourth edition of the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank. The 2010 race is a USA Cycling-sanctioned pro race and will take place August 17-22 in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Park City, Thanksgiving Point, Mt. Nebo, Tooele, and Snowbird.

Shimano’s U.S. office, based in Irvine, Calif., will provide mechanical support to all racers during the event’s five stages and prologue, as well as showcasing their many new product lines to race fans at the Tour of Utah’s official expo area. This will be the fourth year that Shimano has provided sponsorship to the Tour of Utah.

“We are once again pleased that Shimano has chosen to support our race,” said Miller. “Not only do they offer an invaluable service to our racers and their teams, but affiliation with the Shimano brand solidifies our standing as a serious and successful race on the U.S. circuit.”

As part of the technical support sponsorship package, Shimano will supply four USA Cycling-licensed mechanics and/or support personnel, along with a number of support vehicles and all necessary equipment and parts.

“The Tour of Utah is becoming an important race on the NRC calendar,” said Dave Arnauckas, Shimano’s Multi-Service supervisor. “All the major continental teams will be there along with tons of fans, so we feel it’s important to be there to support the race.”

Dubbed “America's Toughest Stage Race,” the Tour consists of a prologue and five stages covering some of this country's most breathtaking terrain throughout central and northern Utah. The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah Presented by Zions Bank will proceed as follows:

August 17: Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau Prologue
August 18: University of Utah Health Care Ogden to Research Park - Stage One
August 19: XanGo Thanksgiving Point to Top of Mt. Nebo - Stage Two
August 20: teamgive time trial at Miller Motorsports Park - Stage Three
August 21: Heiden Davidson Orthopedics criterium in downtown Park City - Stage Four
August 22: Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort Park City to Snowbird - Stage Five

Additional sponsors include: Utah Toyota Dealers Association, KJZZ 14, 1320 KFAN, POWERADE, Glacéau vitaminwater, FFKR Architects, First Endurance, Canyon Bicycles, Rockwell Watches, PROBAR, I.J. and Jeanne' Wagner Jewish Community Center, Sheraton Downtown Salt Lake City, Cervélo, Edge Composites, Newpark Resort, Utah Sports Commission, Blackbottoms Cycle Wear, Ski Utah, Thule, United HealthCare, Siegfried & Jensen and Mountain Khakis.

Eighteen professional and amateur teams will compete in
America's Toughest Stage Race™

SALT LAKE CITY - June 14, 2010 - The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank today announced the confirmed lineup of the professional and elite amateur-level cycling teams slated to compete in the August 17-22 stage race.

Eighteen teams consisting of 144 of the finest cyclists in the world will compete for their share of the $45,000 purse and valuable National Racing Calendar (NRC) points. The team breakdown is as follows:

Professional Teams (11 total)

Adageo Energy Pro Cycling
Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling
Bissell Pro Cycling
Fly V Australia 
Holowesko Partners/Garmin U23 
Jamis/Sutter Home 
Kelly Benefit Strategies Pro Cycling
KENDA Pro Cycling p/b GEARGRINDER
Trek-LIVESTRONG Development Team
Team Type 1 
UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis

Elite Teams (7 total)
Official California Giant Cycling Team
Canyon Bicycles
Cole Sport Racing
Team Exergy
Hagens Berman Cycling Team
KFAN Elite Composite Team
Team Rio Grande

Teams classified as professional are designated as such by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and elite teams consist of elite amateurs who show promise of becoming professional riders.

The Tour features more climbing than any other pro-cycling race in the United States with 30,000-plus feet of climbing, all at altitude, and covers more than 300 miles along Utah's Rocky Mountain Wasatch Range.

The 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah Presented by Zions Bank will proceed as follows:

• Aug 17: Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau Prologue (2.8 mile time trial)
• Aug 18: University of Utah Health Care Ogden to Research Park - Stage One (85.2 mile road race)
• Aug 19: XanGo Thanksgiving Point to Top of Mt. Nebo - Stage Two (78.5 miles road race)
• Aug 20: teamgive time trial at Miller Motorsports Park - Stage Three (9.2 mile time trial)
• Aug 21: Heiden Davidson Orthopedics criterium in downtown Park City - Stage Four (90 minutes covering nearly 40 miles)
• Aug 22: Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort Park City to Snowbird - Stage Five (102.5 mile road race)

Enthusiast and casual cyclist will be able to ride or compete at some of the venues as well. For example, after the teamgive time trail, cyclists will be allowed to ride the 9.2-mile course laid out on the Miller Motor Sports racetrack and at the Heiden Davidson Orthopedics criterium there will be Tour of Utah amateur criteriums and the Shimano Kids race presented by teamgive. On August 14, the Saturday before the Tour, there will be a non-competitive ride for enthusiasts called "The Ultimate Challenge," which will be held on the same course as stage five, the "Queen Stage," which is the most difficult stage of the tour.

For more information about the Tour, please visit www.tourofutah.com.

About the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
Deemed "America's Toughest Tour," the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank, is a six-day, seven-stage, 300-mile plus professional bicycle road race along the Rocky Mountain's Wasatch Range through some of Utah's most beautiful and challenging terrain. Scheduled to take place August 17-22, 2010, the Tour of Utah will attract 18 professional cycling teams totaling 144 cyclists competing for a cash/prize purse of $45,000. The 2010 Tour of Utah will be accompanied by a colorful, rolling festival celebration that will take place at the finish line. More than 30,000 spectators are expected to line the racecourse and attend the festivals in Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele, and 60,000-plus race fans are expected to follow online.

Dave Zabriskie to co-host and lead amateur cyclists on ride dubbed
“America’s Toughest One-day Cycling Adventure”

Organizers of the Tour of Utah today announced “The Ultimate Challenge,” a non-competitive ride for cycling enthusiasts to be held Saturday, August 14, 2010. The Tour of Utah will co-host the Challenge along with Dave Zabriskie, Utah native and the third American ever to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France.

Described as “America’s toughest one-day cycling adventure,” The Ultimate Challenge is a 96-mile ride for amateur cyclists covering nearly 11,000 feet of climbing. The Challenge course, starting in Park City and finishing at the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, is the same route that will lay waste to the world’s top professional bike racers a week later during the Tour of Utah.

“We’re giving all cyclists the chance to ride a portion of one of the toughest professional race courses in the United States with one of the country’s most accomplished cyclists,” said Steve Miller, president of the Tour of Utah. “Whether the participants are working towards their best time or just excited to finish, we hope that The Ultimate Challenge and Dave’s lead off will make them feel like pros for a day.”

Starting at Park City High School at 6 a.m., Challenge riders will head east around the town of Kamas and the Jordanelle Reservoir to a relatively modest climb that continues to flat and rolling terrain into the Swiss-inspired village of Midway.

Riders will ride past Sundance Resort on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway taking on an 8.7-mile climb with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. After participants make it to the top, they will face one of the most challenging descents in the country down American Fork Canyon (Hwy. 92) through Uinta National Forest. From there, riders head north through Alpine and Draper over rolling terrain and an intermediate climb up over Suncrest Drive and then into Sandy City for the final leg up Little Cottonwood Canyon, a six-mile, 3,000 vertical feet ascent to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort.

Dave Zabriskie has committed to the ride to help promote Yield to Life, a non-profit organization he founded to form road safety awareness campaigns and educational programs for cyclists and motorists that promote a safe cycling environment and their mutual respect and understanding.

A variety of high-energy foods and drink will be available at the rest stops at mile 20, 45, 55, 75 and 90. Mechanics will follow in sag vehicles to provide support to any rider in need.

The standard ride package entry fee is $180 and includes ride support, rest stops, post-ride dinner at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, souvenir riding socks and souvenir T-shirt. An additional ride package including a commemorative jersey costs $225.

Registration opens today at www.tourofutah.com and will be capped at 500 riders.

About The Ultimate Challenge presented by the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
The Ultimate Challenge, presented by the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, is a grueling, one-day, non-competitive ride that follows the very same Park City-to-Snowbird road course the world's top professional bike racers will face one week later. The ride on Saturday, August 14, 2010 will include 10,880 feet of climbing over four major climbs along 96-miles of stunning Utah scenery and twisting descents, giving cycling enthusiasts the chance to feel like a pro for a day.
 

All 2009 sponsors return to support "America's Toughest Stage Race"

SALT LAKE CITY - March 8, 2010 - Steve Miller, president of the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah cycling race, confirmed today that August 17-22 are the official dates of the USA Cycling sanctioned pro race. In addition, Zions Bank is returning as presenting sponsor of the Tour for the fourth year (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010). Dubbed as America's Toughest Stage Race, the tour will consist of a prologue and five stages covering some of this country's most breathtaking terrain throughout central and northern Utah.

"I am pleased to be able to confirm the August 2010 dates for this year's race," said Steve Miller. "We had such an enthusiastic response to the 2009 event that local communities along the course are excited to see the Tour return, and last year's participants have provided feedback on how to make the race even tougher. In addition, based on last year's success, all existing sponsors have chosen to return making increased commitments to the race through cash, trade, advertising and marketing."

Once again, the Tour of Utah is on the official National Racing Calendar (NRC). The six-day stage race will begin with The Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau Prologue on Tuesday, August 17 and end Sunday, August 22 with the legendary Park City to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort "Queen" stage.


Photo credit: Dave Iltis

The remaining five stages will include the University of Utah Health Care Ogden to Research Park road race, the Heiden Davidson Orthopedics criterium in downtown Park City, the teamgive time trial at Miller Motorsports Park, and the XANGO Thanksgiving Point to Top of Mt. Nebo road race. Race route details will be announced soon.

Additional sponsors include: Utah Toyota Dealers Association, KJZZ 14, 1320 KFAN, POWERADE, Glacéau vitaminwater, FFKR Architects, Bingham Cyclery, First Endurance, Canyon Bicycles, PROBAR, I.J. and Jeanne' Wagner Jewish Community Center, Sheraton Downtown Salt Lake City, Edge Composites, City of Ogden, and Shimano.

"The support we receive from Zions Bank, as well as the rest of our sponsors, is important to the success of the Tour of Utah," continued Miller. "Zions Bank has a long legacy of participation in our community and its name is synonymous with hard work, commitment and success, which are the same values Tour participants embody."

"Zions Bank is committed to the communities in which we do business," said Rob Brough, executive vice president, marketing/communications Zions Bank. "The Tour of Utah is one of our country's premier cycling events which showcases this great state, our culture and our people. Zions Bank is proud to take part in this spectacular event."

The Tour of Utah will also include a non-competitive ride for enthusiast cyclists the Saturday before called "The Ultimate Challenge." Detailed information for The Ultimate Challenge will be released soon.

For more information about the Tour, please visit www.tourofutah.com.

About the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
Deemed "America's Toughest Tour," the 2010 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank, is a six-day, seven-stage, 300-mile plus professional bicycle road race along the Rocky Mountain's Wasatch Range through some of Utah's most beautiful and challenging landscapes. Scheduled to take place August 17-22, 2010, the Tour of Utah will attract 17 professional cycling teams totaling 136 cyclists competing for a cash/prize purse of $45,000. The 2010 Tour of Utah will be accompanied by a colorful, rolling festival celebration that will take place at the finish line of each stage. More than 30,000 spectators are expected to line the racecourse and attend the festivals in Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele, and 60,000-plus race fans are expected to follow online.

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Local Media Contact:
Linda Luchetti
Media Director
Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
lluchetti@lhm.com
801-325-2570

National & International Media Contact:
Chip Smith
SOAR Communications
csmith@soarcomm.com
Office: (801) 656-0472, ext 1
Cell: 801-597-7515