Tour of Utah President, Steve Miller, announced today the promotion of Karen Weiss to Executive Director.  Weiss previously served as chief operating officer and then deputy director from 2006-2009. Weiss has more than 15 years of experience in sponsorship and special events.

Executive Director Terry McGinnis passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
 
“Terry was the heart and soul of the Tour and will be missed.  His passion for the race was a deciding factor in the success of the event,” said Steve Miller, President and CEO of the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank.  “All of us on the staff as well as friends of the race will miss him dearly and will do all that we can to continue the event in his honor and make him proud.”

SALT LAKE CITY (September 28, 2009) – Tour of Utah Chairman Greg Miller announced today that the 1,000 Warriors community ride will now fall under the ownership of the Utah Cycling Partnership, the parent company for the Tour of Utah. Details of the Warriors ride, including its name, date, course, charitable beneficiary etc. will be released at a later date.

“After watching the Warriors ride develop over the past two years, I can see the demand for such an event in this market,” said Miller. “The previous management team, headed by Rick Bennett, came forward after the race this year and asked if we would look at taking over the event and folding it in to the Tour of Utah schedule of activities. Our team evaluated the potential of the event and decided it would be a good fit for us.”

The 2009 Warriors ride had 643 registrants and ran on the same course as the Queen Stage of the Tour of Utah just prior to the pro race. The 1,000 Warriors ride benefited both the Tour of Utah and the Utah National Guard Charitable Trust.

Who:
Tour of Utah CEO, Greg Miller
Tour of Utah President, Steve Miller
Tour of Utah Executive Director, Terry McGinnis
USA Cycling Hall of Fame member and broadcaster, Bob Roll
Olympian Eric Heiden
 
What:
Tour of Utah opening day press conference.  Find out which riders and teams are expected to make a break for the lead.  Who to watch, where to watch, and any last minute changes in the race.
                      
When:
Tuesday, August 18
5 p.m.
Media and general public are invited to attend.
 
Where:
Utah State Capitol (south side - front steps)
 
Why:
The tour will start at 6 p.m. on the 18th with the Prologue at the State Capitol.  The Prologue is a short individual time trial before a stage race used to determine which rider wears the leader's jersey on the first stage.
 
Media Contact Information:
Linda Luchetti
(801) 325-2570
lluchetti@lhm.com

The 2009 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah presented by Zions Bank introduces the Shimano Youth Series to be held Sunday, August 23 at 1:30 p.m.  The kids’ race, for children 10 and under, has no entry fee and will take place just prior to Stage 5 of the Tour of Utah.  The course will follow the same route as the pro-race.  This downtown Salt Lake Criterium is just shy of one mile.

All kids participating will receive a ribbon, hotdog, and Vitamin Water or POWERADE upon completion of the race. In addition, the first 50 kids to register for the race will receive a free T-shirt courtesy of Blackbottoms.  Registration takes place on race day, in person.  There will also be reserved seating in the finish line bleachers for participants and their immediate family to stay and watch the pro race. 

“We are excited to announce the first Tour of Utah kids’ race,” said Tour of Utah Executive Director, Terry McGinnis.  “The chance for kids to be involved in such a positive and active event is important to our community, and incorporates family fun into the race.”

In addition to sponsoring this kids’ race, Shimano will be the Tour of Utah’s official Technical Support sponsor for the third year.

For more information on the Tour, sponsorship opportunities, or how to volunteer, visit www.tourofutah.com or contact Terry McGinnis at terry@tourofutah.com
 

Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams and elite cyclist Floyd Landis will challenge one another in their sport of choice at Miller Motorsports Park on Friday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m. Landis will school Williams on the intricacies of a time trial and Williams will then challenge Landis to a three-point shoot out. Both media and the general public are invited to attend the event. Admission is free.

The challenge is a precursor to the 2009 Tour of Utah taking place August 18-23 throughout central Utah. The course that Williams and Landis will ride is the same course being used for Stage 3 of the Tour on Friday, August 21. Landis, a member of the OUCH Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis, will be competing in the Tour along with seven teammates.

“I am always game for a good challenge” said Williams. “I am the consummate competitor and going up against Floyd will be a lot of fun.”

“I’ve heard a lot about Deron’s ability on the court,” said Landis. “I look forward to seeing what he can do on the bike and how quickly he can pick up the necessary skills to compete in a time trial.”

Miller Motorsports Park is located at:
2901 Sheep Lane
Tooele, Utah 84074
(435) 277-8000

The Tour of Utah is reaching out to the community in search of volunteers to help with the race. Those interested in volunteering should visit www.tourofutah.com or contact Volunteer Director John Cotter at (801) 694-8618; jecotterii@gmail.com.

The 2009 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah announced it has confirmed the initial lineup of professional and amateur cycling teams for its fifth edition. The teams represent many of the finest cyclists in the world. These athletes will compete for a share of the $45,000 purse and valuable National Racing Calendar points. The 2009 Tour of Utah will take place August 18-23 in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Park City, Thanksgiving Point, Mt. Nebo, Tooele, and Snowbird.

The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah announced today it has secured 10 coveted starting slots in this year’s Logan to Jackson (LOTOJA) Cycling Classic. Each slot will be the centerpiece of a unique package of cycling-related offerings that will provide important financial support for the annual Tour of Utah pro cycling competition.

The Tour of Utah is proud to announce the return of its Gold and Platinum Peloton Packages for sponsors, and the addition of the Podium Partner Package, all designed to give donors authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The 1,000 Warriors ride is an opportunity for elite amateur cyclists to match stamina and courage with professional Tour of Utah competitors. On August 22, 2009 at 6 a.m., 1,000 eager cyclists will charge out on the Stage 4 Tour of Utah course just five hours ahead of the professional peloton.

Check out the new Gallery 4 from the 2008 Tour of Utah or our newly released images from the 2006 Tour of Utah. Both are also available on our Facebook page.

The Tour of Utah is accepting applications from Men’s Pro 1 teams. Eighteen, seven-man teams will be chosen to compete in the invitation-only event by the Tour of Utah review committee. Team directors may complete the race application online.