Tour of the Gila is the iconic five-day road bicycling stage race based out of Silver City, New Mexico. Since 1987, Tour of the Gila has grown to become one of just two UCI-sanctioned stage races in America and is renowned worldwide for notoriously challenging routes that are likened to European races like Le Tour de France.

Known as the North American race to showcase up-and-coming talent and catapult pros and elite athletes to World Tour cycling careers, Tour of the Gila is also where cyclists may earn critical Olympic points in 2024. Olympians like Kristin Armstrong and Mara Abbott adore the Tour of the Gila and are among the top American athletes who appreciate the race’s role in their path to the top. Such professionals include 2023 Vuelta a España winner Sepp Kuss and EF Education-Cannondale Director Sportif Carmen Small.

Legendarily, riders who compete here are referred to as Gila Proven. So, Tour of the Gila also attracts amateur cyclists wanting to experience the challenge of the area’s famously steep and scenic roads while testing their physical limits. USA Cycling-licensed racers pedal the same courses on the same days as the UCI riders.

During Tour of the Gila, locals and visitors interact with the sport’s top names, while the participants develop a deep connection to southwest New Mexico. By traveling diverse roads and highlighting New Mexico history, Tour of the Gila brings to attention the region’s qualities, which include the landscape that inspired the creation of the Wilderness Act (100 years ago); a robust farming, ranching and mining heritage; an historic military fort; a national monument; a free-flowing river; a growing creative community; and an enclave of cyclists who consider Grant County their secret hideaway and dream playground.

The 37th Tour of the Gila runs over five days. Riders compete in three road races, an individual time trial and a criterium. The most spectator-friendly stage is the criterium, which makes hilly laps around downtown Silver City. Many spectate from the bottom of the fastest downhill section, where riders turn 90-degrees into the finish line straight away. Others watch from the beer garden or pavilion near where announcers share real-time play by plays. That Saturday, children and adults also enjoy the citizen fun races, bike rodeo, and kids activities downtown.

Beyond passive spectating, the Tour of the Gila race organization provides unmatched opportunities to get involved though volunteering. Those with guest rooms can host racers. Others may serve as course marshals and mechanics, drive officials in the race caravan, provide emergency medical services, and manage radio communications.

For more information:

• tourofthegila.com (volunteering, watching the race info)
• bikereg.com/tour-of-the-gila (competitor registration)
• bikereg.com/tour-of-the-gila-citizen-fun-races (locals and visitors registration)