Sadly, we received the following letter from Tucson Bicycle Classic Founder and Promoter, Steve Bohn regarding the decision to cancel the 2020 edition of the Tucson Bicycle Classic. This is sad news on a personal level as the Tucson Bicycle Classic was one of our favorite events to do starting back in the early days in the late 80’s. The Tucson Bicycle Classic always had fun courses that rolled through the beautiful Arizona desert and was always a well run event. We are hoping the Tucson Bicycle Classic can return soon and find the much needed volunteer support to reemerge! Thank you to Steve and all of the volunteers that made the Tucson Bicycle Classic possible for the last 33 years!
With great regret, sadness and after much soul searching, I am announcing the 2020 Tucson Bicycle Classic (March 13-15) is canceled due to lack of commitment from the local cycling community, USAC cycling teams and dismal staff volunteer response. Les Scomparse (33 years) and Rhino Racing Team (12 years) have been dedicated, integral parts of the organization, staff and infrastructure of the race. After 12+ years of hard work, 4 main staff members and Rhino are stepping back from the race.Reaching out to various teams and organizations via email, meetings and social media the last 6 months, the response was almost nonexistent. Ironically, for the first time in 5 years, the TBC has a title sponsor lined up but without a committed staff and team, this complex and beautiful race cannot move forward.I am very proud of the TBC, hatching the idea in the spring of 1986 with other teammates in ’69 VW bus returning from very fun (and disorganized) Candlelight Classic Stage Race in New Mexico. Nearly 200 riders entered the inaugural TBC in August from across the West with the draw of racing in a timed stage race on open roads, just a month after Greg Lemond won his first Tour de France. Since then it had grown into one of the most popular stage races in the west, attracting over 700 racers at it’s peak.Special thanks to all of the volunteers, racers, staff and sponsors over the last 33 years that made the TBC a reality. In return, the TBC supported El Grupo Youth Cycling and fights domestic violence supporting Emerge! as well as donating $100,000 back to the community over 33 years. The event generated nearly $1,000,000 in the regional economy yearly and helped put Tucson on the Cycling Mecca Map.The option of the a 2021 (and beyond) TBC is open provided a committed team/organization and staff can come forward.Sincerely,Steve BohnTBC Founder and Promoter
