With new options for USA Cycling categories,
the Tour of the Gila aims to increase participation.
Expanding Opportunities for Amateurs
One of North America’s top stage races, Tour of the Gila has opened registration to amateur competitors. Once again on the calendar for the last week of April, the iconic bicycling event will feature the usual five stages for the UCI categories and a reduced number of stages for the USA Cycling categories.
Addressing Participation Barriers
Scheduling conflicts are the leading barrier to participation in bike races, according to a USA Cycling study. A survey conducted by Tour of the Gila organizers also provided insight that guided the change for nonprofessional riders. “Tour of the Gila is still the place where amateurs can compete on the same roads on the same days as the pros,” Board President Michelle Geels said. “And now even more people will be able to add our race to their 2024 calendar.”
Amateur Racing Categories
Men and Women 2, 3 racers will experience four days of racing, starting with the Inner Loop Road Race on
Thursday, April 25. The less experienced Men and Women 4 and 5 racers will ride three stages: the Tyrone Time Trial, Downtown Criterium, and Gila Monster Road Race. The master men will also race for three days.
Junior Men’s Field
In partnership with other southwest stage races, Tour of the Gila is adding a junior men field for teens 15-18. Some of the combined categories will race together as one field but be scored separately. Details about each amateur category are available at tourofthegila.com/race/race–information.
Registration and Entry Fees
Racers may sign up for the 37th Tour of the Gila online at bikereg.com/tour–of–the–gila starting on the first of the year. The entry fees range from $120 to $240.
UCI Race Teams
Teams confirmed for the UCI race include Team California, which runs one of the country’s top men’s U23 programs, and DNA Pro Cycling, a women’s UCI continental team. “With 2024 being an Olympic year we are expecting our best and most international women’s and men’s fields ever,” Race Director Michael Engleman said.
Volunteering and Spectating
Visitors and local residents who have supported Tour of the Gila for three dozen years with their offerings of time and talent may check tourofthegila.com for information about volunteering and watching the race this spring.
Photo by Carson Clemp
Citizen Fun Races
Watching the local residents and traveling fans on bicycles, tricycles and sometimes even scooters is one of the most popular highlights of the Tour of the Gila, as kids of all ages take to the historic streets of Silver City during the Downtown Criterium. The employees of 1st New Mexico Bank of Silver City are back this year to organize this town’s favorite event.
In-person registration runs from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Hub Plaza on the corner of 6th and Bullard Streets near the Start/Finish line. All kids 12 and under race free! Fee is $5 for 13-16 year-olds, and $10 for those 17 and over. Helmets must be worn. Parents or guardians need to sign registration for children under the age of 18. Sponsor 1st New Mexico Bank provides free T-shirts for participants while they last! Podium awards will be held after the races. Bring your bike down and join in the fun. Those over age 17 can take on the challenge when they complete both forms (Citizens Race Entry Form and Waiver). More Info & Register
Photo by Carson Clemp
About the Tour of the Gila
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.
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.
A Launchpad for Talent
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.
The Gila Proven Experience
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.
Community Engagement and Southwest Connection
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; 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.
Event Details and Spectator Experience
The 37th Tour of the Gila runs from April 24-28, 2024. Over the 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.
Engagement Opportunities
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.
Top Photo – Brian Hodes / Velo Images
