The Town of Silver City announced today that it has signed on as the title sponsor for the 27th annual Tour of the Gila, New Mexico’s premier stage road race, which will be held on May 1-5, 2013. The 2013 Silver City’s Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM will once again test the mettle of top male and female racers in one of the toughest and hilliest stage races in the United States.
“We’re very proud to be sponsoring the Tour of the Gila, one of the signature events in our area, and we’re happy to ensure its future success.” stated Silver City Town Manager Alex Brown.
“The Town of Silver City has continually encouraged and supported the Tour of the Gila and the race organizers are very pleased to announce that they stepped up to become our title sponsor in 2013. We are extremely excited to continue to bring international bicycle racing to New Mexico.” said Race Director Jack Brennan.
Racers, team staff and fans alike will converge to Silver City, New Mexico in May; the bustling town at 6,000 feet of elevation with a diverse business community, a four-year university and an award-winning historic downtown is a perfect venue to anchor the event.
Longtime friend to the event and presenting sponsor, SRAM will be onsite to provide their top-notch Neutral Service Support (NRS) to teams and riders racing at ‘Gila’. SRAM Road Sports Marketing Manager Alex Wassmann said, “We’re very proud to continue our support of the Silver City Tour of the Gila, the ‘Gila family and all of the athletes that make this a special institution of the American road racing scene.”
The 2013 Silver City’s Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM consists of five stages – three road stages, one time trial and one criterium – with approximately 15,000 feet of climbing overall. The race culminates with the Gila Monster road stage – the make or break Queen Stage – with its 9,131 feet of climbing over 105 miles of racing.
During those five days, racers and spectators can catch a glimpse of ancient Native American culture at the 700+ year-old ruins of the Mogollon people at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, get to know the Mimbres and its people known for their art which provided the inspiration for the trophy bowls; and get immersed in the old west in Silver City, near the birthplace of famous Apache warrior Geronimo and the childhood home of the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. No other race in America can lay claim to such ancient and notorious history.
Part of the 2013 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC) and with a 2.2 ranking on UCI America Tour, the event will continue to provide a testing ground for America’s emerging professional racers, and as a race where the strong get stronger. Joe Dombrowski, Andrew Talansky, Evan Huffman, Mara Abbott and many more had breakthrough rides at previous Tour of the Gila events. 2012 London Olympic Games Gold medalist Kristin Armstrong used the Tour of the Gila to fine-tune her form in her successful quest for the Olympic medal.
The men’s and women’s teams that will contest the 2013 Silver City’s Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM will be announced in the upcoming weeks. The event is not only for professionals, as it includes divisions for all skill levels.
Co-sponsors of this year’s event include Champion System, Gila Regional Medical Center, Grant County, Lawley Toyota, Holiday Inn Express, Southwest Bone & Joint Institute, Copper Manor, Tim Schoeny, Great Lakes Airlines and Freeport McMoRan.
For complete race schedule and more information about 2013 Silver City’s Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, please visit TouroftheGila.com.
Photo © Mitch Clinton / ClintonPhoto.com
