The Valley of the Sun bicycle race is a three-day USA Cycling event in which professional and amateur road racing cyclists compete in different categories for cash and non-cash prizes. A stage is held each day, with riders in each category competing for a stage victory and also for their category’s overall ‘General Classification race win. The stages include the Landis Cyclery - Trek Individual Time Trial on Friday, the Arizona, The Grand Canyon State, Road Race on Saturday, and the exciting Hiser Joy criterium on Sunday in downtown Phoenix. There are over 700 participants in 25 categories of professional and amateur riders, both men and women, ages 10 to over 60, all competing for their portion of a $20,000 cash purse. The
The Valley of the Sun Stage Race will be the first major stage race on the USA Cycling Road Calendar. The USA Cycling Road Calendar highlights top events in the U.S. for riders across various categories to put on their list of must-do events. The Valley of the Sun Stage Race has also been selected to be part of the new USA Junior Cup series.
For the tenth year, VOS will include a Hand Cycle category. The Paralyzed Veterans Racing Team along with the Free Wheel Foundation have been key supporters helping to drive the success of this new event. Darol Kubacz of the PVRT had this to say about VOS: “What VOS offers for the athletes is outstanding - above and beyond what most cycling events around the country have been able to offer "adapted" cyclist. I have great confidence in this event being a great experience for the beginner and advanced racer!”
Along with the three days of racing, there are events on Sunday for children under age 12, including a kid’s bicycle race. A portion of the proceeds from the race are donated to the SAFE KIDS Coalition of Maricopa County and the Phoenix Police Department to support child helmet safety awareness.
The Valley of the Sun Stage Race is put on by the White Mountain Road Club, and is one of the largest bicycle races in the nation. Race promoter, Brian Lemke, had this to say about the race: "It is a great opportunity for cyclists of all ages and categories to brush shoulders and race on the same course as many of the top professional and amateur riders in America."
Several local businesses help to support the race through sponsorship of the White Mountain Road Club, including Arizona, The Grand Canyon State, Landis Cyclery, Trek Bikes, Hiser Joy P.L.C., and Tri-City Cardiology.
Learn more by heading to the Valley of the Sun Stage Race official site.
