2019 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah Spectator Guide

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By Jackie Tyson – 2019 marks the 15th year for “America’s Toughest Stage Race,” seven days of heart-pounding racing in northern Utah from Aug. 12 to 18. This year, 17 men’s professional teams will log 477 miles in the UCI 2.HC cycling stage race, and cover 37,822 feet of elevation gain. It is the sixth year for the Tour to be sanctioned as a 2.HC-rated (Hors Categorie) stage race by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), making it one of the premier events for professional cycling teams in North America.

All seven days will be covered nationally by FOX Sports (FS2) as well as international programming including Eurosport in Europe, Supersport in South Africa, Fubo in Canada, and ESPN in South America. It continues as the only UCI stage race in the North America that offers a free, live webcast from start to finish for the entire week, thanks to Tour Tracker powered by Adobe. All the national cycling media provide coverage each day as well.

The break rides through the Park City country roads. Stage 5 of the 2018 Tour of Utah, August 10, 2018. Photo by Cathy Fegan-Kim.

Whether it is the Tour de France or the Tour of Utah, cycling is one of the most unique professional sports on the globe as access to the field of play is free for spectators. The best way to see the suffering on climbs, to feel the whirl of speed at finish lines, and to experience the kaleidoscope of activities in each host community is to attend the race in person.

Listed below are all the family-friendly, free activities associated with the Tour of Utah, from the Team Presentation held before race week to some of the favorite spots along all the courses to watch the pros.

Note: all times are MT and subject to change.

PRE-RACE FESTIVITIES

Tour of Utah Team Presentation
Saturday, Aug. 10, teams introduced at 4:30-6 p.m.
Activities begin 12 p.m.; live music 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Snowbird Resort, 9385 S Snowbird Center Trail, Snowbird 84092

Stage next to Aerial Tram and The Forklift  

 The annual Team Presentation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Snowbird Center, on the Plaza Deck between the Aerial Tram and The Forklift restaurant. The first of 17 teams will be introduced at 4:30 p.m. The event is free to the general public. Limited hospitality tickets will be available for $125 per person, which include reserved seating, food/beverage service and VIP access to athletes. The top riders from each team will be interviewed by one of the race announcers. Spectators are encouraged to bring a camera to capture photos of favorite athletes. Stay for live music following the program.

A full assortment of activities and local vendors will be part of the festivities at Snowbird Center on Saturday. Some lucky fans will go home with a prize from several Tour of Utah giveaways, including bicycles, overnight stays at Snowbird Resort, and other items. VIPs can enjoy a hospitality area at Fork Lift with plenty of amenities. Stay after the formal introduction of teams and riders for Snowbird’s Cool Air Concert Series. The Low Down Brass Band is the headliner, playing from 7-8:30 p.m. Dan Weldon is the opener playing from 6-6:45 p.m.

EVERY DAY DURING RACE WEEK

What’s New?

  • Ford Fan Zone– A reserved space will be available at finish lines on a first-come, first-serve basis for 200 spectators for all seven days of racing. Fans will receive complimentary merchandise from Ford and the Tour of Utah. It is fun and it is free. Sponsored by Ford.
  • Ford Fan Parade– Official Ford Tour vehicles will drive along the course at designated finish line areas to give away complimentary merchandise to spectators each day. Check the web site for details.
  • BISH RV’s Ride with a Team– Ever want to see and hear what goes on inside an official team vehicle before a day of racing? Join one of the Tour of Utah teams in their RV and ride from the start to the finish of Stage 3. Winners not only get to watch the race from the team RV, they’ll also get VIP Hospitality passes for both the start and the finish lines as well.The contest launched mid-July. One lucky winner will receive this exclusive access, along with VIP passes to the stage.
  • Ford Eco-Sport Lease Contest– Race fans can enter a Ford contest at all Tour of Utah Street Team events, and at the KUTV 2 Lifestyle Expo during the first five days of racing (Prologue and Stages 1 to 4). On Friday, Aug. 16, 10 lucky winners will be selected to attend Stage 6 in Park City. On Monday, Aug. 19, one overall winner will receivea two-year lease on a Ford Eco-Sport, along with Yakima bike racks and two bicycles.
  • Ford Caravan Vehicle Sale– Don’t miss your exclusive chance to purchase one of the Tour of Utah official Ford vehicles. Ten of the official Ford Eco-Sport vehicles will be available for purchase post race, complete with bike rakes and a bicycle. Visit tourofutah.comfor more details and sale location.

Returning Favorites

  • Rider Sign-In and Wildlife Generation Autograph Alley – Spectators will be allowed to interact with the professional athletes as they walk along Autograph Alley to the Sign-In stage. Race announcers will interview athletes from the stage, providing insights before the high-speed action commences. All photos and signatures are free for spe There is no Rider Sign-In on Aug. 12 for the Prologue, but grab a spot near the Start House to see each individual in the race against the clock. Sponsored by Wildlife Generation.
  • KUTV 2 Healthy Living Expo –Plan to arrive early to any of the seven finish line host venues and spend some time at the KUTV 2 Healthy Living Expo. This free, interactive festival area and sponsor showcase serves as a gateway to the finish line every day. It provides an array of interactive exhibits, official Tour merchandise and live entertainment, including jumbo television screens to watch the race unfold as it heads to the finish.
  • Hours and Locations for the KUTV 2 Healthy Living Expo:
    • Monday, Aug. 12 — Snowbird Resort – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m
      100 Little Cottonwood Canyon (Iron Blosam parking area)
    • Tuesday, Aug. 13 — North Logan City – 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
      2799 N. 300 E.(next to George S. Eccles Ice Center)
    • Wednesday, Aug. 14 — Powder Mountain Resort – 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
      6965 E Powder MountainRd, Eden (next to Sky Lodge/Hidden Lake Lodge)
    • Thursday, Aug. 15 — North Salt Lake – 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
      1110 E Eaglewood Dr (Eaglewood Golf Club)
    • Friday, Aug. 16 — Salt Lake City -4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
      315 E Capitol Blvd. (southeast lawn area of Capitol)
    • Saturday, Aug. 17 — Canyons Village at Park City Mountain – 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      4000 Canyons Resort Dr., Park City (public area at top of Cabriolet Lift).
      Free Summer Concert Series with The Honey Hounds begins 6 p.m.
    • Sunday, Aug. 18 — Park City – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      250 Main Street
  • America First Credit Union Fan Favorite– Each day during the race fans can cast votes online for their favorite athletes in various categories, such as best climber or most promising rookie. The athlete who receives the most votes each day will be recognized as the America First Credit Union Fan Favorite and receives a special award jersey. One fan will be chosen in a random drawing from ballots cast to receive a Tour of Utah gift bag and $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of America First Credit Union. It’s a win-win contest.
  • Podium Award T-shirt Giveaway– At the conclusion of each day’s race, top athletes will be recognized in an awards ceremony with special jerseys, such as the Larry H. Miller Dealerships Leader jersey and Utah Sports Commission Sprint jersey. These winners will autograph limited-edition, replica T-shirts for each award jersey and toss them into the crowd. Fans are encouraged to catch one-of-a-kind Tour of Utah SWAG (stuff we all get).
  • Sprint to the Finish Kids’ Bike Races presented by University of Utah Health – Children ages five to 12 have the opportunity to race their bicycles near the finish line used by the pros at six race locations. Two great reasons to participate – it’s free and it’s fun! To participate, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver at the University of Utah Health exhibit in the KUTV 2 Healthy Living Expo. Make sure each child brings his or her helmet, closed-toe shoes and a bicycle! Registration ends 15 minutes prior to each race (times listed are start times):
  • Sprint to the Finish Locations:
    • Tuesday, Aug. 13 — North Logan City (1:30 p.m.)
    • Wednesday, Aug. 14 — Brigham City (1 p.m.)
    • Thursday, Aug. 15 — North Salt Lake (1:30 p.m.)
    • Friday, Aug. 16 — Salt Lake City (6 p.m.)
    • Saturday, Aug. 17 — Canyons Village at Park City Mountain (3 p.m.)
    • Sunday, Aug. 18 — Park City (1 p.m.)

RACE WEEK

Monday, Aug. 12 — Prologue presented by Zions Bank
Snowbird Resort — 3.3 miles (5.3 km) – 656 feet of climbing
Start Time 12:30 p.m., Finish Time 3 p.m.

Start/Finish Location — 100 Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird, UT 84092

It is only the fifth time since the Tour began in 2004 that a Prologue, a short individual time trial, will be held on the opening day of competition. Snowbird Resort will see the return of the Tour for a 12th time, this year hosting the overall start for the first time. The time gaps may be small, but it will set the stage for a great week of racing. Last year’s Prologue was held in St. George.

This 3.3-mile (5.3 km) race against the clock will go vertical in Little Cottonwood Canyon for the first half of the course, using Entry 2 to travel north on Little Cottonwood Canyon Road (S.R. 210) and then snaking around The Cliff Lodge on Bypass Road. Once back on Little Cottonwood Creek Road, each cyclist will put on the afterburners for the 1.5-mile descent to the finish line, located at Entry 2 behind The Lodge at Snowbird Resort. Spectators will have excellent viewing opportunities along Entry 2 to see the riders pass in both directions. The Start House and the Finish Line for the Prologue will be positioned along The Strip of Entry 2 outside Snowbird Center. Team Parking and hospitality will also be located in this area.

Tips:

  • Entry 2 will close to resort traffic beginning at 5 a.m. Monday to allow for race setup.
  • Little Cottonwood Canyon Road (S.R. 210) will remain open to all traffic until 11:30 a.m.
  • There will be a full closure of S.R. 210 between Snowbird Entry 2 and the northernmost intersection at Alta Bypass Road between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. NO traffic will be allowed to pass north of Entry 1, south of Collins Road, or along Alta Bypass Road during this time.
  • For any spectators arriving after 11:30 a.m. in the northbound direction along S.R. 210, vehicles will be directed to Snowbird Entry 1 for parking.
  • The KUTV 2 Healthy Living Expo will be located in the Pond Lot, behind Iron Blosam Lodge (9121 E Snowbird Center Dr.).
  • In addition to the Expo (open 12 – 4 p.m.), all activities at Snowbird Resort are available (admission fees apply) for the Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, Mountain Flyer, Vertical Drop, Bungee Trampoline, Climbing Wall, Kid’s Inflatables and more.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 — Stage 1
North Logan City — 86.9 miles (139.9 km) – 4,310 feet of climbing
Start Time 12:30 p.m., Finish Time 3:45-4 p.m.

Start/Finish Location — 2800 North at 300 East, next to Meadow View Park

While the Cache Valley in northern Utah will host the Tour for a third time, it is a new territory for Stage 1 for the inaugural start and finish in North Logan City. The 86.9-mile (139.9-km) course traverses the western slopes of the Bear River Mountains for 4,310 feet of elevation gain. The route will pass less than 10 miles south of the Idaho State line, with two Utah Office of Tourism King of the Mountain (KOM) contests outside Trenton. Spectators in downtown Newtown will see the race pass through three times, the first pass being a Utah Sports Commission Sprint line, then two more circuits around Little Mountain.

After the final pass through Newton, the race will follow Sam Fellow Road to Airport Road and re-enter North Logan City for five fast and furious finishing laps. Rolling in a clockwise direction, the cyclists will pass the finish line area at Meadow View Park on each lap, which is 7.2 miles (11.6 km) in length. Notable on this first of five laps will be the final Sprint and KOM points of the stage. Each swoop around the circuit should take 15-18 minutes to complete, providing spectators with a full hour of action in downtown North Logan City.

Tips:

  • The start/finish line is located next to Meadow View Park on E 2850 N, near Green Canyon High School parking/ball fields and the Real Salt Lake Training Center.
  • On northern end of route, the peloton will pass through Newton three times. The first pass will be between 1-1:30 p.m. The next two passes will complete 11.8-mile circuits through northern Cache County.
  • Back in North Logan City, the final hour of racing will feature five circuits of 7.2 miles each. Each lap should take 15-18 minutes to complete traveling in a clockwise direction: 2800 North, Wolfpack Way, W. 600 South, S. 100 West, E. 200 South/E. 3400 North, N. 1600 East, 3500 North/N. 1800 East, E. 3100 North, N. 1600 East, E. 2300 North, E. 2200 North, 800 East, E. 2500 North, N. 400 East and back along 2800 North. (see map for specific course).
  • At the start of the first lap of the finishing circuit, a Utah Sports Commission Sprint will be contested next to Meadow View Park on 2800 North at race mile 51.1. The race is expected to pass between 2:25 to 3:10 p.m. On that same lap at 3500 North on Mahogany Ridge, a Utah Office of Tourism KOM will be contested at race mile 53.8. The race expected to pass between 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
  • The KUTV Tour of Utah Lifestyle Expo will be located next to the George S. Eccles Ice Center. The Lifestyle Expo will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and will provide food and beverage for purchase, VIP Hospitality area, live race coverage on a jumbo television screen and interactive displays.

Wednesday, Aug. 14 — Stage 2 presented by Monster Hydro
Brigham City to Powder Mountain Resort — 84.4 miles (135.8 km) — 7,316 feet of climbing
Start Time 12:20 p.m., Finish Time 3:45-4 p.m.

Start Location — 1 South Main St, Brigham City, UT 84302
Finish Location — 6965 N Powder Mountain Rd, Eden 84310 (in front of Hidden Lake Lodge)

Look out for a wild west showdown for the finish on the 8,900-foot summit of Powder Mountain. What used to be called the Queen Stage of the Tour is now the Monster Hydro stage. It has been five years since the Tour introduced the massive ascent on one of the steepest roads in Utah. State Route 158 connects the town of Eden to Powder Mountain Resort, featuring gradients rising to 16 percent and a new paved section to Hidden Lake Lodge at the summit. The 8.6-mile scale will pack a punch to the legs and lungs of the best climbers in the world for the Stage 2 finish.

Stage 2 presented by Monster Hydro begins for a second time in Brigham City, with festivities in front of the stately Box Elder County Courthouse. The race will make a 34-mile loop through the northern section of the county, and approximately 45 minutes later will pass through Brigham City again, moving southbound on Main Street. A Utah Sports Commission Sprint line will be contested at the West Forest Street intersection.

South of Brigham City, the race will charge over the North Ogden Divide for a Category 2 Utah Office of Tourism KOM and circle the Pineview Reservoir twice, rolling in a counter-clockwise direction. Sprint points will be awarded on both laps through Huntsville, using State Route 39. From there it is the final push to the summit of Powder Mountain.

Tips:

  • The night before Stage 2 p/b Monster Hydro, Brigham City will have a downtown event with bar-b-que, games for children, face painting, photo booth and a live concert by Code Blue Revival. Festities begin at 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m.
  • Brigham City offers two chances to watch the Tour on race day – the start and a Utah Sprint Commission Sprint line.
  • A Utah Sports Commission Sprint line will be contested in North Ogden in front of the North Branch of the Weber County Library located at E. 2600 North and 500 East at race mile 34. The race is expected to pass this area between 1:33 to 2:05 p.m.
  • The race will use 1050 East to travel east on E 3100 North and North Ogden Canyon Road.
  • A Utah Office of Tourism King of the Mountain (KOM) climb will be contested across from the trailhead parking lot at the top of North Ogden Canyon Road at race mile 38.7. The race is expected to pass this area between 1:45 to 2:20 p.m.
  • R. 158 to Powder Mountain Resort will open to all vehicles from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., or until the public parking lots are filled. Once parking is full at the resort, the road will be closed to ALL public traffic. The road will reopen after 4:30 p.m.
  • Parking is NOT permitted along S.R. 158; towing will be enforced.
  • There is no public parking at Hidden Lake Lodge. Three Shuttles will be making loops from the parking area at Timberline Lodge to the finish line area at Hidden Lake Lodge until 2:45 p.m. Expect 10-15 minutes between shuttles.
  • The KUTV Tour of Utah Lifestyle Expo will be located in front of the Hidden Lake Lodge at Powder Mountain Resort. The KUTV 2 Lifestyle Expo will be open from Noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and will provide live race coverage on a jumbo television screen and interactive displays.
  • Local vendors will be part of the KUTV 2 Lifestyle Expo, as well as face painting and live music. Food and beverage will be available at Hidden Lake Lodge.

Thursday, Aug. 15 — Stage 3 presented by BYUtv
Antelope Island State Park to North Salt Lake — 85.9 miles (138.8 km) – 5,895 feet of climbing
Start Time 12:20 p.m., Finish Time 3:45-4 p.m.

Start Location — Fielding Garr Ranch, Antelope Island Rd., Antelope Island State Park
Finish Location — Eaglewood Golf Course, 1110 E Eaglewood Dr at Eagle Way, North Salt Lake 84054

The Tour begins for a fourth time at Antelope Island State Park. From the drop of the flag at Fielding Garr Ranch, the race is on! There are no neutral miles on Antelope Island this year. Departing northbound on Fielding Garr Ranch Road, there will be 13.6 race miles on the island. The race is expected to cross the 7-mile causeway and reach the mainland between 1-1:20 p.m. It will then wind through the communities of West Point, Layton, Kaysville, Fruit Heights and Farmington.

Riders will vie for two Utah Sports Commission Sprint lines in northern Davis County in Layton and Fruit Heights. The first Sprint will be contested on Fairfield Road at the intersection of E. Maple Way at race mile 40.1. The race is expected to pass between 1:45 to 2:10 p.m. Continuing southbound through Fruit Heights, the second Sprint line will be on Mountain Road at the intersection of Hilda Drive at race mile 44.4. The race is expected to pass between 1:55 to 2:20 p.m.

There are three Category 3 climbs in the final 29 miles. The first is a punchy KOM up the Bountiful Bench, contested on Bountiful Blvd. just past the intersection of Moss Hill Drive at race mile 55.9. The race expected to pass between 2:15 to 2:55 p.m. The route follows a new southbound stretch of Bountiful Boulevard for finishing circuits in North Salt Lake for the first time. A right turn on Indian Springs Road will take the peloton on 3.75 laps of a 6-mile circuit in North Salt Lake. Laps 2 and 3 of the full circuit will feature KOM contests at the intersection of Eagle Ridge Drive and Eaglepointe Drive/Mont Clair Drive. Before a fourth full lap is completed, the stage winner will be decided in front of Eaglewood Golf Course.

Tips:

  • Antelope Island State Park opens at 6 a.m. and the $10 admission fee will be waived for Tour of Utah fans. Parking is available for spectators at Fielding Garr Ranch in the Equestrian Parking lot.
  • Access to visitor parking will close at 11:15 a.m. After that time, visitors will be allowed to park in the pullout area along the east side road or park along the Davis County Causeway, or use parking areas along the north loop. 
  • Access to the island will close at 12 p.m. The causeway will remain open until 12:45 p.m.
  • Free T-shirts will part of the festivities at Antelope Island State Park (while supplies last).
  • The finishing circuits in North Salt Lake will follow a counter-clockwise direction: From Indian Springs Rd. the finishing circuit will include E. 3100 South, Orchard Drive, Eagle Ridge Drive and Bonneville Shoreline Trail/Bountiful Blvd.
  • The KUTV Tour of Utah Lifestyle Expo will be located in the main parking lot of the Eaglewood Golf Course. The Lifestyle Expo will be open from Noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday.
  • The Expo will provide VIP Hospitality area, food and beverage vendors, and live race coverage on a jumbo television screen. Interactive activities include a long drive contest, a slip ’n slide for children, and live music.

Friday, Aug. 16 — Stage 4 presented by America First Credit Union
Salt Lake City — 53.8 miles (86.5 km) — 4,460 feet of climbing
Start Time 5:55 p.m., Finish Time 7:45-8 p.m.

Start/Finish Location — 315 E Capitol Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103

 Salt Lake City hosts the Tour for a 12th time this August. The traditional circuit course is back for a third time, the same course that was first introduced in 2013 and used again in 2017. This 6.7-mile (10.8-km) circuit moves in a clockwise directon around The Avenues and Capitol Hill neighborhoods for eight laps. The route passes through City Creek Canyon, offers the high-speed descent of N. Virginia Avenue to go around Reservoir Park, and hits the severe incline on N. State Street. The State Street climb, between North Temple and 300 North, is a great place to see the pro cyclists tackle the steepest section of the course. The start/finish line is on East Capitol Boulevard next to the Utah State Capitol campus. Intermediate sprints at the start/finish will provide bonus points on laps 3, 5 and 7. It is a tough, punch course with 4,460 feet of elevation gain, and no rest for the legs with two days left in the mountains.

Tips:

  • Visit team parking and Wildlife Generation Autography Alley to get photos and signatures from athletes prior to the race start. This will be available from 5-6 p.m. near the start/finish line on East Capitol Blvd.
  • There are eight laps of the circuit and each lap is expected to take 20 minutes to complete.
  • Like past years, the race will pass Reservoir Park on three sides on each circuit, allowing for multiple opportunities to see the pros up close and at high speed.
  • Pedestrians are welcome to walk the course. However, we request that you stay on the sidewalks, and do not impede the movement of local residents, police and course marshals who will be using the respites between circuits to move people in and out of the neighborhoods.
  • The KUTV2 Healthy Living Expo will be located on the lawn next to East Capitol Blvd., with free admission from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Use a GREENbiketo reach the course. Check the website for bike stations near the course – https://greenbikeslc.org/station-map.
  • Use Utah Transit Authority’s TRAXBlue Line or Green Line for easy access to course from the City Center stop (100 S. Main Street).

Saturday, Aug. 17 — Stage 5 presented by University of Utah Health
Canyons Village at Park City Mountain — 85.1 miles (137 km) — 5,236 feet of climbing
Start Time 2:30 p.m., Finish Time 5:45-6 p.m.

Start/Finish Location — 4000 Canyons Resort Dr, Park City, UT 84098

For the first time in race history, Canyons Village at Park City Mountain will host both a stage start and finish. Stage 5 presented by University of Utah Health will begin by rolling along Old Ranch Road to familiar territory in Summit and Wasatch counties in the shadows of the Uinta Mountains. Sprint lines in Kamas and Hoytsville are bookended with KOM lines near the Jordanelle Reservoir and up the often-traversed Browns Canyon. The race will pass Rockport Reservoir two times on Saturday using S.R. 32, and will also pass through Wanship two times.

  • Moving in the eastbound direction on S.R. 248, the first Utah Office of Tourism KOM will be contested at the Summit County line at race mile 13.8, passing between 3 to 3:15 p.m.
  • A Utah Sports Commission Sprint will be contested in Kamas, at E. 100 South at race mile 21.4. The race is expected to pass between 3:15 to 3:35 p.m.
  • After the first pass through Wanship, the race will make a 13-mile loop in a clockwise direction, following W. Hoytsville Road to Hobson Lane to S. Hoytsville Road. A Utah Sports Commission Sprint will be contested in Hoytsville, at Creamery Lane at race mile 46.3. The race is expected to pass between 4:10 to 4:45 p.m.
  • A Utah Office of Tourism KOM line will be contested along Browns Canyon Rd. at race mile 61.4, passing between 4:40 to 5:15 p.m.

Look for a possible General Classification shakeup in the final six miles. The race will travel the full length of Olympic Parkway on a twisting climb that passes the nordic jumps and bobsled track at Utah Olympic Park. Riders will cross the top of Utah Olympic Park for the first time and face a blazing downhill on Bear Hollow Drive. A Utah Office of Tourism KOM line will be contested at Utah Olympic Park at race mile 76.6, passing between 5 to 6 p.m. The final push is vertical along Canyons Resort Drive and High Mountain Road to the finish line in the heart of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain. Following the award ceremonies, the after-party for Stage 5 will include a free concert featuring Honey Hounds as part of the annual Summer Concert Series.

The amateur ride for the Tour of Utah, The Ultimate Challenge presented by University of Utah Health, will also take place on Saturday. The start and finish for two ride options will also be hosted by Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, with the 94-mile route beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the 44-mile route beginning at 12:30 p.m. Riders in The Ultimate Challenge will tackle public and private roads in Summit and Wasatch counties that will be used by the professionals for Stage 6. For more about The Ultimate Challenge, visit www.rideultimatechallenge.com.

Tips:

  • The start for the Tour of Utah race will begin at 2:30 p.m. from the heart of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain. The route will follow Canyons Resort Dr., Frostwood Dr., Cooper Lane, and Sun Peak Dr. to cross Highway 224 and continue on Old Ranch Rd.
  • To reach Olympic Parkway for the final climb at Utah Olympic Park, the race will use Highland Drive and Newpark Blvd. to cross S.R. 224 at Kimball Junction and turn left on Olympic Parkway. Expect the race to pass the Newpark area from 5 to 5:45 p.m.
  • Free parking is available at the Cabriolet parking lot. The Cabriolet lift will take guests into Canyons Village at Park City Mountain for the start, finish and event activities.
  • Additional offsite parking with free public transportation access is available at the Ecker Hill Park & Ride transit stop (via the Jeremy Ranch exit off I-80).
  • Public transportation and use of the Park City and Summit County Bike Share Program is recommended.
  • Limited parking is permitted along Olympic Parkway between the Quinney Welcome Center at Utah Olympic Park and the gatehouse at the top of the climb.
  • No parking is permitted along Bear Hollow Road.

Sunday, Aug. 18 — Stage 6 presented by Utah Sports Commission
Park City — 78.2 miles (125.94 km) — 10,009 feet of climbing
Start Time 12:30 p.m., Finish Time 3:45-4 p.m.

Start/Finish Location — 250 Main St, Park City, UT 84060

The overall finish for the Tour of Utah returns to Park City for a seventh time. It is the 10th year Park City has served as a host city. This proven course was first introduced in 2012 with the epic climb of Empire Pass, and the make-or-break descent on Marsac Avenue to the finish line on Upper Main Street. The route may only be  78.2 miles (125.9 km) in distance, but it is the 10,000 feet of climbing and the final downhill section that will determine a champion.

On Sunday, the route will reverse direction in Browns Canyon, which will lead to a Sprint line in Kamas. The Sprint line will be contested at the intersection of E. Center Street and 300 East at race mile 20.5, with the race expected to pass this area between 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. Then an aspen tree-lined, 2.1-mile KOM follows in the private community of Wolf Creek Ranch,a Category 2 climb that reaches a maximum pitch of 22 percent. A technical descent into Wasatch County will allow the riders to regroup through Heber City before the final Sprint line in Midway. This Sprint will be contested at W Main Street and N 100 West at race mile 61.9. The race is expected to pass this area between 2:25 to 3 p.m.

Expect an all-out assault for the climbers will take place on the seven-mile climb along Pine Canyon Road, with pitches from 10-20 percent gradient. The Hors Category summit of Empire Pass is the final KOM, and the highest point of the race for the week at 9,700 feet above sea level. The Empire Pass KOM will be contested at race mile 72.7, expected to pass between 3:05 to 3:50 p.m. Ablistering descent down Mine Road to Marsac Avenue leads to the finish in front of historically massive crowds along Upper Main Street in Park City.

Tips:

  • The KUTV 2 Healthy Living Expo will be located along Main Street.
  • Community Chalk Art will take place on Main Street beginning at 1:30 p.m.
  • Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and get a viewing spot on Main Street in Park City for the start and finish.
  • Free spectator parking will be available at Park City High School, Treasure Mountain Junior High, Park City Mountain Base Area, and Cabriolet parking lots. Free Park City Transit buses will be available at bus stops near each of these parking lots for a free ride to Main Street.
  • Additional offsite parking with free public transportation access is available at the Ecker Hill Park & Ride transit stop (via the Jeremy Ranch exit off I-80).
  • Limited paid public parking ($20/vehicle) will be available in the China Bridge parking structure. Access to China Bridge parking structure will be from Marsac Avenue only. Because China Bridge exits onto the race course, no vehicle parked in China Bridge will be allowed to exit between 3-5 p.m.
  • Spectators are encourage to carpool, walk, or bike to the event. A free bike valet will be available on Swede Alley across from the Old Town Transit Cener.
  • Public Transit within Park City will be supplemented to provide buses at a higher frequency between satellite parking areas and the Old Town Transit Center.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Regarding Stage 6, Empire Pass’ elevation is about 8,960 feet. (Guardsman Pass’ elevation is about 9,700 feet).

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