By Dave Iltis
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, already one of the premier cycling events in the United States, will become one of the premier cycling events in the world with its recent elevation to 2.HC status in the UCI America Tour by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale). The ranking of 2.HC (2 indicates a stage race and hors categorie indicates out of category or most difficult) is the highest that a race can receive in any race that is not part of the WorldTour. It is given to races offering greater prize money which means that it will also offer more UCI points and be able to invite the best teams in the world. Now, the Tour of Utah peloton may be comprised of up to 65% of top pro tour teams. The Tour of Utah had held a UCI 2.1 designation since 2011.
Steve Miller, president of Miller Sports Properties, the Tour of Utah organizers, said, “This upgraded designation by the international governing body of cycling is further evidence of the Tour of Utah’s growing stature. We aspire to continue to organize a world-class race that showcases our state and the sport.”
The Tour of Utah joins the Tour of California and the USA Pro Challenge as the only three HC stage races on the 25 race UCI America Tour.
The 2015 Tour of Utah will be held from August 3-9 with 7 stages throughout Utah. It will be the first international race after the Tour de France and is expected to draw many of the world’s top teams and riders.
For Tour of Utah news and archives of race coverage, visit: cyclingwest.com/tour-of-utah/
For coverage of the 2014 race, see our September 2014 issue online at cyclingwest.com.
