Tour of California cyclists’ next stop — the Tour de Nez presented by Northstar-at-Tahoe
Bissell, Kelly Benefit Strategies among Tour of California teams expected at Reno-Tahoe’s Tour de Nez

RENO, NV (May 17, 2010) — As Amgen Tour of California cyclists reel off 100-mile stages across the Golden State this week, many of the same competitors are looking forward to racing in Reno-Tahoe’s Tour de Nez, a three-day cycling race with events in Sparks, Reno and Tahoe from June 17 to 19.
As in years past, some of the heavyweights of pro cycling — teams like Kelly Benefit Strategies, Bissell, Jelly Belly and Fly V Australia — will send cyclists to the 18th annual Tour de Nez. But unlike previous years, a change in the race schedule that moved the Tour of California from February to May gives Northern California back-to-back, prestigious pro cycling races — the Tour of California in May and the Tour de Nez in June.
Cyclists and spectators who attend each event will be treated to the two sides of professional cycling. The Tour of California’s grueling stages feature team tactics and cover large distances. The Tour de Nez’s short, fast, circuit courses — kicking off with a 1.5-mile time trail in Sparks, Nev. and continuing with two circuit races in downtown Reno and at Northstar-at-Tahoe’s village — immerse spectators in non-stop cycling action. Tour de Nez spectators can view races from start to finish, as cyclists compete against the clock or fight to the finish in multi-lap races.
“You can watch the race develop in person,” said Tim Healion, founder and race director for the Tour de Nez. “It’s the Nascar phenomenon — people in the U.S. are used to continuous stimulation entertainment.”
What the Tour of California’s record crowds have shown, as the race has grown into the country’s top cycling event and one of the top races on the international calendar, is that the Western U.S. has a dedicated and fast-growing cycling fan base.
The Tour de Nez will give cycling fans another chance to view some of the top teams in the country compete in short, fast races in an intimate setting. And the Tour de Nez is not only a cycling race; live music, parties, an expo, and events like the bike messenger-inspired Tour de N’Alley Cat and the Clunker Classic will keep attendees entertained throughout the weekend.

For more information on the Tour de Nez visit www.tourdenez.org.