Tour de Nez celebrates all things cycling

The 14th Annual Tour de Nez, a celebration of all things cycling, is geared up and ready to roll through Reno, Lake Tahoe and Truckee June 22-24.

More than just a cycling race, the Tour de Nez is a true grassroots style event that encompasses all element of two wheel adventure, from handcycling races and clunker rides to the Biggest Little Kid's Race and century rides.

"We're ready and excited to have the best year ever," said Tour de Nez Supreme Commander and race promoter Tim Healion. "The depth and quality of the competitors is phenomenal."

The pro roster is getting hot with teams from Health Net Presented by Maxxis, Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team, Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team and Priority Health signed up to compete with full squads.

Alex Candelario with Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team will be back to defend his 2005 Mighty Tour de Nez Criterium winner title. Scott Moninger with Health Net Presented by Maxxis, the winner of the overall 2006 Tour de Nez and the active rider with the most wins in on the National Racing Calendar, will be back with a full squad to try to retain his title. Tony Cruz with Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team and winner of the 2004 Tour de Nez will also be competing in all four stages of the pro race this year and hopes to win back the title he captured in 2004.

Worth more points than any other omnium style race on the National Racing Calendar, the Tour de Nez offers over $45,000 in prize, drawing riders from across the nation. Expanding this year to include a three day handcycling competition, cumulating with the National Handcycling Criterium Championships, the Tour de Nez has grown to include all facets of professional cycling. Set amongst the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada's and Lake Tahoe, the Tour de Nez is one of the most scenic and challenging road races in the United States.

Started 14 years ago to celebrate the anniversary of Reno's first coffee house, Deux Gros Nez, the Tour de Nez has grown from a Masters Twilight Criterium to a three-day party in Truckee, Tahoe City and Reno. Revelers will enjoy live music, belly dancing, bike demonstrations, mint juleps, bike decorating contests, face painting and a world full of bike madness and mayhem. Fat Tire Amber Ale and Reno-Tahoe America's Adventure Place present the Tour de Nez. The Tour de Nez is also sponsored by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact (775) 287-3599 or visit www.tourdenez.com.