Tour Of Utah Looks To Build Profile After Successful '09 Event
This year's race earned the Tour of Utah a "new level of national respect and some big goals for the future," according to Jared Eborn of the DESERET NEWS. The event is "already one of the top races in the country," but some have "questioned whether Utah can support the event." However, based on crowds for the six-day event, which ended Sunday, there is "certainly a market for the sport." Cyclist Jeff Louder: "The crowds have been unbelievable. ... The race just keeps growing and getting better." Larry H. Miller Group of Companies CEO Greg Miller, whose company owns the event, said, "I believe, within a few short years, that Tour of Utah will become a cornerstone event. I look forward to the progression of that." Tour of Utah Exec Dir Terry McGinnis said that after a "small step forward next year," the goal is to take the '11 race "significantly higher and seek a spot" on the Int’l Cycling Union (UCI) schedule. The Tour de Georgia "previously held that distinction but was canceled this year because of funding issues," and the Tour of Missouri has been on "precarious financial footing and was nearly canceled this season." Should the economy "rebound and sponsors sign on," McGinnis believes that the Tour of Utah "would make a perfect addition to the UCI calendar's growing American leg." McGinnis: "That's Greg (Miller's) version of the race and mine, as well. We will look very hard at doing that in 2011" (DESERET NEWS, 8/27).
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