A member of the P&S Specialized team of Hermosillo, Mexico, David Salomon, 28, won the 109-mile event in 4:20:35. He was followed by three other members of the P&S Specialized team of Hermosillo, Mexico. It was an unprecedented win for the team, who rode much of the race close together!
There are many divisions in the race, you can choose to cycle 109, 80, 67, or 35 miles, plus a 4-mile and 1/4 mile Kids & Family Fun Ride. The event offers fun and cycling tests for all levels of riders. The route weaves through scenic Tucson, which is surrounded by 5 mountain ranges, three of which rise over 9,000 feet. The courses range from rolling to moderately hilly, with the 35 mile route being fairly flat and the perfect course for beginners.
In support of the race many cycle shops stayed open the entire night before the race to offer help for last minute problems and to provide information to the participants.
The 109 mile course is for the Platinum division and the criteria to ride in this division is challenging!
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Platinum Qualifying Criteria
The primary qualification for the Platinum division is overall finish time. Earned Platinum status expires after 3 years. To qualify, cyclists must meet one of the following requirements:
— Cat #1 or Cat #2 USCF cyclist (must show license).
— A top-ten nationally or internationally ranked cyclist, tri-athlete or bi-athlete.
— A Tour De France qualified starter.
— Finished any of one of the 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008
Perimeter Bicycling events run in Arizona
The 26th El Tour raised funds for the following groups: Tu Nidito Children and Family Services, American Parkinson Disease Association, Ben’s Bells Project Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson, Diamond Children’s Medical Center, The Hermitage Cat Shelter, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Water for People and other Perimeter charities including Global Sports Alliance-ECO Flag Program.
At the end of the day the atmosphere was cheerful, the participants tired but happy to have made it through the finish line!
