MURRIETA, CA — It’s that time of year again in Murrieta, and we expect to see more cyclists than ever out on the roads. The 19th Annual Tour de Murrieta cycling weekend starts Saturday and ends Sunday in an event recognized as one of California’s most prestigious race weekends. Expect to see some of the most competitive race teams in California.
Murrieta Mayor Lori Stone spoke of the tour as one of the city’s signature and beloved weekend events.
“Murrieta is an ideal place to both train and race, thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings, mostly mild terrain and excellent weather,” she wrote in a proclamation. “Year after year this race is successful thanks to the efforts of a dedicated committee, sponsors, and volunteers. Their passion for cycling and our Murrieta community blooms into a beautiful event.”
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
FRIDAY:
Festivities start Friday, as local bike shops host a free “shakeout” ride sponsored by Felt and Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac. That event began with free pastries and drinks, and the 25-mile fun ride kicks off at 9:30 a.m. The ride will start and end at the Temecula Parkway location at 32835 Temecula Parkway.
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
SATURDAY:
Grand Prix Course:
“Saturday’s Grand Prix course remains unchanged, which is the one-mile lightning-fast course through historic downtown Murrieta,” organizers say.
Kids Bicycle Race:
A Saturday Kids Bicycle Race will also take place for kids ages 2-8. The event will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Senior Center parking lot on Saturday. Admission is free with a non-perishable canned food donation to benefit the local food pantry.
“What is definitely the highlight of the weekend is the Kids’ Bicycle Race, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.,” a spokesperson for the event said. “Children between the ages of 2-8 years old are encouraged to participate with distances varying according to age group, with medals to be issued to all participants.”
Watch for road closures in the area if you plan on driving through town.
SUNDAY:
During the Sunday race, where competitive race teams battle for position in the four-mile race course, Race Director Kurt Kovacks shared his thoughts.
“Our participants should come prepared to experience a great weekend of racing, our popular downtown courses provide great race viewing,” said Race Director Kurt Kovacks. “Free neutral race support will once again be on hand to support our racers, cash prizes and champion jerseys will be awarded to the overall winners… Thanks to the continued support of the city of Murrieta government, community and local sponsors, our race has become a staple for racers from across the country and this year is proving no different.” With the race’s continued growth, the race will count with the services of professional timing/result services which includes software that will provide competitors with immediate and live results, professional race announcing, and an atmosphere that compares to no other!
“Due to the opening of the new bridge on Guava Street, the Circuit Race course is now a rolling 4-mile course with eight turns,” organizers say.
Enjoy the weekend!
For more information, visit tourdemurrieta.com.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: sydney roosters shirt