When 600 cyclists from across North America descend on Tucson this weekend, they'll be chasing more than just victory – they'll be pursuing a piece of American cycling history. Since 1986, the Tucson Bicycle Classic has been the Southwest's answer to the Tour de France, a three-day stage race that has become a cornerstone of the U.S. racing calendar.
The race draws riders from 34 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, and Mexico, creating a truly international field. But what sets this event apart isn't just its reach – it's its commitment to equality, offering identical prize money and race distances for men and women across all categories, from juniors to professionals.
This year's edition continues its partnership with Verge, who will provide the coveted leader's jerseys – cycling's equivalent of the yellow jersey, awarded to the rider leading each category's general classification.
"The Tucson Bicycle Classic embodies what makes racing special," explains Charlie Issendorf, VP of Sales & Marketing at Verge. "These riders aren't just competing for a jersey – they're part of a tradition that spans nearly four decades."
Race Director Marco Colbert sees the ongoing partnership as more than just sponsorship: "Verge's support adds prestige to an event that's already special. They understand what we're building here."
As the peloton prepares to roll out this weekend, they'll be participating in more than just another bike race. They'll be writing the next chapter of an American cycling classic.
