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Tour De Nez: The coolest bike race in America |
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Written by By Briggs Heaney
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Sunday, 22 June 2008 |
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 By Briggs Heaney
www.europeloton.com
As the riders, staff, and fans of the 2008 Tour de Nez enjoyed the post-race party at the Village at Northstar resort last Saturday, it was double stage winner Roman Kilun who summed up the Tour de Nez experience best.
“It’s been a really great week. When you’re relaxed and having fun, I think it makes it easier. With this race, it feels like family with Tim Healion and his crew. I come here every year, and it just seems to get better and better.”
Photo of Criterium Race in the Village at Northstar
Kilun’s statement rang true with all who were on hand for this year’s Tour de Nez, from overall winner Aaron Olson to the announcers to the operations staff. Said Dave Towle, one of the announcers for the week, “I love coming to the Nez because it’s so different from any other race. It really is the coolest bi ke race in America. Between Tim’s staff, the Grand Sierra and Northstar resorts, and the talented field assembled, the Tour de Nez is an experience like no other.”
Praise for the race also came from the fans, as Truckee local William Bauer explained his Tour de Nez experience. “I don’t really know biking too well, but I love the Tour de Nez! Every June I can’t wait until this race starts. My friends and I cheer the riders at the Truckee criterium, and this year was awesome because I got to see them race where I work, at Northstar at Tahoe. I can’t wait until next year.”
Photo of Roman Kilun/By Keith Sheffield
After a very successful first go around as a stage race, the Tour de Nez looks to be well positioned to grow even bigger over the next few years. Race director Tim Healion has secured a sponsorship deal with the Northstar resort through 2010, and preparations are already underway for next year’s race. Healion and his team will strive to refine the race routes and schedules to ensure that next year’s edition is even better.
As far as the riders, most of this year’s participants seemed to have been satisfied with the challenging courses set up by race technical director Matt Newberry. Toyota United’s Justin England praised the event despite its difficulty.
 “I had a tough time on some of the stages, but it didn’t matter because I had so much fun! I’ll be back next year for sure!” And it wasn’t only England who claimed he’d be back: overall winner Aaron Olson promised to return, as did best young rider Carson Miller. Added Miller, “I have several more years ahead of me to race the Tour de Nez, and I hope I can win the overall some day.”
As the 2009 edition of the Tour de Nez is still a year away, it may be a bit early for predictions, but Tour de Nez public relations representative Abbi Whitaker wasn’t shy about sounding off about next year’s racing. “Considering the immense amount of recognition we received from the press and the positive response from the riders this year, I think we’ll have an even better field for our men’s race in 2009. There was also a lot of positive buzz around our women’s race, and we’ll look to grow that event over the next year as well.”
Eric Wohlberg of the Symmetrics team
All signs point to the Tour de Nez becoming one of America’s best stage races over the next few years, as the “Coolest Bike Race in America” continues to pick up momentum in the cycling world.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 June 2008 )
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