Methow Valley Tour

Washington state's Methow Valley is famous for cross country skiing and mountain biking, but road cycling and racing has always had a lower profile. Now that's set to change with the announcement of the two day, three stage Methow Valley Tour on April 29 & 30, 2006.

Terry Buchanan of Lake Washington Velo, one of the organizing clubs along with the Methow Valley Sports Trail Association (MVSTA), says the race will feature awe-inspiring scenery and challenging courses that span the upper Methow Valley. For the inaugural year the race will comprise an ten mile, out and back time trial in Mazama; a road race circuit through old western-themed Winthrop; and a classic, small-town criterium in Twisp. Buchanan feels the event can grow over the next three years to become the premier stage race in Washington and rival the other Northwest premier stage races, Mt. Hood Classic and Columbia Plateau.

Jay Lucas, MVSTA executive director, added, "We are hoping for a great turn out in the first year so we can sell the community and merchants on the value and excitement of bike racing. We want to expand this event throughout the Okanogan and include mountain top finishes at Washington and Loup Loup Passes in the future."