For the 20th annual Teleperformance's Tour of the Gila bike race in Silver City, New Mexico, from May 3-7, 2006, a top field of pro women are expected. Some of the top teams and riders will be Colavita/Cooking Light, featuring Dotsie Bausch and Brooke Ourada, CPT-Colnago with Marisa Asplund and Nicky Wangsgard, and Velo Bella/Kona featuring Nicole Freedman. In addition, US National Road Champion Katheryn Curi heads up a strong Webcor Builders-Platinum Advisors team that also includes Erinne Willock and Betina Hold. US National TT Champion Kristen Armstrong leads a powerful TEAm Lipton, which also includes former US criterium champion Laura Van Gilder.
The Tour of the Gila began in 1987 and has become part of USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar. It is recognized internationally with participants coming from Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Russia, Mexico, Colombia and Australia.
