Exergy Tour unveils host cities for inaugural pro ladies race

The Exergy Tour international ladies pro cycling race today revealed the selected host cities for the 2012 inaugural race, which will be held May 24 – 28. The five day stage race will begin and end in Boise, and will travel through alpine, high desert and sprint stages in the cities of Nampa, Kuna, Crouch/Garden Valley and Idaho City, covering an estimated 200-plus miles.

Between 10 and 15 of the top ladies pro cycling teams from around the world are expected to participate in the inaugural race, which was founded by Boise-based Exergy Development Group. The race will be one of the last races to provide international ranking points crucial to qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Games in London. It is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is part of the National Racing Calendar. The event is also the only ladies race in North America in 2012 with a 2.1 designation by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

“The Exergy Tour will showcase the power and excitement of women’s professional cycling and its growing global influence, while engaging our communities in teaching young girls the benefits gained through individual and team sports,” said James Carkulis, CEO of Exergy Development Group. “Our vision with the Exergy Tour is to communicate this global message and work with organizations who also are dedicated to advancing the self-confidence, self-esteem and overall well-being of girls and women through physical activity.”

Day one of the race will take place near Boise. Day two will take place in and around Nampa. From there, teams will race through the high desert of Kuna, then on to the alpine stage of Crouch/Garden Valley and Idaho City, and back to Boise on the final day. Because the host cities are all within an hour’s drive of each other, the course enables volunteers and spectators to easily travel to each leg of the race throughout the long weekend.

“I’m thrilled to see such a world-class cycling competition emerge in our community,” said Boise Mayor David Bieter. “Boise has long been a training ground for many local Olympians, and it’s wonderful to see it become a major hub for premier athletic events. The Exergy Tour will shine the spotlight of international cycling on our city as it attracts some of the best athletes in the world to compete prior to the 2012 Olympics. I encourage all Boise residents to come out and see what promises to be an exciting and inspirational event.”
Official race announcements including the Exergy Tour’s list of participating teams, charitable partner, prize money and individual stage details will be released over the next 4-6 weeks.

“The Exergy Tour will be an opportunity for spectators in local Idaho communities to see many of the same athletes who will be competing just two months later at the London Olympic Games,” said Heather Hill, marketing, communications and events director for the Exergy Tour. “Idaho and our host cities will be on the world’s cycling stage for five days over the Memorial Day weekend, and through our selection of host cities this year, spectators and volunteers are able to show support and participate within easy driving distance every day of the Tour.”

Medalist Sports will oversee the competition and technical production of the Exergy Tour, as well as the development of the local organizing committees in each start and finish venue. Medalist also is the event management arm for the Amgen Tour of California, USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado and the Tour of Utah.