Photos: 2019 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race
The annual El Tour de Tucson bicycle race is the largest amateur sporting event in Tucson. Each year, nearly 5,900 riders from across the nation and world to compete in races of 25, 50 or 100 miles. There is also a short Fun Ride for children and families.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist rides through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour
Teammates encurage each other as they climb up a hill on W Magee Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist, left, takes a selfie with mountain bikers and friends, Ryan Beamish, Amy Mamula, Brannon Mamula, and Casey Johnson near Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour
Ed Osterhoudt and Fandi Derr cheer on cyclists as they ride up Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Eric Marcotte, left, and Ulises Soto, battle it out right at the finish line during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz. Soto won the race with a time of 3:47:56.7, Marcotte had a time of 3:47:56.9.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Betsabee Salomon is all smiles after coming in first for the women with a time of 4:04:38.2, during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
El Tour
Daniel Golightly from Albuquerque fixes his tire following an uphill climb on W Magee Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Steve Carlson wipes sweat from his face while taking a break with friends from Sun City Oro Valley who came to cheer him on as he road his bike up Thornydale Road in Marana during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Brian Day sports socks with his dog Jasper designed on them during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019. Day road the race for Pima Animal Care Center where he got Jasper.
El Tour
Riders take a break to stretch and hydrate at an aid center on Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Lead riders take the turn from La Canada Drive onto Magee Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists ride along W Magee Road following the turn off of N La Canada during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
A rider pedals down Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Ed Osterhoudt cheers on cyclists riding up Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019. " I could really sit and yell at people all day and have a good time," Osterhoudt reasoned for why he decides to spend the entire day watching cyclists.
El Tour
A cyclist makes his way on W Magee Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists climb a hill on W Magee Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists pass by a saguaro as the head up Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Sisters Molly Fisher, 6, (left) and Maggie 9 (right) cheer on their dad Alan during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists park their bikes at a aid station off of Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists ride along W Magee Road following the turn off of N La Canada during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists climb up a hill on W Magee Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
A woman hands out water to cyclists during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists ride up Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
A couple cheers on cyclists making their way up Thornydale during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Denice and Doug Hicks cheer on cyclists making their way up Thornydale during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists ride up Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Fandi Derr gives a thumbs up to cyclists during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour
Cyclists park their bikes at a aid station off of Thornydale Road during El Tour de Tucson, on Nov. 23, 2019.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Ulises Soto, right, smiles after crossing the finish line just ahead of Eric Marcotte, during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz. Soto won the race with a time of 3:47:56.7, Marcotte had a time of 3:47:56.9.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Eric Lauregui listens to instructions within the gold riding group early in the morning before the start of the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Anna Barrett stretches before the start of the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
The red glow from a back light falls on a rider's face before the start of the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Riders makes their way down Fourth Ave towards Broadway Blvd. during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Riders pass by the Broadway Underpass Wall, a tiled mural done by Steve Farley, at the start of the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Riders makes their way down Broadway Blvd. away from downtown during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Riders makes their way down Broadway Blvd. away from downtown during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Riders makes their way down Broadway Blvd. away from downtown during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Riders line up at the start for the El Tour Fun Ride, as part of the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
A young rider pops a wheelie at the start of the El Tour Fun Ride, as part of the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Riders make their way down Sixth Ave during the El Tour Fun Ride as part of the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Megan Schmeister, left, and Sina Connor cheer on their husbands after they cross the finish line during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Roxy Ortyz shows her support for her boyfriend on her jacket while she waits at the finish line during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Greg Whitney stretches his legs after completing his fifth 100-miler during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride down S. Old Spanish Trail during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride down S. Freeman Rd. during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist, riding down S. Freeman Rd., waves to bystanders cheering during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist, riding down S. Freeman Rd., waves to bystanders cheering and Pima County Sheriff Officers during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride down S. Freeman Rd. during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist, riding down S. Freeman Rd., motions to bystanders cheering during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Dan Janes, center, cheers on cyclists with his kids Ethan Janes, right, Grace Janes, left and their dog Riley on S. Freeman Rd. during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Raymond Langlais and his daughter Victoria Langlais, who have friends in the El Tour de Tucson bicycle race, cheer for friends and other riders on N. Palisade Dr. during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Mountain bikers and friends, Amy Mamula, left, Brannon Mamula, Ryan Beamish, and Casey Johnson cheer on El Tour de Tucson bicyclists near Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
An El Tour de Tucson bicyclist takes a break from riding to take pictures of riders in the water at Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist splashes water while walking through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson on Nov. 23, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event that year.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
37th El Tour de Tucson
Andy Brothers, volunteer, fills an El Tour de Tucson bicyclist's water at a an aid station in Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Lois Marecek, volunteer, fills an El Tour de Tucson bicyclist water at a an aid station in Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Gary Lape, El Tour de Tucson bicyclist, grabs an orange from an aid station in Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists carry their bikes through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists carry their bikes through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist gets stuck in the sand in Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Volunteers help push an El Tour de Tucson bicyclist in Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists carry their bikes through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists carry their bikes through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists carry their bikes through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday
El Tour de Tucson
Kelly Mulvany, 2nd year El Tour de Tucson bicyclist, takes a selfie after walking through Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday
El Tour de Tucson
El Tour de Tucson bicyclists ride up E. Snyder Rd., also known as Snyder Hill, during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday
El Tour de Tucson
An El Tour de Tucson bicyclist takes a selfie with a volunteer, riders and snow in Sabino Creek during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride up E. Snyder Rd., also known as Snyder Hill, during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist walks with their bike up E. Snyder Rd., also known as Snyder Hill, during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Cyclists ride up E. Snyder Rd., also known as Snyder Hill, during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
A cyclist rides down E. Snyder Rd., also known as Snyder Hill, during the 37th annual El Tour de Tucson in Tucson Ariz., on November 23rd, 2019. More than 5,900 riders rode in Arizona's largest participatory sporting event on Saturday.
El Tour de Tucson
Verenice Davila Nelson (left), Sharon Nelson (right), and Katerina Davila Nelson (middle) cheer for bicyclists during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 23, 2019. Verenice’s husband, Mat Nelson, participated in the 100 mile race.
El Tour de Tucson
Law enforcement directs bicyclists during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour de Tucson
Police officers chat before the first group of bikers arrive at the intersection of Twin Peaks and Silverbell rd. during the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 23, 2019.
El Tour de Tucson 2019
Ron Greisch pumps his bike tires in preparation for the 37th El Tour de Tucson bicycle race on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 in Tucson, Ariz. Greisch traveled from Madison, Wisconsin to accomplish his first bike race alongside his father-in-law. However, Greisch’s father-in-law was injured while training. After being in the hospital for two weeks, he decided to skip the 100-mile race. Greisch said he wanted to stick it out for the both of them. Greisch has been preparing for El Tour de Tucson since May, riding 250-1,000 miles every month.
El Tour de Tucson 2019
Ron Greisch mounts his bike to the back of his truck before leaving for El Tour de Tucson on Saturday, Nov. 23 in Tucson, Ariz. Greisch has been training solo on country roads in Wisconsin. With over 9,000 participants this year, he said he was excited to be on the road with other cyclists. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people,” he said, “We really love Tucson, we expect this being a place we will return to ourselves.”
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist
Josh Galemore
Photojournalist
Rebecca Sasnett
Photojournalist
Soto's time of 3 hours 47 minutes is tops among the 100-mile riders.