2012 Exergy tour announces routes
The Exergy Tour will take place over the Memorial Day weekend, May 24-28, in five Idaho cities – Boise, Nampa, Kuna, Garden Valley/Crouch and Idaho City. Between 10 and 15 of the top ladies pro cycling teams from around the world are expected to participate in the inaugural race.
"We want the route to be a postcard for the state of Idaho and the Treasure Valley, said Heather Hill, Marketing, Communications and Events director. “Idaho isn't just mountains, it isn't just downtown Boise, or lake and river front Canyon County, or small farm communities, it is a mix of all of these and the people that call them home. We have been welcomed by all of these people and plan to show their communities to the world."
A total of 17 of the top ladies pro cycling teams from nine countries around the world are scheduled to compete in the inaugural race. Countries represented by these teams include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Taiwan, Ukraine and the United States.
The Exergy Tour is 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 the only ladies race in North America in 2012 with a 2.1 designation by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
Highlights of the route include:
Prologue: Julia Davis Park, Boise – Thursday, May 24 (Overall Start)
The Boise prologue should suit the pure time trialist and give a real indication of who’s hungry to go after the overall win. The 3-kilometer course showcases some of Boise’s most iconic images; starting in Julia Davis Park, and featuring the Boise Train Depot and the visual of the State Capitol at either end of the out and back course.
Stage 1: Start/Finish in Nampa – Friday, May 25
Some of the most beautiful landscape in Idaho will be highlighted on this demanding course where the riders will race by scenic Lake Lowell, rolling hills and vineyards, along the Snake River, tackle some epic “Queen of the Mountain” climbs and spread the energy and excitement around downtown Nampa.
Stage 2: Start/Finish in Kuna – Saturday, May 26 (Individual Time Trial)
Stage 2 is a Time Trial for the purists. No climbs, nothing technical, just raw speed. The out and back course will make it possible for riders to gauge their progress against their rivals. This can give a mental boost or be devastating.
Stage 3: Crouch/Garden Valley to Idaho City – Sunday, May 27
Stage 3 is the Exergy Tour's Queen Stage. The mountains will finally come into play in a big way. After a rolling, mostly downhill opening 20 miles the field will tackle the 9-mile climb up Beaver Creek summit followed immediately by the 3-mile climb up to Mores Creek Summit. These back-to-back climbs should truly separate the real players in this year's Exergy Tour and will make sure the winner is a worthy one.
Stage 4: Start/Finish Hyde Park, Boise – Monday, May 28 (Overall Finish)
Stage 4 is a deceptive sting at the end of a long weekend of racing. It seems simple enough, but there truly is nowhere to hide on this day. The hills come one after another starting with the first QOM at mile 4.6 and they don't let up until the last QOM with 5.3 miles to go. In between, the field will have to conquer 2 serious climbs each lap and then rocket back into town. Defending a leaders jersey on this course will be no easy task and the overall winner will need legs and a strong team.
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