Tour of the Gila presented by New Mexico True, along with 2026 sprinter jersey sponsor Gila Regional Cancer Center, are partnering to host a Locks of Love hair donation event during the Downtown Silver City Criterium on Saturday, May 2.

Starting with Gila Regional Cancer Center oncologist Dr. Michael Luca Durando, people who have grown out their hair will take the opportunity to chop their ponytails or braids to support Locks of Love in providing hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. The hair donation event kicks off on the start/finish line at noon, just ahead of the Citizen Fun Races. It will continue throughout the afternoon in The Hub Plaza at the hospital’s booth.

Donations of both hair and money support Locks of Love recipients.

Hair must be 10-inches or longer from tip to tip, clean and dry, bundled in a braid or ponytail, and free from bleach. Colored or permed hair is acceptable. Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches. Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches. Local barbers and hairdressers may get involved in the community-wide event and be on-hand to make the cuts. Contact Gila Regional Cancer Center marketing coordinator Jalen Duffy ([email protected]g) with interest.

Locks of Love pays for production of the hairpieces and so relies on donations to fund the program. All financial contributions are tax-deductible and may be made in person at the Gila Regional Cancer Center booth in The Hub Plaza on Saturday, May 2nd, or online here.

Tour of the Gila presented by New Mexico True runs April 29-May 3, 2026. Registration for the USA Cycling races is open on BikeReg. As the only UCI-sanctioned stage race in America, Tour of the Gila presented by New Mexico enrolls teams in the UCI races by invitation only.