Citizen Fun Races at Tour of the Gila 2026

Fun, low-pressure races for kids, families, fans, and recreational riders.

Tour of the Gila is famous for its tough, scenic routes, but race week is not just for licensed racers. The Citizen Fun Races are designed for people who want to join the competition without needing a USA Cycling license. These events are perfect if you want a shorter challenge, you are in town watching the UCI races, or you are coming out to support a friend or family member racing in the pro or amateur fields.

What Are the Citizen Fun Races?

The Citizen Fun Races are a casual, welcoming way to experience Tour of the Gila. They are built for riders who:

Do not have a USA Cycling license
Want a shorter, fun challenge
Do not plan to get a USA Cycling license for other races

These events often attract kids, local riders, visiting fans, and friends and family of Tour of the Gila racers.

Saturday Citizen Fun Races (Downtown Silver City Criterium)

Saturday is all about friendly competition and a great downtown vibe, thanks to presenting sponsor 1st New Mexico Bank.

Distances and Course

Citizen Fun Races range from about 100 meters up to one full lap of the 1.1-mile Downtown Silver City Criterium course around historic downtown Silver City.

Atmosphere

Expect an energetic start/finish area with live announcements, plus youth activities and sponsor booths throughout the day.

Community Good

In 2026, Tour of the Gila sprinter jersey sponsor Gila Regional Medical Center is holding a Locks of Love hair donation event that kicks off at the start line of the Citizen Fun Races! Stay tuned for more details about the event and about the GRMC Cancer Center, which is committed to providing exceptional and patient-centered comprehensive cancer treatment in Grant County. In the meanwhile, keep growing out your hair. Learn more at tourofthegila.com/2026/03/locks-of-love.

Registration for Citizen Fun Races at the Saturday Downtown Criterium

Online:

When online registration opens, sign yourself or a family member up at bikereg.com. Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

In-person:

Prior to Saturday, May 2, registration forms are available at 1^st New Mexico Bank locations, Gila Hike & Bike (103 E. College Ave.), and Twin Sisters Cycling & Fitness (208 W Broadway St.). Must bring form to registration on Saturday.
Register on site
- 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Location: The Hub Plaza at the corner of 6^thSt. and Bullard St., near the downtown start/finish line

Entry Fees

Ages 12 and under: Free
Ages 13–16: $5
Ages 17 and over: $10

Requirements

Helmets must be worn
Parent/guardian must sign registration for riders under 18

Participant Perks

Free T-shirts while supplies last.

Sunday Citizen Road Race

A shorter version of the Gila Monster experience

On Sunday, recreational cyclists can take on a piece of the iconic Gila Monster Road Race course with a 30-mile Citizen Road Race.

Course Details

Distance: 30 miles
Start: Camp Thunderbird
Finish: Under the same finish arch used by the UCI and USA Cycling fields

Who it’s for

This event is designed for riders without a USA Cycling license, and it is:

Self-supported
Built to be fun and approachable for riders with less racing experience

Citizen Racers for Sunday Road Race:

$20 entry fee for adults
Prior to Sunday, registration forms are available at Gila Hike & Bike, 103 E. College Ave, Silver City, and at Twin Sister Cycling & Fitness, 303 N Bullard St, Silver City.
Online at bikereg.com. Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
On Sunday, May 3, late registration occurs at the start line at Camp Thunderbird, 3951 NM-35, Mimbres, from 8 to 8:20 a.m.

Rules and What to Know Before You Race

A helmet is required for all Citizen Races.
Riders under 18 must have a parent/guardian signature to participate.
Sunday’s Citizen Road Race is self-supported, so come prepared to handle nutrition, hydration, tire inflation, and other basic needs on your own.