In the 1980s, Mark Richard, a local architect and not really a cyclist, conceptualized the Tour of the Gila bicycle stage race. He knew organizing a bicycle race in Grant County would help to promote southwest New Mexico to travelers. Since 1987, Tour of the Gila has grown to become an iconic American stage race that is renowned across the globe.

As a UCI-sanctioned road race, Tour of the Gila is known as the place for pros and elite amateurs to showcase their talent. Olympians like Kristin Armstrong and Mara Abbott adore the Tour of the Gila, and Americans racing on and director World Tour teams appreciate the race’s role in their path to the top. Such professionals include 2023 Vuelta a España winner Sepp Kuss and EF Education-Cannondale Director Sportif Carmen Small.

As a USA Cycling-sanctioned road race, Tour of the Gila also attracts amateur cyclists wanting to experience the notorious challenge of the area’s steep and scenic roads while testing their physical limits.

By traveling diverse roads and highlighting New Mexico history, Tour of the Gila brings to attention the region’s qualities, which include the landscape that inspired the creation of the Wilderness Act; a robust farming, ranching and mining heritage; an historic military fort; a growing creative community; and an enclave of cyclists who consider Grant County their secret hideaway and dream playground.