Amateur Race Details
Tour of the Gila gives competitive cyclists at any level the chance to race on notoriously challenging routes. For amateur competitors, Tour of the Gila offers five USA Cycling-sanctioned races with expanded eligibility to include racers of all experience levels.
The USA Cycling races are either three or four stages over as many days. The length and number of stages varies based on the categories making up each field. Those who are unsure which race field or category they belong in can refer to the USA Cycling guide to race license categories.
While the UCI racers start with the Tyrone Individual Time Trial on Wednesday, USA Cycling racers start joining the pros on-course with the Mogollon Road Race on Thursday. The remaining USA Cycling fields begin Friday with the Inner Loop Road Race.
2027 Registration
In 2026, Tour of the Gila did not change the registration price. To promote participation in the iconic event and celebrate the cycling community’s support, the race organization kept the same low price for all athletes. The nonprofit organization is in the process of setting pricing and determining race offerings for the 40th anniversary edition of the iconic road bicycling stage race in 2027. For reference as you prepare, see the 2026 race fields and formats listed below.
“Racers invest their time to race in Silver City for several days and also spend their hard-earned resources on equipment and travel. We want to encourage everyone to come test themselves on southwest New Mexico’s mountain roads. Here, strong competition combined with challenging, scenic courses make for an unforgettable experience.”
USA Cycling Race Fields, Dates, and Entry Fees
4-day stage race
Categories included:
- Mens 1,2 (40+ bonus)
- Mens 3 (40+ bonus)
Starts: Thursday, April 29, 2027
Entry Fee: TBD
Stages ridden:
- Mogollon Road Race
- Inner Loop Road Race
- Downtown Silver City Criterium
- Mens 1,2: 20 laps
- Mens 3: 20 laps
- Gila Monster Road Race
Packet pickup for 4-day racers:
- Wednesday, April 28, at Gila Hike & Bike, at 103 E College Ave, Silver City, 5 to 8 p.m.
- No late registration at the start line – bib # pick-up only
3-day stage race
Categories included:
-
Womens 1,2,3,4 (35+ bonus, 45+ bonus, 55+ bonus)
-
Mens 4,5 (40+ bonus)
-
Masters Mens 1,2,3,4 (men over age 40, with 50+ bonus, 60+ bonus, 70+ bonus)
Starts: Friday, April 30, 2027
Entry Fee: TBD
Stages ridden:
- Inner Loop Road Race
- Downtown Silver City Criterium
- Womens: 15 laps
- Masters Mens 1,2,3,4: 15 laps
- Gila Monster Road Race
Packet pickup for 3-day racers:
- Thursday, April 29, at Gila Hike & Bike, at 103 E College Ave, Silver City, 5 to 8 p.m.
- No late registration at the start line – bib # pick-up only
Training Tips
Multi-day stage racing is a completely different animal than a one-day race, says cyclist, coach, and race director Audra Adair. Along with multi-time Tour of the Gila competitor Sally Aston, she looks at some of the factors that will play into the race and how to manage each.
“It’s not just about fitness — it’s about durability, fueling precision, nervous system control, and recovery discipline,” she says.
Listen to Adair and Aston’s conversation to glean some strategies to employ now and during race week.