Race InformationThe 4th Annual Priority Health Tour de Leelanau has a new date in 2008: May 25th! The 4th Annual Priority Health Tour de Leelanau has a new date for 2008: May 25th! This year's event will be held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend so it will serve as the unofficial summer kick-off in Leelanau County!Building on last year's successful UCI races for both men and women, we are looking forward to hosting top-flight international and domestic professional cycling teams right here in beautiful Northern Michigan. Teams from Quebec, Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, California, North Carolina, and Wisconsin have already committed to the 2008 Priority Health Tour de Leelanau. It seems to be a bit of an odd avocation to be thinking about barbecues and beach parties throughout the winter; but that's just what our core group of volunteers has been doing since the beginning of the year. They've been tweaking every aspect of the event to continue improvements from the start in Leland to the finish at Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown. For example, the volunteer party at Leelanau Sands Casino has been moved up to the finish line while team parking has been moved down to the Casino's valet parking lot. Our volunteers will now be able to see the actual finish and the valet parking lot will provide the teams with ample room to unwind from the race, wash bikes, sign autographs, and pack up for the next adventure. The Expo will also be "bumped-up" to the upper level at Eagle's Ridge Conference Center to create improved spectating opportunities. One key element of the 2008 Priority Health Tour de Leelanau that has not been tweaked is the course. Leelanau's reputation as a "hardman's race" continues to grow throughout the US. Tower Rd is still located at mile 60 (97 kilometers) and promises to whip up a frenzied crowd cheering on racers from every team as they hammer their way up the steep (21% gradient) climb. An event the scope of the 2008 Priority health Tour de Leelanau doesn't happen without the cooperation and support from the citizens of Leelanau County, all of the villages that host sprint lines, townships, law enforcement, and our generous sponsors. So make your plans now to attend the 4th annual Priority Health Tour de Leelanau, presented by Leelanau Sands Casino on Sunday May 25th and catch all of the excitement of professional bike racing in Leelanau County, Michigan! |
