Tour of Utah aims to join Cycling Union's calendar

After six days, 325 miles and more than 30,000 feet of climbing, the Tour of Utah rolled out of town with a new champion, a new level of national respect and some big goals for the future.

The stage race is already one of the top races in the country, just two years after nearly dying under the weight of too-big, too-soon dreams of joining the prestigious International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar.

After a stellar return in 2008, the Tour of Utah hit 2009 with a smaller overall purse, thanks to a struggling economy, but with a field of cyclists better than the race has ever seen.

"This is the best field we've ever had," said Jeff Louder, the 2008 champion who finished third this year. "The race just keeps growing and getting better."

Nearly 180 cyclists began the race last Tuesday and tried to survive the brutal climbs, the unrelenting heat and fierce competition. Among them, local hero David Zabriskie signed up late for the race and rode without the support of a team. But he was still in contention for a top-10 finish entering the final day and gave the local crowd a thrill by joining a breakaway group in the Stage 5 criterium that held the lead for nearly 45 minutes.

When the race returns next season, organizers hope to give the competitors an even bigger challenge with maybe an extra day or two of racing.

"I believe, within a few short years, that Tour of Utah will become a cornerstone event," said Greg Miller, chief executive officer of the Larry H. Miller group of companies that owns and promotes the Tour of Utah. "I look forward to the progression of that."

The idea that Utah is a venue capable of hosting a world-class cycling race is not being debated. The canyons, mountains, roads and terrain are as demanding as any. Some, however, have questioned whether Utah could support the event.

Based on the crowds lining Little Cottonwood Canyon, downtown Salt Lake and at the top of summits such as Big Mountain and the Alpine Loop, there is certainly a market for the sport.

"The crowds have been unbelievable," Louder said after completing the Sunday afternoon criterium around Washington and Library squares. "To have a crowd like this, on a Sunday in Salt Lake, that's just awesome. The support has been great."

The racing wasn't bad, either.

Rock Racing, a powerful domestic squad filled with international talent, asserted itself on the first stage and never really looked back. Francisco Mancebo, a former Spanish national champion, won a long stage from Ogden to Salt Lake through the back roads of Morgan County and held his lead until the very end, fending off furious attacks from Salt Lake pros Burke Swindlehurst, Darren Lill and Louder.