Race is a big 'thanks'

PROVO — The Tour of Utah is more than just a bike race to Sgt. Edward L. Garner. It's a big thank-you.

It's a reminder that Garner and the other American troops in Iraq are not forgotten.

A team lead by professional cyclist Burke Swindlehurst will ride in the first Tour of Utah stage race with custom-made jerseys to show their support for the men and women fighting overseas.

"The average soldier, sailor, airman or Marine will be appreciative that someone has taken the time to acknowledge the sacrifices that they and their families are making to provide a chance for democracy to flourish in this part of the world," Garner wrote in an e-mail from Iraq.

Garner, a morale, welfare and recreation officer with troops in Iraq, first learned about the race through the Internet. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, he contacted the Utah organization to see if he could get posters to display in the troops' sports-centered dining hall. The race organizers originally planned to send posters and water bottles but soon realized they could do a lot more.

So Jason Preston, the race's organizer and a cyclist himself, got in touch with Swindlehurst to see if he would be willing to ride in honor of the troops. Swindlehurst agreed, and the three-day Memorial weekend event took on new meaning.

"It adds a little bit more pressure for me . . . knowing I'm doing something larger than myself," Swindlehurst said. "I want to compete at the highest level I can for the troops."

Swindlehurst, 32, has been cycling for 16 years and has raced in almost 30 countries. He said he is excited for the race both for the chance to honor the troops and the chance to increase awareness about stage racing in Utah.

Despite the cycling fan base in the area, the stage race is relatively unknown in the United States. The Tour of Utah will be similar in format to the famous Tour de France and will have two sprinter's races, two climbs and two road races, allowing cyclists of all strengths to shine.

"What we're really trying to do, is put together an event that a well-balanced cyclist can do well at," said Steve Roberts, marketing coordinator for the Tour of Utah. "Terrain here is almost second to none. (There's) great long distance, beautiful local communities, tons of climbing."