"That's what I want," American RADD's Bryson Perry said last week as he took a long look at the jersey during a pre-race press conference. "I want that (jersey) right there."

Among the other races within the race will be the chase for the King of the Mountains, the sprint leader and best young rider (under 23) jerseys.

Though three of the stages are long road races with limited spectator opportunities outside the finish line, Friday's criterium and Sunday's deciding time trial race will offer prime fan participation.

The criterium, which begins at 7 p.m. at downtown's Pioneer Park, takes the field around a two-block, one-mile loop for 60 minutes before the officials ring the bell signaling there are only three laps left to go. The race brings the field up close to the fans who will line the streets and watch cyclists zoom by at speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour. The tight corners and narrow streets will likely result in a crash or two as cyclists jockey for position near the front of the pack waiting for the final few minutes of action.

Sunday's time trial, which begins at 10 a.m. at Miller Motorsports Park, will see a champion crowned after each cyclist completes a 12-mile race against the clock. The stage presents a chance to shave precious seconds off the overall standings.

But what will undoubtedly be the most grinding stage of the week will be the Saturday endurance test beginning in Park City and ending at Snowbird. The race is only 98 miles but features more than 14,000 feet of climbing with ascents to Kamas, over the Alpine Loop, Suncrest and finally a mountain-top finish at Snowbird.

That stage will separate the contenders from the pack.

"I don't know if there is a more difficult day of racing," Swindlehurst said. "The profile is much tougher than L'Alpe d'Huez. But we don"t have the switchbacks."

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com