The death of Terry McGinnis left the Tour of Utah, one of the biggest multi-day bicycle races in the country, with an empty spot in its leadership.

That spot was filled Wednesday, when Karen Weiss was named the event's new executive director.

Steve Miller, president of the race, said Weiss is a well-suited replacement for McGinnis, who passed away from cancer a few weeks ago after guiding the race for the past two years.

"Karen has been an integral part of our success over the past three years and has helped to get us where we are today," Miller said.

Weiss had worked as chief operating officer and deputy director for the past few years.

"With her dedication and expertise," Miller added, "I am confident that she can lead us to our goal of becoming a UCI sanctioned race in the future."

The 2010 Tour of Utah will be held from Aug. 17-22 and will attract many of the top professional cyclists in the country.

Weiss, who has more than 15 years experience in special event management, will be charged with making sure the Tour of Utah is adequately sponsored and can soon join the UCI (International Cycling Union) calendar and attract pro tour teams such as Columbia HTC, Garmin-Slipstream and the new Radio Shack squad started up by Lance Armstrong.

"Receiving this promotion is bittersweet in that it ... allows me to carry the torch for Terry and build on the platform that he established during his tenure," said Weiss. "I am very passionate about the Tour and look forward to taking it to the next level and continuing its reputation as one the most well-respected cycling events in the world."

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