4 Races. 3 Days. 1 Bike.

February 24, 2025

The 37th Annual Tucson Bicycle Classic Elevates Southwest Cycling

February 24 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Tucson Bicycle Classic (TBC) has long been a cornerstone of the American cycling calendar, and its 37th edition reaffirmed its significance with a thrilling display of athleticism and community engagement. Spanning three days and featuring four distinct races, the 2025 TBC not only challenged elite cyclists but also showcased Tucson’s commitment to fostering a premier cycling environment.

Tucson: A Cyclist’s Paradise

Tucson’s allure for cyclists is undeniable. With its mild winter climate, the city becomes a haven for teams from around the globe seeking optimal training conditions. The region boasts an extensive network of smooth roads and diverse terrains, catering to both amateur and professional riders. A crown jewel among these is Mount Lemmon, a 21-mile ascent with an average gradient of 5%, offering cyclists a challenging climb from the desert floor to pine-covered peaks.

Recognizing the needs of the cycling community, TBC organizers have strategically timed the event to coincide with the Valley of the Sun race in Phoenix. This scheduling allows teams to participate in consecutive weekends of high-caliber racing without incurring significant additional costs. This collaboration, born from feedback within the cycling community, has solidified Arizona’s position on the early-season racing calendar.

Elevating the Race Experience

In response to the evolving landscape of competitive cycling, TBC introduced significant enhancements to this year’s event. The addition of the Rio Nuevo Criterium, presented by Visit Tucson, brought a new level of excitement. Set against the vibrant backdrop of downtown Tucson, this nighttime criterium featured a fast-paced, technical course that challenged even the most seasoned riders.

The final day’s Oro Valley Circuit Race, presented by Rutledge Dental, also saw a transformative redesign. The new 2.8-mile course in Naranja Park featured a challenging uphill finish on Musette Drive, offering both participants and spectators breathtaking views of the Catalina Mountains. This course not only tested the riders’ endurance but also provided multiple prime viewing spots, enhancing the spectator experience.

Day 1: Marana Time Trial Prologue & Rio Nuevo Criterium presented by Visit Tucson

The TBC commenced with the Marana Time Trial Prologue, a 7.2 km point-to-point race along the newly extended Chuck Huckleberry Loop. This extension, a collaborative effort between the Town of Marana and CalPortland, provided riders with a fresh and challenging course. The flat terrain was deceptive, as the notorious Santa Cruz winds added an unexpected layer of difficulty.

In the Women’s Pro/1/2 category, Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 team dominated the stage, with Anna Hicks securing the leader’s jersey. The Men’s Pro/1/2 field saw fierce competition, with Elouan Gardot of Fount Racing edging out Project Echelon’s Jonas Walton by a mere five seconds to claim the top spot.

As the sun set, downtown Tucson transformed into a vibrant racecourse for the inaugural Rio Nuevo Criterium, presented by Visit Tucson. This technical, nighttime criterium featured sharp turns and an uphill sprint finish, challenging riders’ agility and endurance. Spectators lined the illuminated streets, energized by the dynamic commentary of renowned announcers Brad Sohner and James Grady.

Team TWENTY28 continued their dominance in the women’s race, executing a strategic performance that led to another podium sweep, with Marlies Mejías-García taking first place. Anna Hicks retained the leader’s jersey heading into Day 2. In the men’s race, the competition was fierce, with Above and Beyond Cancer and Team California exchanging blows throughout. Despite multiple solo breakaway attempts, the race concluded with Nathan Cusack of Kelly Benefits Cycling Team taking the win, propelling Jonas Walton into the General Classification (GC) lead going into day 2.

Day 2: Sahuarita Road Race

The second day transported the peloton to Sahuarita for the Road Race, a 20.3-mile loop run in reverse on the famed Shootout Route—a nationally recognized group ride. The course’s rolling terrain, combined with midday winds, tested the riders’ endurance and strategy.

In the Women’s Pro/1/2 field, Team TWENTY28 maintained a steady pace, effectively controlling the peloton to protect their GC leader, Anna Hicks. Their strategy was impeccable, securing time bonus sprints and dominating the race. After completing four laps, Rylee McMullen sprinted to victory, leading a 1-2-3 finish for TWENTY28, with Tucson local Sofia Arreola in second and Marlies Mejías-García in third. Teammate Ella Sabo secured fourth place, solidifying the team’s stronghold on the GC.

The Men’s Pro/1/2 race was marked by aggressive breakaway attempts. Midway through the race, two riders—one from iSpeed and another from Landis—managed to break away, maintaining their lead for a full lap before being reeled back in during the final lap. The race culminated in a sprint finish, with Nathan Cusack once again demonstrating his sprinting prowess to secure the stage win. By day’s end, Jonas Walton retained a narrow GC lead over Patrick Welch of Above and Beyond Cancer.

Day 3: Oro Valley Circuit Race presented by Rutledge Dental

The final day introduced the eagerly awaited Oro Valley Circuit Race, a project three years in the making. Thanks to the support of Oro Valley and Rutledge Dental, the 2.8-mile course featured a steady (almost) one-mile climb culminating in a hilltop finish with panoramic views of Naranja Park and the Catalina Mountains. Riders also navigated a fast descent through the Monterra Vista neighborhood, with enhanced safety measures ensuring a thrilling yet secure race.

Riders lauded the course’s design, with stage winner Nathan Cusack describing it as “the most like a Belgian Kermesse I’ve ridden in the U.S.” The combination of challenging climbs and rapid descents provided opportunities for various rider types to showcase their strengths.

In the Women’s Pro/1/2 race, Team TWENTY28 faced increased pressure as competitors aimed to disrupt their GC dominance. However, Anna Hicks showcased her climbing prowess, leading the charge up the ascents with apparent ease. This relentless effort discouraged rivals, and in the final sprint, Sofia Arreola clinched first place, with Marlies Mejías-García in second and local legend Cara O’Neill of Bicycle Ranch Tucson Racing securing third. Anna Hicks’s consistent performance throughout the weekend crowned her the 2025 TBC Women’s GC champion.

The Men’s Pro/1/2 race was equally intense, marked by continuous attacks and counterattacks. A significant breakaway formed mid-race, including key contenders like Patrick Welch (Above and Beyond Cancer), who was eager to overturn his GC deficit. Despite the breakaway’s potential, strategic team decisions led to its reintegration into the peloton. In the ensuing sprint finish, Nathan Cusack once again demonstrated his sprinting prowess, securing the stage win. This result propelled Patrick Welch to surpass Jonas Walton in the overall standings, earning him the Men’s GC title for Above and Beyond Cancer.

By: Bekah Collins, Marketing Director, TBC

About Tucson Bicycle Classic:

The Tucson Bicycle Classic is a 3-day competitive stage race scheduled to take place February 21-23, 2025. TBC is USA Cycling sanctioned, and offers equal cash purses for male and female athletes. Proceeds from this event will benefit El Grupo Youth Cycling, a nonprofit youth cycling organization in Tucson that empowers youth and encourages a lifelong love of riding. A special Women’s New Racer Program is also planned for the 2025 season that will give women an opportunity to try road racing for the first time.

Press Contact:

Bekah Collins
bekah@goodnewscommunications.com
520-481-1184