Cyclists Descend on Marana to Race The Clock!

Marana Time Trial: A Thrilling Ride!

600+ Riders Take on the Marana Time Trial!

The Tucson Bicycle Classic, the Town of Marana, and the Town of Oro Valley team up to showcase northern Pima County's outstanding cycling terrain! Both towns won the Arizona Office of Tourism Award for Best Regional Tourism Partnership in 2024 and are getting ready for the 2025 event!

CreditTucson Bicycle Classic

What is a time trial?

A time trial is cycling's purest test. In a time trial, riders race alone down a set course, setting off one after the other at regular intervals. The clock starts for each of them when they roll down the start ramp and stops for each of them when they cross the finish line.

600+ Riders Race Against the Clock

Day 1 – Marana Time Trial (recap courtesy of Tucson Bicycle Classic)

The 36th Tucson Bicycle Classic kicked off with an inaugural event that would set a high bar for the days to follow: the Marana Time Trial. This year marked a significant first for the classic, introducing a race in Marana, a small yet innovative suburb of Tucson. Known for its forward-thinking community, Marana eagerly embraced its role as host, displaying its commitment to excellence with a meticulously prepared course that left no detail to chance.

The time trial, a true test of individual prowess, featured a short, flat, 8km out-and-back route that demanded both strategic pacing and raw power. Competitors faced the challenge of balancing their energy throughout the race, aiming to maintain a blistering pace without succumbing to the fatigue that could jeopardize their overall standing in the opening stage of the competition.

Emerging as the day’s standout, Brendan Rhim of Project Echelon delivered an extraordinary performance that left spectators and competitors alike in awe. Clocking an impressive time of 8:56, Rhim not only clinched the fastest time of the day but also established a formidable 6-second lead over Troy Fields of Team California. This early advantage set the tone for Rhim’s campaign in the Classic, positioning him as the rider to watch in the ensuing stages.

CreditDamion Alexander

The women’s W1/2 race was equally gripping, with a nail-biting finish that underscored the depth of talent in the field. Marlies Mejias of Virginia Blue Ridge TWENTY24 and Alia Shafi of Fount Cycling Guild engaged in a fierce duel that came down to milliseconds, highlighting the competitive spirit and exceptional skill of the women’s pro teams. Mejias’ razor-thin victory not only earned her the stage win but also set up a tantalizing narrative for the battle for the General Classification.

The day’s events in Marana encapsulated the essence of time-trialing, where every second counts and every pedal stroke can make the difference between triumph and defeat. As competitors pushed themselves to the limit against the backdrop of Marana’s innovative landscape, the Tucson Bicycle Classic affirmed its reputation as a premiere event in the cycling calendar, setting up dramatic narratives and rivalries that would unfold in the days to come.

Click here to read more about day 2 of this three day event!

CreditTucson Bicycle Classic

And the Winners Are...

Day 3: Oro Valley Circuit Race

In the W1/2 category, Sofia Arreola entered the day with a commanding lead in the General Classification. Although a major shake-up seemed unlikely, the anticipation for a riveting sprint finish was high. Team TWENTY24 made it clear from the outset they had two goals: protect Sofia’s GC lead and force the race to come down to a sprint so Mejias could grab a stage win.

The teamwork displayed by TWENTY24 was textbook perfection, as they masterfully controlled the race to prevent any successful breakaways, setting the stage for a mass sprint to the finish. Marlies Mejias rose to the occasion, clinching a stage win, while Sofia Arreola secured her victory in the General Classification.

PicturedSofia Arreola (Virginia Blue Ridge TWENTY24) takes the Stage 2 Sahuarita Road Race and wins the overall race on Day 3 in her category

CreditTucson Bicycle Classic

Stage 3 for the Men's Division

The M1/2 race was aggressive from the moment riders exited the neutral zone. The race was incredibly tight going into day 3, and truly anyone’s game. Project Echelon, Team California, CS Velo and Automatic Abus launched nonstop attacks as they jockeyed for domination and intermediate sprint points. Every lap riders were shelled out the back and our field of 130 was quickly whittled down to roughly half that.

With 4 laps to go, Project Echelon’s Laurent Gervais (who sat 12 seconds off GC), and Brendan Rhim launched out of the intermediate sprint into a breakaway. They managed to stay away and together for about 2 laps until Laurent dropped back into the pack. Brendan – who had held GC leader going into day 2 and tragically lost it – soloed away, slowly gaining on the chase. With time bonuses and intermediate sprint points, he needed to hold 25 seconds on the group to lock in GC.

Legendary announcer Brad Sohner came in clutch, narrating the unfolding drama. The crowd erupted as Rhim emerged around the final corner, a solitary figure pushing against the odds to cross the finish line in a triumphant solo victory.

Not only did Brendan clinch a win in the final stage of Tucson Bicycle Classic 2024, but he was able to reclaim GC, which made for an electric and memorable finish to TBC 2024.

CreditTucson Bicycle Classic

Marana and Oro Valley Working Together to Highlight Great Cycling

The strategic decision to shift stages to Marana and Oro Valley is a result of collaborative efforts between the two towns and the Tucson Bicycle Classic organizers. Countless hours have been dedicated behind the scenes to ensure a seamless transition and enhance the overall experience for racers and spectators alike. The coordination led to a seamless event in both towns as well as the 2024 Arizona Office of Tourism Best Regional Partnership Award!

This move aims to underscore the exceptional cycling opportunities that northern Pima County has to offer, reinforcing the region's status as a premier destination for cyclists – whether they race or ride bikes for fun or fitness. Mountain biking, gravel riding, and street cycling are all options in Marana and Oro Valley!

Race organizer Marco Colbert describes the race and what makes this event special in the cycling world on a recent episode of Tucson in Review on Wildcats Radio. Listen here.

Both towns also worked together to support the Project Echelon Gran Fondo ride, which was held in the region just days later to benefit Veterans.

PicturedPictured: AOT Executive Director Lisa Urias, Marana Tourism & Marketing Manager Stefanie Boe, CED Director Paul Melcher.

CreditArizona Office of Tourism

About the Tucson Bicycle Classic

The Tucson Bicycle Classic Stage Race, sanctioned by USA Cycling, started in 1986 and is a timed stage race for categories of racers based on age and skill. Tucson’s “mini” Tour de France, this 3-day Stage Race features 600+ racers from 47 States in the US, and 6 countries! Categories include juniors, masters, entry levels, and professional teams. The TBC is proud to offer equal prize purses and race distances for men and women. For more information visit: www.tucsonbicycleclassic.com

A behind the scenes look at preparing for the Tucson Bicycle Classic!

Rider Ethan Jones, better known as EJ, takes us behind the scenes as he gets ready for the Marana Time Trial!

Watch as EJ takes on Stage 3!

In this video, EJ hits the circuit race in Oro Valley! He learns a big lesson about finding the staging area early!

Get a glimpse into the racing scene in the Tucson-area!

Check out this amazing story by Global Cycling Network about the Shootout rides held each week in our area.

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Author

Stefanie Boe

Tourism and Marketing Manager, Discover Marana/Town of Marana

Stefanie Boe is not just the Tourism and Marketing Manager for Discover Marana, she is also a passionate storyteller and a proud resident of the town. She has deep roots in the Marana area, going back to the 1970s when her family moved here from Chicago. She loves to share the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Marana with visitors and locals alike.

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