TUCSON, Ariz. — A new five minute start time is happening for Platinum Riders in the 2019 El Tour de Tucson.
The El Tour De Tucson is a ride like no other for cyclist. Athletes from across the world come to Tucson to compete, so safety is a priority for the Perimeter Bike Association CEO Charlene Grabowski.
This is why Grabowski made it one of her first tasks to change the ride time for Platinum Riders, typically the faster, more experienced riders.
"Allowing the platinum riders to get a 5 minute start, they won't appreciate it themselves because they're experienced riders, they know what to do, but we think the next bunch of people having the opportunity to be away from those platinum riders it will be safer for them," Grabowski said.
She said there are more than 9,000 riders competing, and with some tricky turns, the less people bunched up in the beginning, the better.
There will also be an app called Racejoy people can download for the ride. It allows cyclist to track their ride, while also giving their family, friends and loved ones an opportunity to not miss them cross the finish line.
