2018 Tour of Utah Race Preview
The details of this year's 2018 Tour of Utah are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2018 Tour of Utah is set to deliver another week of high-altitude racing through some of the most demanding terrain in American cycling. The race, which carries UCI 2.HC status and stands as one of the premier events on the domestic calendar, will once again challenge riders with brutal climbing and thin mountain air as the peloton winds its way through the stunning landscapes of the Beehive State.
The race begins with a circuit stage before moving into the mountains, where the real selection will be made. Riders will face relentless elevation gain throughout the week, with summit finishes and punishing high-altitude passes that have historically shattered the peloton and rewarded only the strongest climbers. The final stages are expected to be decisive, as they so often are at this race, with the queen stage likely to settle the overall classification.
Team BMC Racing will be among the favorites to watch, as will teams from the WorldTour peloton that have made the trip to the United States. EF Education First, Cannondale, and other top squads will be looking to place their climbers in contention for the overall title. American riders always draw extra motivation at this race, knowing that a strong performance here carries significant prestige on home soil.
The sprinters who survive the mountain stages will contest their own battles on the flatter finishes early in the race, but this is ultimately a climbers event. Whoever can manage their efforts through the opening days and still produce a devastating performance on the final climbs will be celebrating in Salt Lake City by the end of the week.
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