El Tour de Tucson, a premier cycling event, returns for its 42nd edition on Saturday, with an anticipated participation of nearly 11,000 riders. This year, the event will honor Ralph Phillips for his significant contributions to the cycling community and the development of the event itself. Phillips, who has been involved with El Tour since its inception in 1983, played a crucial role in mapping the current route, ensuring it is safe and accessible for riders.
In November 2022, El Tour de Tucson saw a record turnout of 10,000 riders, a remarkable increase from the inaugural event, which only had 185 participants. The event has grown tremendously over the years, raising nearly $130 million for local charities since its launch. The first El Tour raised just $4,500 for area charities, showcasing the event’s evolution into a staple of the Tucson community.
Ralph Phillips first participated in El Tour de Tucson in 1985, finishing third in a race that required riders to navigate through challenging conditions. “We had to wade through the Santa Cruz,” Phillips recalled. “You had to get off your bike, carry it through the water, and then get back on. It was a whole different deal.” His experience and passion for cycling led him to create a route that avoids obstacles like water crossings and busy intersections, catering especially to the international professional riders who train in Tucson each winter.
Phillips is well-known among cycling enthusiasts, not only for his work on the El Tour but also for his shop, Fair Wheels Bikes. In recent years, he has teamed up with local broadcasting legend Allen ‘Big Al’ Kath to provide commentary for the event, a partnership that has lasted nearly two decades. “He’s my John Madden,” Kath said, emphasizing Phillips’s importance to the cycling scene in Tucson.
This year, El Tour de Tucson has designated Phillips as its honoree, a recognition he expressed gratitude for during a recent interview. “I’m very humbled. I really appreciate it,” he stated. The event will honor him during Saturday’s ride, underscoring his long-standing commitment to the cycling community.
Looking ahead, Phillips is optimistic about the future of cycling in Tucson, particularly with the recent completion of the new Tucson Velodrome. “We’ve been trying to get one in for 50 years. I was glad they did it in my lifetime,” he noted, highlighting the significance of this facility for both local and visiting cyclists.
Set to kick off at 07:00 on Saturday, the elite riders will begin their journey from the Tucson Convention Center, where the event will also conclude. As El Tour de Tucson continues to grow, it remains a vital part of the Tucson community and a celebration of the sport of cycling.
