The Tour of Alberta, the first professional cycling race held in Alberta on this scale, is set to start rolling in a few short months. On May 3, the official routes were released for the tour.
The Drumheller area has been a part of the tour since the race officially announced the host communities on March 5.
During stage 3, racers, of which it is expected there will be 120, will travel from Strathmore to Drumheller, through some of the most scenic prairie terrain the area has to offer.
The racers first travel north on Highway 817, then head west on Highway 564. Once they hit the turnoff to Rosebud, they head through the rolling hills, through Rosebud, and then head east down Highway 9 to Drumheller.
However, the stage doesn’t end there.
Racers pass through town and then must make the grueling ascent up the north hill of the Valley on Highway 9/56. From there, they head to the Morrin corner and turn west. Their legs will be tested again when they have to enter the Valley at the Morrin Bridge and climb their way out again. Afterwards, the racers will take a scenic ride through Highways 837 and 575.
The stage finishes off at the World’s Largest Dinosaur. The Town of Drumheller will get double exposure as racers pass through and then finish in town.
In total, stage three of the race is one of the longest legs of the Tour of Alberta at 169 kilometres.
The race is scheduled to run from September 3 to 8, with the Drumheller stage on September 6.
Anyone wishing to volunteer for the race is encouraged to contact Paul Salvatore, Director of Community Services, Town of Drumheller, at 403-823-1316.
