David Salomonβs typical weekday morning workout would put a stop to some peopleβs hearts.
The 36-year old Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, native wakes up, hops on his bike and rides it for miles. Some days, heβll go for 60 miles.
Salomon is just trying to keep pace with his competition.
Salomon is among a group of Sonoran riders who have dominated the Tucson Medical Center El Tour de Tucson presented by Casino del Sol over the past few years. He won the 104-mile race in 2008.
Juan Magallanes of Hermosillo won last yearβs El Tour, and teammate Ramon Juarez finished second. Both riders belong to P&S Group, which is expected to be one of the top challengers again Saturday.
Many of the Mexican riders will go on to compete in events across North America. Tucson is a good launching point; itβs close to their homes and serves as a place to tune up and buy equipment.
βThey enjoy the city this time of year,β said Felipe Garcia, vice president of Visit Tucson. βTheyβve come here for many years as riders, so for them itβs a great place for them to race.β Garcia expects to see an increase in Mexican cyclists at this yearβs event, in part due to greater efforts to make the trip to Tucson more affordable.
El Tour de Tucson held five free registrations in Mexico, while hotels in Tucson have offered free stays for individuals who canβt afford lodging. Some riders have held fundraisers to ensure a greater number of participants.
βThey want to make sure to give opportunities to those who have no financial means to come here,β Garcia said. βThey decided on their own to bring several riders.β
The influx of Mexican riders has also provided an economic boom for local bicycle retailers, who sell equipment that riders may not be able to find back home.
βMany of the people are here for a celebration,β Garcia said. βA few of them are coming by themselves to race, but many of them are coming with their spouses and kids. Itβs going to be a full-weekend celebration, and theyβre taking advantage of it.β
