John Earley Memorial Valley of the Sun Stage Race The Annual Valley of the Sun Stage Race takes place in February each year in the greater Phoenix area. The Valley of the Sun bicycle race is a three-day USA Cycling event in which professional and amateur road racing cyclists compete in different categories for cash and non-cash prizes. A stage is held each day, with riders in each category competing for a stage victory and also for their category’s overall ‘General Classification race win by having the lowest cumulative time for all three stages. The stages include the Landis Cyclery – Trek Individual Time Trial on Friday, the Safeco Insurance, Parrish Agency, Road Race on Saturday, and the exciting Hiser Joy criterium on Sunday in downtown Phoenix. There are over 700 participants in 25 categories of professional and amateur riders, both men and women, ages 10 to over 60, all competing for their portion of a $20,000 cash purse. Recognized by USA Cycling as one of the premier road cycling events in the Southwest, The Valley of the Sun Stage Race is the first event of the annual American Road Calendar. The American Road Calendar highlights top events in the U.S. for riders across various categories to put on their list of must-do events.

“The Valley of the Sun Stage Race has been a part of our Junior Development Series for many years. We are pleased to give them the recognition they deserve for providing a great experience for all categories of racers.”

Chuck Hodge, Chief of Racing and Events, USA Cycling

For the tenth year, VOS will include a Hand Cycle category. The Paralyzed Veterans Racing Team, along with the Free Wheel Foundation have been key supporters helping to drive the success of this new event. Darol Kubacz of the PVRT had this to say about VOS: “What VOS offers for the athletes is outstanding – above and beyond what most cycling events around the country have been able to offer “adapted” cyclist. I have great confidence in this event being a great experience for the beginner and advanced racer!” Along with the three days of racing, there are events on Sunday for children under the age of 12, including a kid’s bicycle race. A portion of the proceeds from the race are donated to the SAFE KIDS Coalition of Maricopa County and the Phoenix Police Department to support child helmet safety awareness. The Valley of the Sun Stage Race is put on by the White Mountain Road Club, and is one of the largest bicycle races in the nation. Race promoter, Brian Lemke, had this to say about the race: “It is a great opportunity for cyclists of all ages and categories to brush shoulders and race on the same course as many of the top professional and amateur riders in America.” Several local businesses help to support the race through sponsorship of the White Mountain Road Club, including Landis Cyclery, Trek Bikes, Hiser  Joy P.L.C.,  and Tri-City Cardiology.