It’s not quite the Tour De France, but elite cyclists from around the world will cycle through rural Alberta next September in the Tour of Alberta.
The six-day, 850-kilometre stage race will begin in Edmonton Sept. 3 and end in Calgary Sept. 8.
The route needs to be officially sanctioned by international cycling bodies, but race organizers have mentioned Camrose, Devon, Drumheller and Kananaskis Country as possible places the cyclists will race through.
The 16 elite cycling teams of eight cyclists each will wheel through 16 to 18 rural communities during the race.
Ten to 12 rural communities will be official hosts during the race to show off their local communities and regions.
The Rural Alberta Development Fund gave $3,5 million in funding to support the event and help rural Albertans welcome visitors. RADF money will focus on community festivals.
