The 2009 Tour of the Red River Gorge team cycling competitions June 19-21 and July 13-19 will set various courses for amateurs and elite contestants. Route options range from 35 to 104 miles in length and travel through six counties. All total, about 1,000 riders will zip through set courses between Lexington, Stanton, Beattyville, Clay City, Winchester and other towns in east-central Kentucky. A family fun ride for all levels of ability kicks off the series and is expected to attract about 400 riders on low traffic, supported routes. A classic race for adult amateurs is a three-event omnium from June 19-21. The July races include two grueling courses for elite juniors, one of which is an invitational qualifier for Union Cycliste Internationale championships and the other is part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Race series.
