Tour de Nez hosts Biggest Little Kids' Race

The 14th Annual Tour de Nez, a celebration of all things cycling in the Reno/Tahoe area, is expanding its popular Biggest Little Kids' Bike Race into three days of bicycle style "drag racing," at which every child brings home a medal and gets to ride alongside the nation's biggest names in cycling.

Taking place in Reno, Tahoe City and Truckee, The Biggest Little Kids' Bike Race is divided into three age categories and follows part of the pro course.

The races will begin in Truckee on Thursday, followed by the second race along the shores of Lake Tahoe on Friday. It ends in downtown Reno on Saturday. All children participating in the Reno Race get a free voucher for Ben & Jerry's in Reno or Sparks.

Children can participate in one or all three of the races, and every participant is awarded a medal at the end of the race.

"The Tour de Nez's Biggest Little Kids' Bike Race, one of the largest in the country, is now turning into a three days of drag racing," said promoter and Race Supreme Commander Tim Healion. "We are really excited to present to these youngsters an opportunity to participate in a series of their own. Like the Pro Omnium, we are going to give them an opportunity to race this as a series or just as individual races."

The Tour de Nez is dedicated to incorporating family events and activities into the three-day celebration of cycling. The pro series will be complemented by century rides, bike clinics, a clunker classic and enthusiast events throughout the celebration.

Started 14 years ago to celebrate the anniversary of Reno's first coffee house, Deux Gros Nez, the Tour de Nez has grown from a Masters Twilight Criterium to a three-day party. Revelers will enjoy live music, belly dancing, bike demonstrations, unique food, mint juleps, bike decorating contests, face painting and a world full of bike madness and mayhem.

Highlights of this year's Tour de Nez will air on a one-hour show on the Outdoor Life Network. Fat Tire Amber Ale and Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place present the Tour de Nez. Other sponsors include the Reno Hilton, Silver Legacy, Club Cal Neva, The Magnolia Companies, Twelve Horses North America, Boost Design, Reno Type and Specialty Financial.

For information, contact (775) 287-3599 or visit www.tourdenez.com.