Biggest little kids race in Truckee and Reno

The 15th Annual Tour de Nez, a celebration of all things cycling, is bringing back its famous bicycle "drag racing" where every child brings home a medal and gets to ride alongside some of the nations biggest names in cycling. The competition heats up as tiny tots on tricycles take to pavement and race along the pro course during this crowd favorite.

The Biggest Little Kids Race, sponsored by Western Nevada Supply, takes place in Truckee, Calif., on Friday and Reno on Saturday. Divided into three different age brackets the race follows the same downtown courses that the pro race along for the famous Truckee and Reno criterium races.

All children participating in the Reno race will receive a free voucher from Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream that is redeemable at the Reno or Sparks location.

"This is the part of the Tour de Nez that I hear the most about all year," said promoter and Race Supreme Commander Tim Healion. "Kids and parents are constantly telling me throughout the year how they're looking forward to the kids race."

The Tour de Nez is dedicated to combining family and enthusiasts events with the fun and fast-paced world of professional cycling. The pro series will be complemented by century rides, bikes clinics, clunkers classics and enthusiast events throughout the two-day celebration.

Started 15 years ago to celebrate the anniversary of Reno's first coffee house, Deux Gros Nez - which closed last year - the Tour de Nez has grown from a Masters Twilight Criterium to a cycling extravaganza in Truckee and Reno. Revelers will enjoy live music, belly dancing, bike demonstrations, mint juleps, bike decorating contests, face painting, and a world full of bike madness and mayhem. For more information, contact (775) 287-3599 or visit www.tourdenez.com.