David Salomon’s typical weekday morning workout would put a stop to some people’s hearts.
The 36-year old Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, native wakes up, hops on his bike and rides it for miles. Some days, he’ll go for 60 miles.
Salomon is just trying to keep pace with his competition.
Salomon is among a group of Sonoran riders who have dominated the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center El Tour de ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ presented by Casino del Sol over the past few years. He won the 104-mile race in 2008.
Juan Magallanes of Hermosillo won last year’s El Tour, and teammate Ramon Juarez finished second. Both riders belong to P&S Group, which is expected to be one of the top challengers again Saturday.
Many of the Mexican riders will go on to compete in events across North America. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is a good launching point; it’s close to their homes and serves as a place to tune up and buy equipment.
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“They enjoy the city this time of year,†said Felipe Garcia, vice president of Visit ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. “They’ve come here for many years as riders, so for them it’s a great place for them to race.†Garcia expects to see an increase in Mexican cyclists at this year’s event, in part due to greater efforts to make the trip to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ more affordable.
El Tour de ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ held five free registrations in Mexico, while hotels in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ have offered free stays for individuals who can’t afford lodging. Some riders have held fundraisers to ensure a greater number of participants.
“They want to make sure to give opportunities to those who have no financial means to come here,†Garcia said. “They decided on their own to bring several riders.â€
The influx of Mexican riders has also provided an economic boom for local bicycle retailers, who sell equipment that riders may not be able to find back home.
“Many of the people are here for a celebration,†Garcia said. “A few of them are coming by themselves to race, but many of them are coming with their spouses and kids. It’s going to be a full-weekend celebration, and they’re taking advantage of it.â€
