The first Tour of Walla Walla had 68 riders. Now, with nearly 500 cyclists from across the nation, the event has grown into a three-day event.

Last weekend cyclists arrived in Walla Walla to race in the 11th annual Tour of Walla Walla. As a stage race, the Tour of Walla Walla spanned three days with four events including two road races, a time trial and a criterium that took place right in downtown Walla Walla.

The event brought all categories of riders: both men and women, from beginners to pros as well as junior and masters races. The race took place throughout the Walla Walla valley with the total miles ridden amounting to over 150 miles.

The Tour of Walla Walla was not without complications. Race Director and co-owner of Allegro, Steve Rapp told the Union Bulletin, “A major challenge has been finding enough motel space.”

Some of the races took place in and around the city of Waitsburg. Rapp described the city to the Union Bulletin as “taking us under their wing. They have embraced the event. We’re enjoying partnering with them. They’ve been wonderful to work with.”

Organizers gave away cash amounting to $7,500 and merchandise to racers to promote the race. The top prize for a single race was $400 with opportunities to win more.

“A major challenge has been finding enough motel spaces,” said Steve Rapp.

The event was sponsored by numerous local businesses in the valley including bike shops and wineries as well as Tourism Walla Walla in the hopes that the Tour would bring in tourism revenue.

For the professional 1-2 categories, the winner of the Tour of Walla Walla was Boise-based team Bob’s Bicycles’ Matt Weyen, who finished the tour in eight hours, one minute and two seconds.

First-year Duncan McGovern raced with professional 1-2 riders who are some of the best riders in the region. McGovern, who races for Whitman College and is also on development team Husatonic Wheel Club, finished 19th overall during the weekend: a mere five minutes 17 seconds behind the first-place finisher.

Sam Johnson, a Whitman alumnus who also raced on the Whitman cycling team, placed third overall. Johnson was instrumental in taking Whitman to Nationals the previous two years and in winning the championship.

For more information about the Tour of Walla Walla and results, visit allegrocyclery.com/