RED DEER, Alta. — Eleven communities will play host to the inaugural Tour of Alberta cycling race later this year.
The 850-kilometre stage race will begin Sept. 3 in Edmonton and finish five days later in Calgary.
Other communities slated to host starts and finishes during the event include Strathcona County, Camrose, Devon, Red Deer, Strathmore, Drumheller, Black Diamond, Canmore and Okotoks.
A number of other rural communities will also be part of the event when cyclists pass through each day.
Details on the full route will be announced in April.
Edmonton will host the prologue Sept. 3 while Stage 1 will begin in Strathcona County the following day.
Sanctioned by the world governing body of cycling, the race will feature up to 16 pro cycling teams of up to eight riders per team. Organizers estimate up to half will be top pro teams.
Here’s a look at the Tour of Alberta schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 3
Prologue: Edmonton
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Stage 1
Start _ Strathcona County
Finish _ Camrose
Thursday, Sept. 5
Stage 2
Start _ Devon
Finish _ Red Deer
Friday, Sept. 6
Stage 3
Start _ Strathmore
Finish _ Drumheller
Saturday, Sept. 7
Stage 4
Start _ Black Diamond
Finish _ Canmore
Sunday, Sept. 8
Stage 5
Start _ Okotoks
Overall Race Finish _ Calgary