New Hampshire state officials today unveiled the proposed routes for the Montreal-Boston Tour cycling race. The Tour will be an annual event and has been granted a 2.1 license by the International Cycling Union, giving it the potential to draw the same caliber of professional racers and national teams as the Tour de France and the best teams representing the USA, Europe, Canada and South America.

New Hampshire will host stages six and seven of the eight-stage race. Fifty percent of the U.S. portion of the race will take place in New Hampshire. Stage six will begin in Franconia Notch State Park on August 10. The stage will cover approximately 115 miles and finish in the Capitol City of Concord. The next morning, stage seven will begin in Manchester and make a 94-mile loop west ending in Nashua. The elevation and technical aspects of the New Hampshire stages will be a critical test for the competitors.

First Lady Dr. Susan Lynch, honorary co-chair for the Tour, praised the Tour organizers and local officials for working together to bring such an exciting event to the state. “I am pleased to see this kind of enthusiasm and cooperation taking place throughout the planning of this special event,” said Dr. Lynch. “This is a wonderful opportunity to show the cycling community – and the world – the natural beauty that makes New Hampshire so special.”

Cultural Resources Commissioner Van McLeod introduced local partners. McLeod also discussed the economic impact the Tour may have for New Hampshire. “The Tour of California in its first year saw 1.3 million spectators and generated $100 million in spending,” he noted. “We hope the Montreal-Boston Tour will present the same opportunities for New Hampshire this year and in years to come.”

Joining Dr. Lynch and Commissioner McLeod was Daniel Manibal, President and CEO of the Montreal-Boston Tour. “We are thrilled to announce these routes, and thank New Hampshire for being an integral part of the Tour,” he said. “Without the hard work of our partners this international event would not be possible.”

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