The annual *El Tour De Tucson* concluded with a vibrant awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of cyclists who completed various challenging events. Participants gathered in Tucson, Arizona, to share their experiences and joy after crossing the finish line. Among the winners, cyclist duo **Riley Wraith** and **Chase Bullis** expressed their exhilaration at reaching the podium.
Wraith described cycling as an exhilarating sport. “I would say that biking is definitely one of the best sports, but I’m biased,” he stated. The duo, both members of the **Arizona Cycling Association**, began training just a week prior to the event. Wraith notably secured third place in the 62-mile juniors category. “It was definitely exciting,” he noted. “I was exhausted from basically sprinting the last seven miles with all these really fast people.”
Chase Bullis echoed his partner’s sentiments, sharing his relief upon finishing the race. “I was happy finishing as well because I was a little tired because it was windy,” he explained. “But I felt really good finishing.”
Triumph in the Adaptive Category
The event also highlighted achievements in the adaptive cycling category, with **Tracy LaMarche** claiming victory in the 102-mile race. LaMarche shared the emotional rollercoaster of her ride, stating, “There are so many emotions. It goes from being down in the doldrums and thinking, ‘I cannot do this, what did I sign up for,’ to riding along at 28-29 miles an hour and thinking, ‘Oh my God, I can do this.'”
Her win, she noted, was a significant milestone, emphasizing the feelings of empowerment that come with such accomplishments. “Just the elation that happens and the feeling of empowerment that comes across when that happens is incredible,” LaMarche stated.
LaMarche, who is in her first year of competitive cycling, credited her success to her supportive team and dedicated training. “All this year has just been getting familiar with being on a bike and how to pedal, how to pedal with one leg because I do not wear my right leg to cycle,” she explained.
Looking forward, LaMarche has set ambitious goals, aiming for the **2028 Paralympics** in Los Angeles. “This was a huge mental boost for me to think that I might actually have the skill level to get there,” she remarked.
The *El Tour De Tucson* not only showcased athletic prowess but also fostered a sense of community among cyclists and their supporters, leaving participants inspired for future challenges.
