The region is gearing upfor the highly anticipated Tour de Bloom cycle race which will begin on Friday.

Tour De Bloom is a gloriousthree- day, four- event race which brings the top talent from the PacificNorthwest and Canada to the Wenatchee valley, and three of the four races areheld in the surrounding areas of Plain, Malaga and Waterville.

The physical challengecombined with amazing views is a cycler’s dream destination. The race iscertified by USA Cycling, which means cyclists from all over the Northwest andbeyond show up to attend. The tour kicks off Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. atPlain, sprinting around the roads of Lake Wenatchee and the Plain Valley.Chelan County sheriff's deputies will lead race groups for safety, andvolunteers from Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue will control traffic at mostintersections. 

In Wenatchee—a cycling community at the core— theTour de Bloom Criterium starts at 2:30 p.m., traveling over a six-block loop inthe hours after the Apple Blossom Festival Grand Parade.  Street closures apply until 11 p.m.

The annual bike eventwhich showcases the beautiful scenery of the valley, also features a time trialon Saturday morning, a twilight criterium in downtown Wenatchee on Saturdayafternoon and evening, and a road race near Waterville in adjacent DouglasCounty on Sunday.

“The Queen stage, Saturday evenings downtown Twilight Criterium is an exciting spectacle held in a one- kilometer course which is very spectator friendly,” said race coordinator Steve Johnston. “Racers will pass by every few minutes and spectators are able to get up close and personal as the entire course is accessible.”

There will be a beergarden on the finish line so riders and spectators alike can quench theirthirst and watch the riders mix it up for the coveted Criterium winners beltbuckle.