ADVERTISEMENT
Shop at Jay’s Market at 190 East Flamingo Road at the Koval Lane intersection east of the Strip.
ADVERTISEMENT
By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — The LVCVA and Las Vegas Events are known for promoting everything from Super Bowl 58 in 2024 to the annual National Finals Rodeo, but they stepped out of their usual Strip-focused efforts to put on a Tour de France-theme bicycle ride in Summerlin and Red Rock Canyon Sunday.
Just one problem.
In an area known for its dry weather, if not drought conditions, wet and rainy conditions Sunday caused the L’Etape Las Vegas by Tour de France to be cancelled, disappointing 1,160 bicyclists who signed up for the L’Etape event that included a closed bike course in scenic Red Rock Canyon.
The event “has been cancelled due to unsafe road and weather conditions with continued rain and lightning in the forecast. Local public safety officials declared the cancellation,” according to event spokesperson Michael Mack.
Usually, Las Vegas enjoys some of its best weather in late April and early May.
But the L’Etape Las Vegas just can’t catch a weather break because last year the event was also cancelled because of a nasty windstorm that blew into Southern Nevada.
Two years. Two cancelled bike events due to bad weather.
Unbelievable.
“Very unfortunate,” Mack told LVSportsBiz.com this morning.
“This whole staff has done so much to make this a success,” Mack said.
Two sets of bicycle rides were set for 7 AM and 7:20 AM Sunday and those times were initially delayed by two hours in hopes of getting in the bicycle action.
But then officials called it off and alerted all riders and vendors who had tents at the starting area near Las Vegas Ballpark in Downtown Summerlin. The vendors were refunded their booth fees, while cyclists will be refunded, too.
Even with the cancelled event, there were some bicyclists milling around the event staging area as L’Etape organizers even dished out free meals as part of the ride sign-up.
The LVCVA and Las Vegas Events will give this bike event another shot next year. Weather permitting.
PSA