Silver City, NM — The iconic bike race that showcases southwest New Mexico while attracting some of the world's top talent invites people to experience Tour of the Gila from behind the scenes—as volunteers.

The five-day stage race based in Silver City, New Mexico, has been made possible for over 36 years by dedicated citizens who generously give their time and talent, open their homes to bike racers, and provide essential support in the form of sponsorships and donations. The 37th edition of Tour of the Gila again asks the community to join in making the race possible. Tour of the Gila 2024 runs from Wednesday April 24, through Sunday, April 28. Positions needing to be filled include course marshals, drivers, medical personnel, and housing hosts.

A course marshal's duties focus on helping manage the flow around the racecourse by keeping traffic and pedestrians off the roads at specific points.

Drivers are needed for all categories for the road races on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. No experience is necessary. Training is provided. Tour of the Gila, Inc. covers the gas costs.

Medical professionals of all types and levels are needed to staff finish line first aid tents to treat injured and exhausted riders after each stage.

Housing hosts give racers and team personnel a place to stay during the race and gain an opportunity to get to know the cyclists who travel here from across the U.S. and the world. Air mattresses are available for hosts with plenty of space but few beds, and Gila Regional Medical Center donates linens for these air mattresses.

In addition to playing a role in ensuring cyclists a safe and fun experience, volunteers will be part of the excitement as southwest New Mexico welcomes hundreds of racers, their families, and support crews. All volunteers receive a Tshirt and an invitation to an appreciation party following the race on Sunday, April 28, at Little Walnut Picnic Grounds.

To indicate interest and availability, click the "Volunteer" tab on the race's website or navigate directly to tourofthegila.com/experience/volunteer .

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Tour of the Gila is an iconic American road bicycling race that is renowned across the globe for its five challenging stages. As a UCI-sanctioned stage race, Tour of the Gila is the proving ground where pro and elite amateur racers showcase their talent. Also sanctioned by USA Cycling, Tour of the Gila attracts amateur cyclists wanting to experience southwest New Mexico's notoriously steep and scenic roads while testing their physical limits. Since 1987, Tour of the Gila has highlighted the state's rich history and landscape, including the region that inspired the creation of the Wilderness Act, its robust farming, ranching and mining heritage, a growing creative community, and mountains that make for a cyclist's dream playground.