EP 18 TEASER - TOUR OF THE GILA

Episode 18: Tour of the Gila – Part 1 & 2Episode 18 takes a unique turn for Leaders of Enchantment as we step into the role of media partner for the 2025 Tour of the Gila, held April 23–27 in Silver City, New Mexico. Our founder, Doug Campbell, was on the ground at this legendary cycling race, capturing stories from athletes, organizers, and key figures behind the scenes.To bring you closer to the action and the people shaping this event, we’re breaking this episode into two parts—each featuring conversations with six inspiring individuals.Part 1 drops Wednesday, May 7, followed by Part 2 on Thursday, May 8. Get to know the personalities behind the Tour, what drives them, and why this race means so much to the cycling world—and to New Mexico.Part OneJack Brennan ** Race DirectorRicky ArnopolAria MundyLiam Flanagan_Conn McDunphyLauren DeCreszenzoScott McgillPart TwoMarianne Smith _Silver City ArcheologicalLauren Stephens _ Overall GC winner.Chaz TurmonEleanor WisemanTanye AndradeTaylor Tompkins  A little bit about the Tour of the Gila. In the 1980s, Mark Richard, a local architect and not really a cyclist, conceptualized the Tour of the Gila bicycle stage race. He knew organizing a bicycle race in Grant County would help to promote southwest New Mexico to travelers. Since 1987, Tour of the Gila has grown to become an iconic American stage race that is renowned across the globe.As a UCI-sanctioned road race, Tour of the Gila is known as the place for pros and elite amateurs to showcase their talent. Olympians like Kristin Armstrong and Mara Abbott adore the Tour of the Gila, and Americans racing on and director World Tour teams appreciate the race’s role in their path to the top. Such professionals include 2023 Vuelta a España winner Sepp Kuss and EF Education-Cannondale Director Sportif Carmen Small.As a USA Cycling-sanctioned road race, Tour of the Gila also attracts amateur cyclists wanting to experience the notorious challenge of the area’s steep and scenic roads while testing their physical limits.By traveling diverse roads and highlighting New Mexico history, Tour of the Gila brings to attention the region’s qualities, which include the landscape that inspired the creation of the Wilderness Act; a robust farming, ranching and mining heritage; an historic military fort; a growing creative community; and an enclave of cyclists who consider Grant County their secret hideaway and dream playground.