Riders not wanting to go the full six days have the option of completing an "almost" century ride, Master's Criterium and open time trial in Northstar-at-Tahoe's Tour de Nez.

“The Northstar-at-Tahoe Tour de Nez is the perfect event for those cycling geeks that want to part of an awesome festival, epic race and ride in one of the most beautiful place in the USA,” said Race Director Tim Healion. “The new village is the perfect base camp for the race and we’ve expanded the series this year to include a wide variety of family events, enthusiast events and additional race events.”

New events this year
• Almost Century Ride: 8 a.m. Saturday, June 21
The Northstar-at-Tahoe Tour de Nez “Almost” Century Ride clocks in at almost 92 miles – so it’s not exactly a full century, but the dramatic scenery of Lake Tahoe more than makes up for it. Beginning and ending at Northstar-at-Tahoe, the rides head into historic downtown Truckee, along the Truckee River and into Tahoe City. The ride continues around Lake Tahoe’s West Shore and passes through South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village and then heads up and down the 8,200 foot Brockway Summit to finish at Northstar-at-Tahoe. The cost is $65 and includes event shirt, water bottle, lunch and entry fee plus free festival entry. Register at www.tourdenez.com.

• Master’s Criterium: 3:15 p.m. Saturday, June 21
This Northstar-at-Tahoe Tour de Nez classic has changed the rules and the location for 2008 race. Taking place at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, the field is now open to those 35 and older and riders must be registered with the USCF as CAT 1, 2, 3 riders. The two mile circuit course lasts an hour with riders reaching an average speed of almost 30 mph. The new location means there are more steep uphill climbs and steep downhill grades than before and the cobbled streets of the Village at Northstar add a new element to this already challenging criterium. Register at www.tourdenez.com

• Open Time Trial: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21
A brand new addition to this year’s Northstar-at-Tahoe Tour de Nez is the Open Time Trail. Cycling fans and recreational riders will have the chance to compare their times to the pros as they each race along the challenging Time Trail course. Beginning in the Village at Northstar the course starts out with a slight downhill, but soon heads into three miles of uphill riding with a 7% grade and finishes at the mid-mountain lodge. Riders will be up against great climbers such as Andy Bajadali from the Kelly Benefits Metafest Strategies, Justin England of the Toyota United Team and Aaron Olson of the BMC Team.

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Tour de Nez’s 16-Year History
Started 16 years ago to celebrate the anniversary of Reno's first coffee house, Deux Gros Nez, the Tour de Nez has grown from a Masters Twilight Criterium to a six-day festival complete with pro, amateur and enthusiast events. Revelers enjoy live music, unique food, mint juleps, bike decorating contests, face painting and the best that the cycling world has to offer. Additionally, top companies from the bike, outdoor and adventure sports industries will be on hand for an expo with booths, displays and demonstrations of the latest and greatest gear.

Northstar Resort presents the 2008 Tour de Nez. Highlights of this year's Tour de Nez will air on the WSCN Network. For more information please visit www.tourdenez.com or call 775-287-3599.