FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL
February 19, 2024. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival is adding some bling and new views to its annual cycling experience – the PNC Tour de Lou. The event’s start and finish will move to Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood. Plus, for the first time, all participants will receive a medal. Cyclists also have the opportunity to ride through Churchill Downs, just weeks before the horses run in the 150th Kentucky Derby. The 2024 PNC Tour de Lou is scheduled for Sunday, April 14.
“We’ve always said the PNC Tour de Lou is the best tour of our city on two wheels, and this year participants will get to see even more of what we love about our community with the addition of the NuLu neighborhood,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “Cyclists come from around the state and country to ride with us every spring, and this special medal is a way for them to commemorate their time in Louisville.”
The 2024 PNC Tour de Lou will start and finish at Nulu Marketplace on Main Street in NuLu for all three distances – 20-miles, 35-miles and 62.1-miles (Metric Century). The course previously started at Floyd and Witherspoon Streets, in front of Waterfront Park. Riders will experience the sights and sounds of the trendy NuLu neighborhood, known for its eclectic restaurants, venues and boutiques. Riders will also pass through some of the city’s scenic parks, historic spots and attractions, including the Old Louisville neighborhood, downtown Louisville, parts of the picturesque Olmsted Park System and more. The Metric Century course again encompasses two states – Kentucky and Indiana.
All participants who finish the ride will receive a commemorative medal. Inspired by cycling and Derby 150, the design features a bike gear and a rose front and center. The custom design is set against a light blue and green color palette to symbolize the colors of the Bluegrass.
PNC Bank returns as the Title Sponsor. “As excitement continues to build for Derby 150, all of us at PNC look forward to joining the community for the 2024 PNC Tour de Lou, an event that promotes wellness and creates economic impact for our region,” said Kristen Byrd, PNC regional president for Louisville.
Cyclists can also celebrate this year’s ride with custom apparel, including the 2024 PNC Tour de Lou jersey that pays homage to Louisville with visuals of the city skyline and a fleur-de-lis. This light blue and green jersey has a full-length hidden zipper and reflective piping on the front and back seams for added visibility, along with three rear fitted pockets and a zippered back pocket. The jersey will be available for purchase during registration and online at KDF.org.
To help participants get in cycling shape, the six-week PNC Tour de Lou Training Program, produced by the Louisville Bicycle Club, kicks off on Sunday, February 25 at noon. Training registration is now open online at KDF.org/TourdeLou
This is the 11th year for the PNC Tour de Lou, which features three separate distances (20-miles, 35-miles and 62.1-miles), along with a virtual ride option. Registration is open at KDF.org/TourdeLou
PNC Bank is the Title Sponsor of Tour de Lou. Contributing Sponsors: Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling and West Sixth Brewing. Supporting Sponsors: Churchill Downs, Louisville Bicycle Club and Louisville Water Company.
