NEW DAY & START LINE FOR 2025 CYCLING EVENT

October 16, 2024. Louisville, KY. – Get ready to roll for the 2025 PNC Tour de Lou! Registration for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual cycling experience opens this Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. The event, which has been a community tradition for more than a decade, is set for Saturday, April 19, 2025. Riders will receive special early-bird pricing through the end of the year when they register at KDF.org/TourdeLou.

“The PNC Tour de Lou is a unique way to experience and see Louisville during a special time of year,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s signature events, this ride has become a spring tradition for cyclists from around the country. We encourage participants to register early to secure their spot and get the best deals for the 2025 event.”

PNC Bank returns as the Title Sponsor of the Tour de Lou for the 11th consecutive year.

“The PNC Tour de Lou brings together so many aspects of what makes this community so special – from our beautiful parks and the healthy lifestyles they inspire to opportunities for supporting our local businesses,” said Kristen Byrd, PNC regional president for Kentucky. “All of us at PNC look forward to helping bring this special experience to life yet again.”

New for the 2025 Ride

The PNC Tour de Lou returns on a Saturday (April 19) for the 2025 event. The Start and Finish Line will have a new home at the Lincoln Memorial Lot, offering participants picturesque views of the Waterfront as they kick off and finish their ride. This new location will also offer a scenic backdrop for the post-ride party, where participants will be presented with their finisher’s medal. Full course and route details will be released soon.

Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling will offer bike rentals for the first time at the PNC Tour de Lou. Participants can choose from a Road Bike or a Hybrid Bike (limited quantities available). Bikes will be available to pick up and return onsite at the event.

Ride Options

There are three separate cycling distances ranging from 20 to 62 miles. Participants will enjoy spectacular views and expert support throughout the ride. All cycling distances will be an open course, rules of the road rides, with no streets closed. Trained Support and Gear (SAG) crews, law enforcement and medical professionals will be on hand to ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable experience. Rest stops are located every 10-12 miles and are stocked with hydration, nutrition and other amenities.

Distances and pricing options include:

• 20 Miles – Ideal for beginners or those new to cycling ($50)
• 35 Miles – Ideal for moderate/experienced riders ($60)
• 1 Miles (Metric Century) – Ideal for advanced riders or those looking for a challenge ($75)

A virtual alternative is also available for those who prefer to log their miles on their own. Riders who participate in the virtual option ($40) can still choose to complete the 20-, 35- or 62.1-mile distance. Participants can ride at their own pace – and even their own route – over multiple days.

Cyclist Perks

New this year, riders (21 and older) will be able to celebrate with a post-ride beer from West Sixth Brewing, while enjoying live entertainment as they cheer on fellow cyclists at the Finish Line.

In addition, all participants of the 2025 PNC Tour de Lou will receive a medal, an event shirt, and an invitation to a post-ride party.

Riders who register by midnight Tuesday, Dec. 31 will receive special early-bird pricing. When registering, riders can also pre-order the Official PNC Tour de Lou bike jersey (made of a 100% moisture-wicking, polyester fabric and featuring a full zipper, three back pockets and a silicone waist gripper). Available in sizes XS-3XL, the special design will be revealed at a later date. Additional merchandise and an event pin will also be available to purchase.

FREE Training Program

To help participants gear up to cycle around the city, the Kentucky Derby Festival and PNC are once again offering a FREE training program for cyclists of all experience levels. Registration for the six-week PNC Tour de Lou Training Program, produced by the Louisville Bicycle Club, will open the same day as event registration on Thursday, Oct. 17. Registration is available at KDF.org/TourdeLou.

The Training Program features six rides that offer participants training tips, including hand signals, rules of the road and nutrition information. All training rides will take place at noon on Sundays from March 2 through April 6, 2025, with rides increasing by five miles every few weeks. Rides will begin at the Waterfront Park Yellow Parking Lot on River Road. In addition to a bicycle, all riders must bring a helmet. The first 250 participants to register for the Training Program will receive a free training shirt.

Ride Support

Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care joins the cycling event for 2025 as the Official Health Partner of the PNC Tour De Lou. They’ll be onsite providing hydration and first aid services, offering health information and passing out swag to participants.

For more information and to register for the ride or training program, visit KDF.org/TourdeLou.

PNC is the Title Sponsor of the Tour de Lou. Official Health Partner: Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care. Official Nutrition Sponsor: Kroger. Contributing Sponsors: Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling and West Sixth Brewing. Supporting Sponsors: Churchill Downs, Kentuckiana Air Education (KAIRE), Louisville Bicycle Club, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Louisville Water Company. Media Sponsors: ALT 105.1 and 102.3 The Rose.