NEW START AND FINISH, PLUS 12-MILE ROUTE ADDED FOR 2026
April 2, 2026. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual cycling event – the PNC Tour de Lou – will roll through Louisville on Sunday, April 12. This year, the start and finish line will have a new home at Big Four Lawn, and the 2026 ride will debut a 12-mile route. Cyclists can enjoy a scenic tour of the city on two wheels, including a ride past Churchill Downs. Plus, all participants will receive a commemorative medal to mark the occasion. Registration is still open online at KDF.org/TourdeLou. (Current registration prices range from $50 t0 $80 depending on the distance. Fees increase on April 4.)
The Derby Festival partners with the Louisville Bicycle Club to produce this premier ride, now in its 13th year, offering distance options for cyclists of all experience levels. This year also marks PNC Bank’s 12th year as the Title Sponsor of the event, which is celebrated for its view-worthy routes past iconic Louisville landmarks, historic sites, attractions, and picturesque parks.
Ride Options
Cyclists can still register and choose from four separate cycling distances ranging from 12-to-62 miles. The new 12-mile route is the ideal introduction for beginners and welcomes first-time riders to the event. The former 20-mile route has been expanded to 25 miles to allow riders of varying distances to stay together longer and enhance the overall ride experience.
All four cycling distances are on an open course, with no streets closed. Starting times are staggered based on distance: 62.1 miles (Metric Century) – 8 a.m., 35-mile ride – 8:15 a.m., 25-mile ride – 8:30 a.m., and 12-mile ride – 9 a.m. A virtual option is also available for participants who want to choose their own route, distance and day to complete the ride.
Course Highlights
The 2026 PNC Tour de Lou will start and finish at Big Four Lawn, adjacent to the Big Four Bridge, for all distances. In addition to riding past Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, riders will experience the sights and sounds of Louisville, including the Old Louisville neighborhood, downtown Louisville, and parts of the Olmsted Park System. Plus, riders of the 35-mile route and the Metric Century will get to pedal through Louisville’s eclectic NuLu neighborhood. Full course and route details are available on KDF.org
Post-Ride Party
The Post-Ride Party returns for the second straight year and will be held at Big Four Lawn for participants. Following the ride, cyclists will receive one complimentary beer (21+) courtesy of Ten20 Craft Brewery and a complimentary Bundtini from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Riders can redeem their post-ride refreshments at the Finish Line using tear-off tabs attached to their bibs.
Finisher’s Medal
All riders crossing the Finish Line at this year’s PNC Tour de Lou will receive a keepsake medal. The 2026 design features a bold horseshoe design with the Derby Festival’s Pegasus symbol in vibrant orange with a coordinating ribbon.
No Bike? No Problem!
Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling will once again offer advance bike rentals for the PNC Tour de Lou. Participants can choose from a Road Bike or a Hybrid Bike (limited quantities available). Click HERE to rent a bike.
Packet Pick Up
Cyclists have two opportunities to pick up their packet and bib for the PNC de Lou. Packet Pick Up is set for Friday, April 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from noon to 6 p.m. at TEN 20 Craft Brewery (1020 E. Washington St.)
At Packet Pick Up, participants will receive their PNC Tour de Lou event shirt, bib number, bike tag, cue sheets, rider guide, and a wristband with our rider hotline number. Riders can also purchase the Official Event Jersey, pick up pre-ordered jerseys, and shop past-year jerseys and other Derby Festival merchandise. PNC Tour de Lou committee members will be available to answer questions to help ensure cyclists are fully prepared for ride day.
Participant Support
Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care, the Official Health Partner of the PNC Tour De Lou, returns for the 2026 ride and will 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 Bank is the Title Sponsor of the Tour de Lou. Official Health Partner: Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care. Official Nutrition Sponsor: Kroger. Contributing Sponsor: Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling. Supporting Sponsors: Louisville Bicycle Club and Louisville Water Company. Media Sponsors: 102.3 The Rose and ALT 105.1.
