Some provide windbreaks for team members and others challenge competitors so they can't break away from the pack. He described how, in 1993, Chris Walker was leading the overall competition by two minutes going into the final day and was in the front with 25 miles to go Sunday. Walker ended up seventh in that race, second to Robles overall. I expect some of those exciting duels this year before the winner is crowned. Jose Vanegas, the Colombian who teamed up with Robles for his win, went on to conquer the Tour de Mexico in 1996 and is now a champion in his own right.
Cyclists can win money during each stage of the race and during some races.
A bonus is then awarded based on overall placement after completion of the Sunday course through the national forest. Racers and their support teams eat at local restaurants and stay at local motels. It also provides local, regional and national exposure for Silver City, too. Matthes said some racers come with the objective to win a stage, others the overall championship, still others just want to get in the money or gain experience against top competition, and some just want to finish, to prove something to themselves. More than 300 volunteers help with everything from feeding the athletes to course management and housing.