Derby Festival Cycling Event will Ride Through Churchill Downs in 2022

The Kentucky Derby Festival and PNC are adding new features to their annual cycling event. The 2022 PNC Tour de Lou is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2022. Cyclists will have the opportunity to ride through Churchill Downs, as well as across state lines. Plus, there’s a new family-friendly option through Waterfront Park. Registration opens online on Monday, November 22, at KDF.org.

“The PNC Tour de Lou is a unique tour of our city on two wheels and has become one of our signature events every spring,” said Matthew Gibson, KDF President & CEO. “We’re excited to add some new elements to the event for 2022 and hope to have even more cyclists riding with us.”

The Derby Festival partners with the Louisville Bicycle Club to produce the premier ride each year, which features distance options for all experience levels. The route is an open course, which starts and finishes in Downtown Louisville. This year’s route includes the addition of a lap through Churchill Downs, plus the Metric Century will ride in two states – Kentucky and Indiana.

The course also includes a scenic Olmsted Parks Tour showcasing Shawnee, Chickasaw, Wayside, Iroquois, Central and Cherokee parks. Cyclists travel through neighborhoods around the city from Downtown along Main Street and Waterfront Park, to Portland, Algonquin and South Louisville; as well as Old Louisville, St. James Court, NULU, the Highlands and Butchertown.

The separate cycling distances include:

20 miles – Great for beginners or those new to cycling ($35 - Open course, no streets closed.)

35 miles – Great for Moderate/Experienced riders ($40 - Open course, no streets closed.)

62.1 miles – Metric Century/Great for advanced Riders or those looking for a challenge ($55 - Open course, no streets closed.)

In addition to the traditional courses, there’s a new Family Ride along the Waterfront. It includes a looped course with distances of 1- to 3-miles and recommended for kids ages 4 to 12. Registration for the Family Ride starts at $35. (All children riders will need to be accompanied by an adult chaperone.)

A virtual option is available for those who prefer to log their miles on their own. Virtual riders can still choose from the 20-, 35- or 62.1-mile course. They’ll receive three routes per week through Ride With GPS to help train. Registration for the Virtual Ride is $40.

All participants in the 2022 PNC Tour de Lou receive a ride shirt, swag bag and an invitation to the post-ride party to celebrate. Cyclists can also participate in the FREE training program with the Louisville Bicycle Club. The six-week program starts February 27. Cyclists of all levels are welcome.

2021 marks the 9th year for the cycling event. More information on the PNC Tour de Lou ride options and training program can be found online at KDF.org/TourdeLou.

Derby Festival events adhere to local, state and federal COVID-19 safety guidelines to ensure the safety of participants, attendees, volunteers and organizers. The Festival continues to closely monitor developments with COVID-19 and updates policies and procedures as the guidance evolves.

PNC returns as the title sponsor. Official Medical Provider and Training Partner: UofL Health Sports Medicine. Contributing Sponsors: Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling and Upland Brewing Company. Supporting Sponsors: Louisville Bicycle Club and Louisville Water Company.

About Kentucky Derby Festival

Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

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