The Martin’s Tour of Richmond, a 102-mile race through eight local jurisdictions, will be Oct. 6, 2012. The ride will mimic a single stage of an elite bike race like the Tour de France.

The ride will be Sports Backers’ 11th fitness-related event of 2012. Sports Backers also hosts the Anthem Richmond Marathon, the Patrick Henry Half Marathon and the Connects Federal Credit Union Corporate 4-Miler.

This Gran Fondo Race will also include a 58-mile option and a 29-mile option.

“MARTIN’s was quick to jump on the opportunity to serve as the title sponsor for this new community event,” said Jim Scanlon, Regional Vice President of MARTIN’S. “Being a part of major events like the Tour of Richmond gives us an opportunity to emphasize our commitment and dedication to our community and its quality of life.”

The full 102-mile course starts and finishes at the Richmond International Raceway complex, which is the site of the post-ride party for all three distances. The 58-mile course is projected to start at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Goochland Campus, and the 29-mile course is projected to start at Poor Farm Park in Hanover. The post-ride celebration will feature live entertainment, beer, and dinner for all participants.

The full course passes through eight jurisdictions in and around Richmond including:

• City of Richmond
• Chesterfield
• Powhatan
• Goochland
• Louisa
• Hanover
• Ashland
• Henrico

All riders must finish before 6 p.m. Any riders still on the course after 6 p.m. will be asked to ride in the SAG vehicle to the finish line or may choose to finish the route, no longer receiving any course support. All finishers will receive a finisher medal. Additional awards will be distributed to the top three male and top three female finishers, and age group awards will be mailed out after the event.

Sports Backers executive director Jon Lugbill said, “This event has the potential to really grow the pool of active cyclists in the community and make Richmond a more bike-friendly community at the same time.”

Wednesday’s announcement comes nine months after Richmond was chosen to host the 2015 World Biking Championships, which planners hope will draw thousands of participants and spectators to the region.

The event also coincides with the launch of Bike Walk RVA, a subdivision of Sports Backers’ Active RVA initiative. Bike Walk RVA will focus on making Richmond more bicycle-friendly by adding paved trials, sidewalks and bike lanes.

Registration for the first annual MARTIN’S Tour of Richmond is now open. Please visit www.sportsbackers.org for more information or to register for the event.