El Tour de Tucson Pros Named Ambassadors for National and Local Youth and Cycling Nonprofits

El Tour America, producer of the iconic El Tour de Tucson, today announced that a select group of professional cyclists will serve as official ambassadors for a coalition of local Tucson and national youth and cycling nonprofits.

The initiative highlights the deep connections between elite cycling talent and organizations dedicated to empowering young people, promoting active lifestyles, and building community through the sport of cycling.

The national nonprofits supported through this ambassador program include El Grupo, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports, Aspen Valley Ski Club, Tucson Velodrome, PeopleForBikes, Outride, and Cyclekids. These organizations focus on advancing cycling infrastructure and policy, adaptive and para-cycling opportunities, youth development through biking, and safe, equitable access to the sport nationwide. Each plays a vital role in providing youth development programs, cycling education, safe recreational facilities, and inclusive opportunities for children and families.

Among the ambassador assignments, Frankie Andreu will represent the Tucson Velodrome, and Bobby Julich will represent the Aspen Valley Ski Club. George Hincapie continues as ambassador for PeopleForBikes.

“El Tour de Tucson has always been about more than just the ride — it’s about leveraging the power of cycling to uplift our community,” said TJ Juskiewicz, El Tour’s executive director. “By partnering our professional cyclists with these outstanding local and national nonprofits, we’re creating meaningful connections that inspire the next generation of riders while delivering real impact to the organizations that serve youth every day.”

George Hincapie, a professional cyclist, cycling commentator, and ambassador for PeopleForBikes, stated, “PeopleForBikes works to make cycling safer and more accessible for everyone across the country. As an ambassador, I’m proud to help amplify that mission through El Tour de Tucson, inspiring more communities to embrace biking as a healthy and sustainable way of life.”

In a further expansion of donor support, anyone who signs up for the El Tour Prologue Camp can allocate 20% of their camp fee to one of the nonprofits represented by the El Tour Prologue Camp Pros.

The ambassador program builds on El Tour’s 43-year history of raising over $138 million for local and national charities and expands its Bikes for Change initiative, ensuring that youth across Tucson and beyond gain access to bicycles, training, and inclusive cycling experiences.

El Tour is the United States’ largest and most popular road cycling event. In 2025, more than 10,000 participants rode the 102-mile, 63-mile, 32-mile events or 5K fun ride routes, and organizers expect youth registration to nearly double to 2,000 in 2026.

For more information about the ambassador program, the El Tour Prologue Camp, El Tour de Tucson, or how to get involved with these nonprofits, visit eltourdetucson.org.