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ZION NATIONAL PARK — Teams of professional cyclists from around the world come to compete in the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah every year. It's one of the most popular races, as elite bikers wind their way through Utah's most spectacular scenery at blinding speeds.

This year, one stretch of highway caused a lot of concern.

Last March, race organizers made a request to the National Park Service for permission to begin this year's race at Zion National Park. State Route 9 is 12 miles of narrow road with sharp curves, switchbacks and a couple of tunnels.

"That road was built back in the 1920s and ’30s, and it's really, really narrow so it doesn't have a shoulder; not a lot of give if something were to happen," said Aly Baltrus, spokeswoman for Zion National Park.

While the highway is very scenic and would be a signature beginning to the race, with more than 100 cyclists and their support teams, there are plenty of safety concerns.

"Especially with the wildlife on the east side, and just coming out onto the road and maybe getting in the way of vehicles," Baltrus said.

This past week, the National Park Service announced it would allow the race to go through the park, but only behind a pace car in a so-called "neutral ride." No spectators are allowed and no helicopters will hover overhead.

"They will start just outside the park entrance, by the giant screen theater area, and come out through the main south entrance," Baltrus said. "They'll come along the main Zion Mount Carmel Highway … go through the tunnel, and then they'll go out the east side.

Once outside the east entrance, the riders are then free to go into full-speed race mode.

The cyclists will begin their ride about 8 a.m., before it gets busy in the park, and the section of state Route 9 they'll be using will only be closed for about an hour.

Last year, 16 teams of riders traveled through more than 700 miles of Utah terrain. This year's seven-stage race will be similar as it winds its way from the southern part of the state to the northern part.

Tour organizers appreciate that the National Park Service will allow the competitors to ride through Zion, and respect the concerns for safety. As for the National Park Service, rangers see it as a chance to highlight a special anniversary.

"This year is our centennial, so we're looking at ways to reach new audiences; we're looking at ways to highlight the national park," Baltrus said.

The race is scheduled for Aug. 1 through Aug. 7, and park officials pointed out this is a one-time event; the race will not be coming through Zion every year.

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