LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Louisville cyclists roll into next spring, they have the 2021 PNC Tour de Lou to look forward to. The Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) announced that registration for the annual event opens Monday. With both virtual and in-person options available, riders will go on a tour of the city.

“The PNC Tour de Lou has become one of the Festival’s signature events every spring,” said KDF President and CEO Matt Gibson. “While the event will look different in 2021, our team is working hard to ensure participants will have both a memorable and a safe experience.”

Like in years past, KDF is partnering with the Louisville Bicycle Club on the event, which will feature distance options for all experience levels. The event is also throwing in a free six-week training program to help prepare cyclists. Registration for the rides and training is online.

The two ride options are listed below:

• Ride Option A: Ride the Tour de Lou virtually from April 18 to May 18, 2021. Participants will still receive 2021 PNC Tour de Lou Merchandise and other perks while out of town or riding solo on their own time and course.
• Ride Option B: Ride the Tour de Lou in-person on April 18, 2021. The event will include a socially distanced start, nutrition and water stops, limited capacity, and other health and safety precautions. It will be an open course, meaning no streets closed, through some of Louisville's parks and neighborhoods.

The distance options include:

• 20 miles: Ideal for families and new riders
• 35 miles: Ideal for moderate or experienced riders
• 62.1 miles: Ideal for advanced riders or those looking for a challenge

2021 is the 8th year for the Tour de Lou, which ran virtually for the first time in 2020.

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.