LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival announced a new start and finish line for its annual Tour de Lou cycling event.

This year, the event will launch from Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood near downtown. The new route will also include the opportunity to ride through Churchill Downs just weeks before the horses run in the 150th Kentucky Derby.

“We’ve always said the PNC Tour de Lou is the best tour of our city on two wheels, and this year participants will get to see even more of what we love about our community with the addition of the NuLu neighborhood,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO. “Cyclists come from around the state and country to ride with us every spring, and this special medal is a way for them to commemorate their time in Louisville.”

The 2024 Tour de Lou will start and finish at NuLu Marketplace on Main Street for all three distances — 20-miles, 35-miles and 62.1-miles. The course previously started in front of Waterfront Park, at the corner of Floyd and Witherspoon streets.

Riders will experience the sights and sounds of the NuLu neighborhood, known for its eclectic restaurants, venues and boutiques. They will also pass through some of the city’s scenic parks and historic areas, including the Old Louisville neighborhood, downtown Louisville and parts of the Olmstead Park System. The 62.1-mile ride encompasses two states — Kentucky and Indiana.v

The 2024 Tour de Lou medal features a bicycle gear with a rose front and center. (Kentucky Derby Festival)

In addition, for the first time this year, every participant will receive a commemorative medal. The design is inspired by Derby 150 and cycling, with a bike gear and a rose front and center. The custom design is set against a light blue and green color palette to symbolize the colors of the bluegrass.

Cyclists can celebrate the ride with plenty of Tour de Lou swag. The 2024 jersey pays homage to Louisville with visuals of the city skyline and the fleur-de-lis. The jersey will be available for purchase during registration and online.

To help participants get ready for the ride, KDF launched a six-week training program in partnership with the Louisville Bicycle Club. The program kicks off Sunday, Feb. 25 at noon. Those wanting to join can also register online.

This is the 11th year of the Tour de Lou, featuring three separate distances and a virtual ride option.