A Excursion of Arkansas is within the works for Might 2026 as an the world over sanctioned level race in america. All Sports activities Productions will lead efforts to “reimagine” a UCI-sanctioned level race for women and men, very similar to the long-standing however financially-challenged Joe Martin Level Race that ended a four-decade run two years in the past.
Early plans for the Excursion of Arkansas will focal point at the tournament to be held in northwest Arkansas, the place Joe Martin Level Race was once primarily based as an newbie tournament after which a UCI 2.2 tournament for 46 editions. All Sports activities Productions has owned and produced the Joe Martin Level Race for the final 25 years and can oversee all operations for the Excursion of Arkansas.
In accordance with complete marketplace analysis performed around the biking business final yr by means of All Sports activities Productions, Dunn made up our minds that new branding was once had to reinvigorate improve for a UCI-sanctioned level race for women and men within the area, and he already has certain comments to make the development occur.
Dunn stated that the brand new level race would mirror the structure of the Joe Martin Level Race by means of together with a time trial, criterium and highway levels, although it was once now not specified what number of days can be a part of the inaugural version. Lauren Stephens, who received the Pan-American highway race championships, received the ladies’s GC within the ultimate version in 2023, whilst Riley Sheehan, now with Israel-Premier Tech, received the lads’s GC.
“The most crucial aspect of bringing the Tour of Arkansas from the planning stage to reality is finding sponsorship partners who understand the complexity and inherent costs of staging this type of international event. Fortunately, Arkansas is home to many successful Fortune 500 companies, tourism organizations and major consumer package good vendors who are invested in driving the state’s reputation and offerings for outdoor recreation, as well as individuals who are passionate about cycling,” he famous.
After 41 years of level racing, began for amateurs because the Fayetteville Spring Vintage, the Joe Martin Level Race was once postponed for the primary time in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. The race resumed for 3 extra years however was once cancelled in each 2023 and 2024 because of a shortfall in investment.
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“We will be working diligently in the months ahead to tap into the state’s resources to bring a new marquee cycling event to life. In the past decade, Arkansas has become a true cycling destination with support from state, regional and local tourism organizations not to mention businesses and individuals who want to see the state continue to develop and grow its cycling credentials.”
He stated that whilst the title of the development will not be related to the primary race director, Joe Martin, who died of most cancers in 1989, the circle of relatives was once nonetheless supportive.
“I’m your biggest fan, and whatever you decide to do long term, we support.
“The title Joe Martin Level Race does now not imply as of late what it did ahead of, particularly out of doors the endemic biking international. Nancy, Joe’s spouse, all the time stated, ‘I am your greatest fan, I am your greatest supporter.’ She stated no matter we make a decision to do long run did not desire a blessing for exchange,” Dunn shared on maintaining a connection to the roots of the event.
The early years of the race were always managed by a local cycling club, and Dunn was part of that organising committee. When he founded All Sports Productions in 2003, he took ownership of the race itself and then moved the event that year from a regional race to the US racing national calendar. Ten years later, the Joe Martin was upgraded to the UCI calendar.
All Sports Productions also operates the Highlands Gravel Classic based in Goshin, Arkansas. The second-year event takes place on April 6 this year and is the first of two US races that are part of the UCI Gravel World Series.
Dunn hopes that a revival for stage racing in the US will take place in Arkansas, with categories for men and women. Earlier this month, Infinity Events Group in the UK announced plans to seek funding to bring a men’s UCI stage race to Colorado in September 2026.
“For 46 years, we produced the Joe Martin Level Race in Fayetteville, Arkansas and turned into a fixture on each the North American and world racing calendars. There are lots of people within the business who can produce nice motorbike races, it’s actually something – cash,” mentioned Dunn.
