The Tour de Leelanau is one of 13 events in 2007 that are part of the 2007 USA Cycling Pro Tour. The Tour de Leelanau is also sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (ICU), and this year's race is expected to attract more than 260 men's and women’s racers.

The 109.5-mile men’s race starts in Leland and winds through the villages of Maple City, Empire, Glen Arbor, Cedar, Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay and Northport, and includes several climbs of at least 400 feet that contain grades of 18 to 21 percent and amount to over 7,000 feet of climbing. The 69.5-mile women’s race starts at The Homestead near Glen Arbor and includes racing through Maple City, Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay and Northport. The finish line for men and women is in Peshawbestown.

The Tour de Leelanau is open to racers of the Men’s Elite, Under 23 and Women’s Elite categories, and is registered as a Class 2 event.

As part of ICU rules, points will be awarded to the racers. Sprint competitions within the race will also be held.

Organizers also suggested several good viewing areas for spectators to watch the race, including:

• Inspiration Point (mile 23)

• Wilco Road (mile 33)

• Tower Road (mile 59, and mile 19 for the women)

• St. Wenceslaus Church (mile 86, and mile 46 for the women)

Several Leelanau County residents are among the Tour de Leelanau staff, including BJ Christensen (Cedar captain), Ryan Deering (Empire captain), Brad Anderson (Glen Arbor captain), Joe Povolo (Leland captain), Linda Shimek (Maple City captain), Steve Mentzer (Suttons Bay captain), Bill Morrison (community liaison), finish line (Tim Brick), public relations (Susan Wilcox-Olson), sponsorship (Chuck O’Connor), and VIPs (Jann Lindley).