El Tour de Tucson gets underway

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UPDATED 10:45 a.m. - Bicyclists from around the world are on the road for Tucson's El Tour de Tucson. 

Sunny skies and balmy weather created a perfect start for the 109 mile race around Tucson's beautiful landscape. 

Officials with the race made safety changes this year hoping to avoid any accidents like the one last year at Ina Road and Westward Look.  As of 10:45 a.m. this morning, no accidents have been reported by Pima County Sheriff's Department. 

Yesterday was the last day for fine tuning, many were doing some last minute adjusting.

Todd Herriot and his crew from Seattle are just one of many riders who've come from all over to ride in Tucson, he says, "Today we got up and had a nice breakfast, and we're going to do a little course recon which were real excited about."

Uncle Patric and his nephew John both came from separate hometowns to participate in the El Tour event together, and all they need is a speedy tune up.

Patric says, "Getting a couple things adjusted on the bike today and spending money in the bike shop."

With eager cyclists, employees are busy at fair wheel bikes.

Ian Ure says, "We sure have a rush, everybody comes in there like I need my last minute tune up for El Tour."

It's a rush to ready, but a dash to the finish line for the El Tour competition.