The El Tour de Tucson is set to kick off at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and cyclists are getting ready by fueling up at local restaurants. Eating a carb-heavy meal before the race is a common practice among riders, providing them with the energy they need to tackle the miles ahead.

Raul Romero, an experienced cyclist, stresses the importance of proper nutrition before a race. As an endurance runner who has previously competed in marathons, he knows firsthand how crucial it is to carb-load and begin preparing for the event well in advance. With years of biking experience under his belt, Romero understands the significance of fueling his body with the right nutrients.

Local restaurants are also benefiting from the increase in business as cyclists prepare for the race. Caruso’s, an Italian eatery that is popular among cyclists looking to fuel up before a big event, reports receiving numerous calls for reservations as El Tour de Tucson approaches.

After enjoying a hearty meal, cyclists rest up before the race officially begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday. The 13 News team will be on-site to cover all of the action, providing updates and highlights as excitement builds for this year’s tournament. Both cyclists and local businesses are gearing up for a successful and memorable event that promises to be one of the biggest yet in Tucson’s history.