Peter O'Dowd/KJZZ

The race will begin in San Carlos.

Arizona cycling enthusiasts can get a taste of the Tour de France experience close to home this year. For the first time, the amateur tour stage in Mexico is coming to Sonora.

The official amateur cycling events for the Tour de France, called L’Etape by Tour de France, will host a race in the Sonoran the beach towns of San Carlos and Guaymas on Saturday.

"We're so happy and proud to share with other people our marvelous municipality," Guaymas Mayor Sara Valle said.

She said she’s excited for people from all over the world to see their beautiful sunrises and sunsets in a place where the “desert meets the sea."

The race in San Carlos-Guaymas is the last of five in Mexico. Event organizers expect about 1,000 participants for the three routes, ranging from about 12 to 77 miles. And Valle hopes many will be from neighboring Arizona.

"And we don't want for them just to visit once," she said. "We want for them to come back."

For more information about the Sonora stage of the tour, visit letapemexico.com.