Joe Saling’s journey into the world of competitive cycling began in 1953 with a rainy afternoon in Somerville. Drawn by the excitement of the annual Tour of Somerville and the promise of a new Chevrolet for the winner, a teenage Saling found himself captivated by the sport. By 1956, he had stepped into a bike shop, eager to race. A used frame and a job offer later, his life’s path was set.
Saling’s passion for cycling turned into an enduring career as both a competitor and an announcer. He spent decades behind the microphone at the Tour of Somerville, narrating the country’s oldest major bicycle race to thousands of spectators. His voice became synonymous with the event, guiding fans through the nuances of the sport. But in 2017, for the first time in his career, he was speechless. His grandson, Noah Granigan, had just won the race—after returning from an eight-day, 100-mile-per-day stage race in Ireland the night before.
“The perfect finish,” Saling recalls.
While the Tour of Somerville has evolved over the years—shifting courses, prize lists, and attendance—it remains, in Saling’s eyes, the most important one-day race in the country. He has witnessed records shatter, speeds increase, and the sport grow in ways unimaginable when he first picked up a bike. Yet, he acknowledges the shift in public interest, as media coverage has declined and the event faces competition from countless modern distractions.
Still, Saling’s love for cycling has never wavered. At 85, he continues to ride every day the weather allows, proving that passion defies age. In December, he won the 85-89 National Cyclocross Championship, his 24th national title. He thrives on competition, embracing the reality that while his age group grows smaller, his determination remains boundless.
To aspiring cyclists, Saling offers a dose of reality and encouragement. “This is a hard sport, a relatively expensive one, but it will bring you so much,” he says. His advice? Find a club, learn the fundamentals, and recognize that the Tour of Somerville is just a small part of a much larger cycling world.
Beyond the race itself, the Tour of Somerville holds deeper significance. The event was first held in 1940, 1941, and 1942, but World War II led to its discontinuation until 1947, when it was renamed the Kugler-Anderson Memorial. Furman Kugler who won the first two races and Carl Anderson the third winner of the race—tragically lost their lives as a result of the war. This history makes its Memorial Day tradition especially poignant. Saling hopes the race continues for years to come, with greater recognition from USA Cycling for its historical importance.
After nearly 70 years in the sport, his enthusiasm remains as strong as ever. “Watch a race like Somerville,” he urges. “It will be the quickest two hours of your life.”
And for Joe Saling, a lifetime on two wheels has gone by just as fast.
For more information about the race, visit tourofsomerville.com.
Tour of Somerville - May 26, 2025 | Somerville, NJ
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“This is a hard sport, a relatively expensive one, but it will bring you so much.” - Joe Saling