Delaware added to USA Cycling tour

(photo courtesy Delaware Sports Commission)

(photo courtesy Delaware Sports Commission)

This year’s annual Wilmington Grand Prix bike race will have added status as the eighth stop on USA Cycling’s Professional Road Tour.

Over the past decade, hundreds of professional cyclists have raced through Wilmington’s streets as part of the Grand Prix weekend of events, but this year’s races will have some extra weight.

“USA Cycling is happy to have the Wilmington Grand Prix on our new USA Cycling Professional Road Tour,” said Micah Rice, vice president for national events for the USAC. Last year’s Grand Prix was one of only 17 events listed on USA Cycling’s certified national calendar. 

The new Pro Road Tour includes 26 races in 19 states from April through September. Cyclists will compete in team and individual categories before season winners are crowned at the final race in Boston. 

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“This race is a showcase for the city of Wilmington and a signature event for the state of Delaware,” said Chris Ciacomucci, executive director of the Delaware Sports Commission. “We are proud the Grand Prix continues to be considered one of the elite races in the country.”

The Grand Prix weekend starts with the Monkey Hill Time Trial Friday night, May 13. The 3.2 mile race against the clock winds through Wilmington’s Brandywine Park.

On Saturday morning, May 14, amateurs will get a chance to compete in four races. That will be followed by the Women’s and Men’s Pro races in the afternoon. The sixth annual Governor’s ride and fifth annual Delaware Gran Fondo featuring a ride through the scenic Brandywine Valley and past some of Delaware’s best known attractions will be held Sunday morning.

“We’ve made a commitment to invest in making Delaware a more bike-friendly state,” said Governor Jack Markell. “The Wilmington Grand Prix is an exceptional opportunity to showcase our efforts.”

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