Pro cycling coming back to Delaware for Wilmington Grand Prix

While it might be hard to imagine with a major snowstorm bearing down on the region, but spring will come, and with it, professional level cycling as the Wilmington Grand Prix returns this May.

Hundreds of cyclists will hit the streets of Wilmington May 16-18 for three days of racing and other bike-related events. The Wilmington race made it on the list as a certified national calendar event for USA Cycling, one of only 17 such events. That’s a decrease from last year’s calendar which included 25 events.

“The Wilmington Grand Prix continues to be one of the premier criterium races in the nation,” said USA Cycling’s VP of National Events Micah Rice. “Racers love the technical nature of the course and the enthusiastic crowds that greet them.” 

Beyond the pro races, the seventh annual event in Wilmington will include BMX stunt shows, a street festival, and several public bike rides. One of those rides will be led by Delaware Governor Jack Markell, an avid bike enthusiast. “We’ve made a commitment to making Delaware a more bike-friendly place,” said Markell. “The Wilmington Grand Prix serves to solidify our status as one of the most walkable and bikeable states in America.”

Delaware’s bike-friendly status was just reaffirmed by the League of American Bicyclists. The First State was named the fifth most bicycle-friendly state in the country, and Delaware was ranked first in the northeastern U.S.