The bikes are back. Wilmington announces the return of Grand Prix weekend

Some of the top cyclists in the country will race through the streets of Wilmington this May after a two-year pandemic break.

Mark Eichmann

April 19, 2022

Riders ready at the starting line during the Wilmington Grand Prix in 2019. (John Mussoni/WHYY)

The Wilmington Grand Prix will return in May for its 14th year of races and community rides through and around the city of Wilmington.

After two years of race cancellations, top cyclists competing in USA Cycling National Racing Calendar will be back to tackle the course through downtown Wilmington and up Brandywine Park’s challenging Money Hill. In 2019, the race drew participants from 19 states and six countries.

“The Wilmington Grand Prix is an important race on our Pro Road Tour Calendar,” said Chuck Hodge, USA Cycling’s Chief of Racing & Events. “Racers love the technical nature of the course and the enthusiastic crowds that greet them.”

This year marks the 13th year the grand prix has been part of USA Cycling’s calendar.

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“The Wilmington Grand Prix is one of my favorite races,” said two-time women’s winner Tina Pic in a statement. “The course is fast, technical, challenging and ends on a great hill.”

The weekend will kick off Friday, May 13, with the 3.2-mile Monkey Hill time trial race through Brandywine Park.

Saturday will feature amateur races starting at 11 a.m., with the women’s and men’s pro races in the afternoon.

The annual 15-mile governor’s ride and the 64-mile Delaware Gran Fondo cap off the weekend on Sunday.

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All racing events are free for spectators.

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