The Fourth Annual Downtown Gainesville Gran Prix Criterium is being held on Sunday this year because of a big gospel sing planned downtown at the Georgia Mountains Center Saturday.
Races will start at 12:30 pm and the feature Pro/Am event will begin at 5:30 pm. The race is produced by Spin Cycle LLC.
Criteriums are spectator friendly bike racing venues that feature riders completing each lap in about one minute. In Gainesville, racers find the allure of the Downtown Criterium to be one of the most intense races of the season, with field sizes approaching 100. Pro race teams like Jittery Joe's Professional Race Team and Toshiba Racing are often seen rubbing shoulders with the Southeast's elite ProAm racers. Come watch the strategy, speed and excitement that fast criterium racing creates.
"Our series has played a vital role in changing the way that people race their bikes, creating a new culture," said James C. Lowe III, director of the Georgia Cup. "By joining forces with premier regional cities, we can benefit from their community and leadership to deliver a more comprehensive entertainment experience for our patrons and to create new opportunities for out partners."
Downtown restaurants will have expanded sidewalk cafes along the course, which will allow hundreds to watch the race while enjoying great food.
Course streets of Washington, Green, Spring and W. Academy will not be closed until 10 a.m. on the day of the race. The start/finish line will be on the Spring Street side of the square.
All of this is a precursor to the Tour de Georgia, which rolls into town April 23.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/4/208191