Lawrence, Kan. – The 2nd Annual Tour of Lawrence cycling event rolls into Lawrence July 2-4, 2010. The Tour of Lawrence, presented by US Bank, is a USA Cycling sanctioned Pro-AM event that features three races during the weekend, and brings world-class cycling to town in a spectator-friendly format, along with a whole lot of family fun.
“The Tour offers regional professional teams and area amateur riders an opportunity to spend the holiday weekend in Lawrence and compete for more than $20,000 in cash prizes,” said Eric Struckhoff, Race Director. The event is produced by the Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau and is expected to draw 400 riders per event to the community for the weekend.
The Tour of Lawrence kicks-off on Friday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. with the Eldridge Hotel Street Sprint in downtown Lawrence. The Street Sprint is a 200-meter course that takes riders uphill on 7th Street between Kentucky and Massachusetts in an all-out race to see who can put the pedal to the medal. Riders go off in a series of heats beginning with the women at 7 p.m. and the men at 8 p.m. In conjunction with the Street Sprint, spectators will enjoy a Kids’ Zone, sponsored by the Lawrence Central Rotary -- complete with bounce house, obstacle course and other activities – that will be located at 7th & Massachusetts Streets, all free and open to the public. There will also be food and drinks available in the area. After the Street Sprints, spectators can enjoy live music by the Mudbugs in the 600 block of Massachusetts St. from 9-11:30 p.m.
On Saturday, July 3 the action moves to the University of Kansas campus, with the KU Campus Circuit Race. The Circuit Race takes riders on a grueling 4.4-mile loop around campus that boasts a challenging 500 feet of vertical climb per loop, and less than a half-mile of level terrain. Competitors begin on Jayhawk Blvd. in front of Wescoe Hall, and ride a set number of laps, determined by their race class and USA Cycling category. The first riders will begin at 9 a.m. and heats will race until approximately 6 p.m. This campus course showcases the best of what northeast Kansas has to offer riders with beautiful scenery and demanding
topography. The course is easily-accessed by spectators with parking available in the garage adjacent to Allen Fieldhouse and on side streets.
On Sunday, July 5 the festivities return to Downtown Lawrence. At 9:30 a.m. the first ever Mass Street Mile Run begins at 9th and Massachusetts. For more information about the run, logon to www.massstreetmile.com. The cycling begins at 11 a.m. with the return of the popular Free Kids’ Bike Race, sponsored by the Lawrence Bicycle Club. Young riders are encouraged to bring their decorated bike, trike or scooter and ride on Massachusetts St., beginning at 9th St. All Kids’ Race participants receive a medal and coupons for a free Chipotle taco and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. They are also entered for an opportunity to win a CycleWorks gift certificate.
The Tour of Lawrence Criterium begins at noon on Sunday and races will continue throughout the day, concluding at approximately 8 p.m. The Criterium is a one-mile course with six wide turns that test the legs of each cyclist. Riders in this event race a one-mile circuit for 70 minutes and the rider who covers the most distance in that time is declared the winner.
This type of racing is exciting to watch and very spectator-friendly. A variety of food and beer vendors will be on hand and a number of downtown restaurants will open for the event as well. After the Criterium, the evening culminates with the Lawrence Jaycees’ 4th of July Fireworks show, staged along the Kansas River.
“The Free Kids’ Zone activities will again open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on 9th Street between Vermont and Massachusetts Streets,” said Bob Sanner, Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau Sports Marketing Manager. “We’re pleased to not only be offering great cycling but a full-day of free entertainment for the whole family in one venue.”
Spectators are encouraged to utilize city parking garages on New Hampshire, between 9th & 10th and the Riverfront Garage at 6th & New Hampshire.“This event has really evolved and developed for this year,” said Sanner. “We have commitments from some returning and some new professional teams and top amateur riders are registering as well. The word is spreading about the great atmosphere here and in the process we’re creating an event that will be great for the Lawrence economy and for area spectators.”
For more information about the Tour of Lawrence schedule of events and sponsors, logon to www.touroflawrence.com.
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For a media kit, including schedule of events, please click here.
