For one day, area bicycle racing aficionados and downtown Morgan
Hill residents will get a small taste of what it
’s like to watch the Tour de France in a small crowded village
in Europe. An estimated 400-500 bicyclists and 2,000 spectators
will descend on the downtown for the Specialized Morgan Hill Grand
Prix criterium on Sunday. The event, which begins at 8am with the
last race set to begin at 3:45pm, fe
atures a variety of races in a range of age, gender and skill
categories. The criterium also includes $5,000 in prize money, is
expected to draw some of the top national and even international
racing talent. Admission is free.
For one day, area bicycle racing aficionados and downtown Morgan Hill residents will get a small taste of what it’s like to watch the Tour de France in a small crowded village in Europe.
An estimated 400-500 bicyclists and 2,000 spectators will descend on the downtown for the Specialized Morgan Hill Grand Prix criterium on Sunday.
The event, which begins at 8am with the last race set to begin at 3:45pm, features a variety of races in a range of age, gender and skill categories.
The criterium also includes $5,000 in prize money, is expected to draw some of the top national and even international racing talent. Admission is free.
According to race organizer Ariadne Scott, a Specialized employee, the criterium is an opportunity for the local bicycle manufacturer and its employees to give Morgan Hill a glimpse into the world of competitive bicycle racing.
“We’re so passionate about bicycling and we want to share that with the community,” Scott said. “Everybody (at Specialized) is so excited about this.”
In fact, 14 Specialized employees are competing in the various races, which range from the featured event – the Men’s Pro, which features a $2,500 purse – to Masters (35-and-over) and Kids (ages 4-10) events.
Specialized competitors include Sean McLaughlin, Sam Pickman, Joe Cahoon, Don Langley, Chance Regina, Erick Marcheschi. Kyle Chubbuck, Dave Kendall, Arthur Espos, Scott Sisto, Sam Pickman and Sondra Williamson, among others.
Also, top racing teams including Webcor Builders, Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada, Victory Brewing and more will compete in the road racing events.
Ford Cycling Team racer Sara Bresnick-Zocchi is also on board.
Entered in the Fat Boy (mountain bike) race are Specialized riders Liam Killeen, the British champion who is ranked No. 7 in the world, and Australian champion Sid Taberlay.
The 1.2-mile downtown race course begins and ends in front of the Main Stage at Monterey and East Third, then travels a circuitous route south down Fourth and up Fifth, back onto Monterey, then up Third, over the newly renovated Webcor Bridge and up Nob Hill, before turning right on Del Monte, right on Main, and right on Monterey for a sprint to the finish line.
Scott said one of the event’s major draws is the “Hill” going up Third Street, a geographic treat for the racers.
Besides the competitive races, the Kids Race offers a chance for youngsters to ride along part of the course. Everyone gets a medal and Grand Prix t-shirt. Kids can register on-site at the registration desk behind the Main Stage.
In addition to the racing, there will be a Mini-Expo, including displays of Specialized bikes and equipment with the company’s local dealer – Sunshine Bicycles, free valet bike parking, free water bottles, free helmet fittings, a free bike saddle raffle, and free bike safety checks and mini-tune-ups. Staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Scott said the timing of the criterium, a week before the popular Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, is intended to draw more competitors and fans to the local event.
She said organizers are dedicated to making the Grand Prix and annual event.
“We definitely want to make this an integral community event,” Scott said. “Morgan Hill is so great with its community events. And, of course, this is so timely because of the alternative transportation and health issues. Bicycling is a great way to get out and get exercise. And, I think Morgan Hill, which has some great bike trails, could be even more of a bicycling destination.”
A previous similar event held in 1995 lasted just one year due to complaints from area residents and businesses.
But Scott said organizers have made an extra effort to inform everyone about the event this time around and is hoping to alleviate previous issues through better communication.
Details: call the MH Grand Prix hotline at (650) 302-6310.
