Record crowds expected for top cycling event
Over a hundred of the nation's top cyclists raced through downtown St. Paul last night, kicking off a five-day race throughout the metro area.
Organizers for the Nature Valley Grand Prix pro cycling race say they're gearing up for fierce competition and record crowds as the race continues through the weekend.
The race moves to Cannon Falls on Thursday, and then continues in Minneapolis on Friday, Menomonie on Saturday, and Stillwater on Sunday.
Last year's competition and related events, including stunt riding and smaller races, drew 70,000 spectators over several days.
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"The interest in biking is definitely big here in the Twin Cities and the entire region," said event spokesperson Chuck Grothaus. "The crowds keep getting larger."
The Grand Prix race has become one of the top events in the nation for both male and female cyclists, Grothaus said. This year's race has attracted 270 cyclists from as far away as Russia and New Zealand, competing on separate men's and women's teams.
Local favorites include Anna McLoon, a Roseville, Minn. native who moved to Massachusetts to attend graduate school at Harvard.
"I'm excited because I think this year's race will be, not just a Minnesota 'pretty good,' but, as I've learned to say out here in Massachusetts, I think this year's race will be 'wicked awesome,'" McLoon wrote on the Grand Prix website.
The race moves to Cannon Falls on Thursday, and then continues in Minneapolis on Friday, Menomonie on Saturday, and Stillwater on Sunday.
Organizers expect the largest crowds for Friday night's race in Minneapolis, which will close parts of Lake Street, Hennepin Avenue, and surrounding streets.
A complete list of events is available at: http://www.naturevalleybicyclefestival.com.
