Morgan Hill
– 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.
Morgan Hill – 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 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 and Victory Brewing 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 racers.
Besides the competitive races, the Kids Race lets youngsters 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.
Details: call the MH Grand Prix hotline at (650) 302-6310.
MH Grand Prix
When: Sunday, 8am-4:35pm
Where: Downtown Morgan Hill
What: Nine races in various categories, including pro and kids, and an expo with vendors, free bicycle safety inspections and demonstrations
Race schedule:
8am: Men’s Category 4
9am: Masters, 35-plus, Cat. 1-3
10am: Men’s Category 3
11am: Women’s Pro, Cat. 1-3
Noon: Men’s Pro, Cat. 1-2
1:30pm: Kids races, ages 4-10
2pm: Fat Boy MTB (Mtn bikes)
2:45pm: Masters, 35-plus, Cat. 4
3:45pm: Women’s Category 3-4
