Eighth Consecutive Year Historic Roswell to Host National Bicycle Races

Popular Mayor's Ride Returns for Families at Georgia Event

The 8th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 26, 2009 with a full schedule of events for professional cyclists and area residents. This year the event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week racing series for elite athletes. Since 2001, the Historic Roswell Criterium has established itself firmly as one of the top single-day races in the United States, with 10 categorized contests for amateur and professional athletes. For local families and residents, the event has grown to a full-day festival, including a morning recreational adult bike ride with Mayor Jere Wood, an afternoon bicycle safety rodeo for children, and retail specials at local shops throughout the day.

"We are proud that the Historic Roswell Criterium continues to be a solid community event on the calendar in the metro area. The event attracts thousands of participants and spectators to this beautiful area each spring. It not only promotes healthy lifestyles, but it helps drive economic impact for Historic Roswell, bringing people back to eat and shop at local businesses throughout the year," said Michael Johnson, race director and member of Roswell Velo, Inc., the cycling club that handles logistics of the races.

Sunday, April 26, will begin with a recreational bicycle ride for all levels of cyclists, the Roswell Mayor's Ride. There are four ride options, ranging from six miles to 64 miles, with the start of the ride receiving an escort from Roswell Police. Rest stops are provided along the route, with commemorative t-shirts to all who register prior to April 20 Last year close to 350 people participated in the event, and raised awareness for Bike Roswell!, the grassroots organization that helped the city gain national recognition as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Advanced registration is $20 per individual, or $45 for a family of four. More information can be found at www.bikeroswell.com.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., a series of 10 bicycle races will take place on the one-mile route in Historic Roswell. The 2009 event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week for professional cyclists from across North America, and the Georgia Cycling Grand Prix (a 12-race series). Speed Week, which offers $120,000 in prize money, is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is promoted by Swagger LLC, which also produces the Athens Twilight Criterium. Over $15,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in Roswell alone. The start line will again be in front of Founder's Hall on Canton Street and races will run from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

While there are registration fees to participate in the races (from $35 to $50), it will be complimentary for children to participate in the Bicycle Rodeo and for spectators to watch the races. The Children's Bicycle Safety Rodeo will be managed by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell and is supported by Roswell Bicycles. Children can also participate in the Shimano Youth Series races. The youth races are complimentary to any children who complete the Rodeo and are held following the Women's Pro event, on the same race course. While not the fastest races of the day, the youth races are some of the most entertaining.

Registration and event information is available at http://www.roswellcriterium.com/. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for the Historic Roswell Criterium. For information on sponsorship packages contact Michael Johnson at mwjhome@gmail.com.
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