575 Competitors | 20,000+ Spectators | $1.6 Mil Economic Boost
Friday- Sunday ~ May 18th -20th. The stats from last years Grand Prix are staggering considering it was only 5 years old. The Wilmington Renaissance Corporation brought this event to life in 2007 and their efforts are really starting to pay off for the Greater Wilmington Community.
Downtown Wilmington will be bustling with activities during this 3 day event. The fun starts with the Monkey Hill time trials on Friday, a 3.2 mile race through Brandywine Park that you may remember from the Tour DuPont days. The Cadence Cycling Foundation will be kicking things off with a group of youth racers @ 4pm and the amatuer and the pros will follow. During this time hundreds of volunteers from Chase will be stuffing backpacks with food and school supplies to be distributed to Wilmington schools.
Saturday’s events begin with amatuer racing in the morning.
The Food Bank of Delaware’s Parade of Hunger @ noon marks the offical start of the days activities. The order of events is as follows: Youth Races, Grand Prix Women’s Pro Race @ 2pm & the Men’s Grand Prix Pro Race @ 3:45. So grab a seat at one of the course-side cafes or enjoy the street festival planned from 5th street to Rodney Square.
The weekend winds down with the 15 mile scenic Governor’s Ride, lead by Governor Markell, starting at the Delaware Art Museum.
The more ambitious rider will be interested in the Grand Fondo “the big ride” also scheduled for Sunday. This is a 62 mile ride with timed climbs through Hagley!
CLICK HERE for more information on how you can participate or volunteer.
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