CONGAREE VISTA GRAND PRIX HITS THE PAVEMENT SEPTEMBER 21, 2008
Criterium Racing Hits the Streets of Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC - (August 28, 2008) - The Columbia Regional Sports Council is pleased to welcome the Congaree Vista Grand Prix presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and Palmetto GBA, a nationally sanctioned cycling race, on Sunday, September 21, 2008. The free and open to the public event will take place at the intersections of Lincoln Street and Gervais Street and will benefit programs operated by the Capital Senior Center. The course is a traditional 0.55 mile criterium circuit with four left hand corners and a slight uphill finish. A vendor expo as well as a kid's race for children ages 5-13 will also take place at 4:30, immediately preceding the main event. Supporting sponsors and vendors include Earth Fare, Outspokin' Bicycles, Cycle Center, Harrell's Bicycle World, and the Blue Marlin.
Schedule is as follows:
(Race start times subject to change)
10:30 a.m. Juniors race
11:15 a.m. Cat 4 Women
12:00 p.m. Cat 4/5 Men
12:40 p.m. Cat 3/4 Men
1:30 p.m. Women Open
2:30 p.m. Masters 35/45
3:30 p.m. Cat 2/3 Men
4:30 p.m. Kids Race
5:00 p.m. Pro/1/2 Vista Grand Prix
For more information on the event, or to inquire about vendor availability, please visit www.vistagrandprix.com, or contact event director Scott Fulmer, Fulspeed Sports at 803-422-6831.
Criterium racing is a unique form of cycling that is historically run on short laps through city streets and stresses high-speed racing contested amidst a thriving urban atmosphere. Criterium racing has been the consistent backbone of American cycling since the 20's when cycling was king. Although an unrecognized discipline by the world governing body of cycling, criterium racing requires a unique set of skills to succeed in the sport and as such offers riders, venues, and teams the ability to excel in a unique discipline of cycling. This has made the criterium format the most spectator-friendly form of cycling.
The Columbia Regional Sports Council is a non-profit organization committed to serving as the central clearinghouse for information regarding the sponsorship, promotion, and coordination of sporting events, facilities and associations in Columbia. If you would like additional information on the Columbia Regional Sports Council, please visit our website at http://www.columbiasportscouncil.com or contact Scott Powers at (803) 545-0009.