High Point is poised to play host to a USA Cycling National Championship this July, an event expected to draw more than 8,000 cyclists and supporters to the Triad. The city was selected in 2011 from more than 40 contenders, including Sacramento, Calif., and Austin, Texas, to host the Pro Criterium championship this year and next. Criterium road races are team-based competitions that feature a shorter course of less than 3 miles with repeated laps that can last several hours. The championship will be the featured race for the High Point Cycling Classic, which will be held July 25-28, with the championship taking place in downtown on July 27.
“Part of the goal of the High Point Cycling Classic is we want to bring some exciting events to High Point and be a vibrant city,” said Don Redding with the Classic. “This will be an example of what can be held in High Point, and there’s no reason to think we can’t use this as an example and get other championships here.”