One of Downtown Wilmington’s biggest spring traditions returns after a two-year break due to COVID restrictions as the three-day Wilmington Grand Prix cycling event and festival is set for May 13-15. For the 13th year, the event is part of USA Cycling’s National Race Calendar and is considered one of the premier criterium-format races in the U.S. In 2019, the last year the event was held, cyclists from 21 states and seven countries participated.
Grand Prix Weekend opens with the Monkey Hill Time Trial and Kick-off Party in Brandywine Park on May 13. The event features the nationally known cobblestone climb up Monkey Hill while the crowd enjoys live music by What The Funk, food trucks and a tailgate atmosphere. The competition kicks off with a lighthearted Commuter Challenge benefit for Urban Bike Project, in which contestants riding weighted-down commuter bikes traverse the course — including climbing Monkey Hill.
The Major Taylor Community Ride will kick off activities on Sat., May 14. The public is invited to join regional Major Taylor cycling clubs and pro racers for a recreational ride of the Grand Prix race course. The amateur and pro races will follow with free activities and course-side cafes lining Market Street.
Sunday sees the return of the nationally acclaimed Governor’s Ride and Delaware Gran Fondo, where local riders join out-of-towners and pro racers for a scenic ride of the Brandywine Valley that starts at the Delaware Art Museum and takes cyclists past a dozen cultural attractions — including once-a-year opportunities to ride through the grounds of Hagley and Winterthur museums.
Visit WilmGrandPrix.com.