A crowd of more than 10,000 is expected in Downtown Wilmington on Sat., May 22 as the Wilmington Grand Prix returns for its third year as a stop on the U.S.A. Cycling National Race Calendar Series.

The 2009 Wilmington Grand Prix drew 392 racers from 29 states and 13 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Fran and Italy. The race continues the proud tradition of professional cycling in Wilmington first established by the Tour DuPont more than decade ago.

This year’s Grand Prix features some of the country's premier racers competing for more than $25,000 in prizes. The Men’s Pro/I race is a 35-mile criterium with a $15,000 purse. The Women's Pro/I/II is a 25-mile race for a $7,500 purse. In addition, races will be held for Men’s Category II and III racers as well as Men’s Category III-IV. New this year’s is a five-mile Cadence Cycling Foundation Youth Challenge presented by JP Morgan Chase. More than 75 racers ages 16 and under will compete.

"As part of USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar, the Wilmington Grand Prix is part of a
season-long competitive cycling calendar for domestic-based professional and amateur cyclists," said Andy Lee of USA Cycling. "Throughout the season, men and women accumulate points according to the event's ranking which is based on several factors including prize list, history, safety, and courses At the end of the year, USA Cycling recognizes and honors men's and women's overall and team National Racing Calendar champions based on cumulative point totals."

The Wilmington Grand Prix is part competitive cycling and part street festival. The event is being used to showcase revitalization efforts along Market Street. Grand Prix festivities included an Opening Ceremonies Parade presented by Walgreen’s and a Miles for Meals Relay (Foot) Race presented by Wilmington Trust. Both events also serve as an awareness and fundraising effort for the Food Bank of Delaware. In addition, there will be six blocks of free family activities, presented by Bank of America. Attractions include a sidewalk sale, live music, moon bounces, giant slides, bungee jumping, rock walls and and more.

"Wilmington is a great city, and hosting this event is an opportunity to show it off to a lot of people who might never know about it," explains Dan Butler, owner of Wilmington restaurants Deep Blue and Toscana and an organizer of the Grand Prix. "Our goal is to present the kind of cycling event that's helped spark revitalization in scores of other communities like Manayunk and West Chester."

This year’s course has been modified, and now features a one-mil,e figure-eight design encompassing Market Street, 10th Street, King Street, 11th Street, French Street and Fifth Street.

"We've designed a course that's really fun to watch but also allows the spectator to explore and enjoy the city and all the activities of the street festival as well," said Butler.

The Wilmington Grand Prix will open with an invitation-only Ride with the Pros at noon on Friday, May 21. The general public is then invited to help kick off the festivities at a block party later than evening (5-9pm) at Willingtown Square (500 block of Market St.). The opening ceremonies parade begins on Market Street at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The relay race begins at 11:15 following by a full afternoon of professional and amateur cycling. A post-race party will take at Chelsea Tavern (813 Market) and Public House (900 Market) following the Saturday’s awards ceremonies.

"While the Tour DuPont left a void in elite professional racing, it had a lasting effect on the growth of the sport in the Mid-Atlantic area," says Randy Inglis, president of the Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association and race director for the Grand Prix. "I'm thrilled to see a top level event back where it belongs, in the great city of Wilmington."