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The Tour de Grandview
Each year some of the streets in Grandview are closed to auto traffic and open for bicyclists. It's called the Tour de Grandview and it is a favorite stop for top cyclists from the U.S. and around the world. The Tour features 2 days of bicycle racing through the streets of Grandview, as well as a number of events and activities for spectators and cyclists alike.
The Tour de Grandview is Ohio's premier professional cycling race. In 2008, the event celebrated 16 years in Central Ohio when it returned to Grandview Heights. Grandview welcomes the annual event. Many of the out-of-town, out-of-country pro riders will be housed by Grandview Heights' residents who gladly open their homes for the riders.
A $20,000 purse will be on the line when hundreds of top professional cyclists return to central Ohio for the 2008 Germain.com Tour de Grandview Cycling Classic, June 28-29. The Tour is organized by the non-profit Grandview Community Association with the support of the City of Grandview Heights and a host of local volunteers and sponsoring businesses.
The lion's share of the purse will be awarded to the top finishers in the elite men's and women's categories that will feature more than 300 professional cyclists. Prize money also will be paid to placers in the Masters and Juniors categories. Unlike other events of its kind, the Tour will award equal prize money to the men and women.
"We're very proud to be able to offer such a sizable purse for this year's Tour and to reward our top men and women finishers equally," said Tour organizer Julie Whitley of the Grandview Community Association. "It's a testament not only to the growth and stature of the event, but also the generous contributions of Germain and our many other corporate supporters."
Among the events tied to this year's Tour will be the Kids' Sprints competition and Ohio Cup Series criterium races on Saturday afternoon. Saturday night will feature a street party with food, drinks, live entertainment and children's activities. Sunday afternoon will feature the signature Tour de Grandview Criterium race.
The races will feature men and women cyclists in multiple professional categories. The criterium courses will cover a number of the hilly, tree-lined streets on either side of Grandview Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare.
Friday, June 27, 2008
- The race weekend kicks off with the Germain.com Tour de Grandview Sponsors' Reception thanking corporate sponsors and honored guests. Enjoy hors d' oeuvres, libations, silent & live auctions, and entertainment at the beautiful Germain Pavilion at Easton.
- Pro Men's and Women's Cycling Events
- Corporate sponsor exhibits along race route
- Grandview Avenue Street Party: Food, beverages, music, dancing, & live entertainment.
- Men's and Women's Criterium Pro Cycling
- Corporate sponsor exhibits along race route
- Course side concessions, neighborhood parties
