Wilmington Grand Prix

In only its second year, the Wilmington Grand Prix sponsored by Bank of America is recognized on the National Race Calendar by USA Cycling.

Now a point race for the pros, the downtown cycling event is sure to draw even higher caliber cyclists and even more spectators!

Last year, the event drew more than 5,000 spectators, 191 racers and 459 participants in the bike parade.

This year, the event will be held on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Friday night will begin with the CityLife Block Party from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Plaza at City Center (between the Nemours and Brandywine buildings downtown). The Iron Mike Time Trials will begin from the location at 6 p.m., giving party-goers prime viewing of the trials.

On Saturday, the Wilmington Grand Prix will be from noon to 5:30 p.m. on the streets of downtown Wilmington. The race course will loop around Market and King Streets with turns at 5th and 10th Streets. The race schedule will include men's and women's pro and amatuer races.

In addition to the cycling, the day will include the Chase Family Bike Parade which will attempt to break the Guiness Book of World Records record for the most people in a bike parade. The streets surrounding the race course will be full of artists, crafters, merchants with sidewalk sales, food vendors, performers and kid-friendly actitivites like BMX stunt bikers, skateboarding expos and moon bounces.

The event is truly a showcase for the change and progress happening throughout downtown.