America’s best cyclists in America’s best city (Facebook page here)

On August 20, the Herman Miller Grand Cycling Classic will host the 2011 USA Cycling Professional Men’s Criterium National Championship. See America’s top pro riders compete for the gold in an 80 km race along a 1.2 km course in downtown Grand Rapids.  Historic brick-paved streets, tight turns and speeds of up to 40 mph in a 90-minute adrenaline rush for cyclists and spectators alike. 

Before the pros take to the streets, get your heart pumping in the inaugural Grand Cycling Challenge Ride.The 3.5 hour ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and takes riders on a 6 km course through downtown. Participants also have an opportunity to join the Victory Crew™ and raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research and programs at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and the Davis Phinney Foundation.
Following the Challenge Ride, kids 9 and under hit the bricks for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Kids Race Free helmets to the first 100 kids to register, thanks to the Grand Rapids Griffins’ Put a lid on it.

The Herman Miller Grand Cycling Classic concludes with a series of professional and amateur races,including the Senior Women’s Pro/Am NRC race. This 45 minute timed race features elite Category 1 and 2 riders. Men’s Amateur and Masters Categories  races will round out the day. Check out the full event schedule here. 

The Herman Miller Grand Cycling Classic is a stunning spectator event, filled with drama and breath-taking action.  And, while they’re taking in the action, you can also take in a bite or beverage at one of the many downtown GR pubs, cafés, or bistros. You can also help out the events official beneficiaries, the Michigan State College of Human Medicine and the Davis Phinney Foundation, AND watch the event from the best seat in the house by purchasing tickets into the Bissell Victory Club hospitality seating. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

PRESS

8/20/2011 (Cyclingnews.com) - USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championship

8/20/2011 (Grand Rapids Press) - Thunderstorms delay Grand Cycling Classic; Indiana rider wins national championship, PHOTOS

8/20/2011 (USA Cycling) - Young wins 2011 Herman Miller USA Cycling Pro Criterium National Championship

8/19/2011 - Holland's Brad White could race to hospital instead of competing in Grand Cycling Classic

8/18/2011 - Pro Criterium National Championships streamed live on Saturday

8/18/2011 - 5th annual event hosts USA Cycling National Championship and features Challenge Ride, kids race, and pro-am competitions

6/03/2011 - Herman Miller gets Grand Cycling Classic title sponsorship