Cancun is the host for the Gran Premio Viva Mexico Cancun 2009, a criterium for professional cyclists. A criterium race consists of many laps around a (relatively) short course. Criteriums are good for spectators as the riders pass by repeatedly during the race, which seldom lasts more than an hour. Said to be planning to compete in this event are the Schleck brothers, Denis Menchov, Fabian Cancellara and Mark Cavendish, riders who figured prominently in this year's very exciting Tour de France. The winner of this year's Tour, Alberto Cantador, has said he plans to ride here, as well. The latest information available says that the event will be run between the Asta Bandera (big flag pole) and Playa Tortugas, in the Hotel Zone, on Saturday, October 17, starting at 2:30 PM. The skill and stamina of these professional riders, and their manifest joy in what they are doing, is an inspiration to see. There should be plenty of places along the route from which to watch the action- and no charge- making this a good family event. Details regarding date, time, location are supplied by the Departamento de Deporte Federado, Benito Juarez Municipality.
Given that parking will probably be a nightmare I suppose I should actually ride my bike out there, right? HAHA!
Latest details Full details regarding this event are now availabe, online, complete with photos and bios of the major, world-ranked participants, as well as the Mexican favorites. A complete schedule of events, and route map, also appear there. As I read it, the main race, of 14 laps, will start at 4:40 PM; but, there will be a number of preliminary events, starting from about 2:30 PM. Children, especially, will be amazed and impressed to see the speeds attained by the riders, and enjoy the excitement associated with the riders cornering their bikes at (relatively) high speeds. http://www.ciclismo-granpremiocancun.com/ For the schedule of events, click on "ver programa"
Online info Hi, Mike. You're in luck. Full info is available online, see above, or the "Major Sport Events" thread you posted to, where Mixz1 has kindly provided the link.
Today's the day, if the weather holds! There appear to have been some minor adjustments made to the schedule, with the main event scheduled for 4:40 PM, when I last checked the website, early AM, today. But, to catch any last minute changes, and to see the schedule yourself, click on the line below- http://www.ciclismo-granpremiocancun.com/ Then, click on "ver programa de actividades" Other changes have been made to the schedule, as well, with the net effect appearing to be to move everything to a slightly earlier time than previously.
Kim park over in Pok to Pok then just walk across the gollf course to Tortugas. I have 2 tournament finals to play today so will not be able to watch the cycling- or get back to my house as the road will be closed. Tracey
The race Well, something like this can make you glad you live in Cancun. The world's greatest cyclist, Alberto Cantador, was here, as well as a number of other highly ranked, professional riders, to participate in the Gran Premio Cancun, run on the streets of the hotel zone. As you might expect of a professional event, things were well organized; and, a helicopter carrying a camera circled overhead throughout to record the action. The weather cooperated, with the rains stopping just as the event kicked off; then, holding off, until the event was concluded. For the riders, these conditions were ideal, as it was not too hot, and they were shielded from the sun by an overcast sky. Several hundred people were in attendance to watch the 14 lap, 50 Km main event. Cantador won, which is not much news these days, as he seems to be able to win whenever he wants to, no matter who is riding against him. The atmosphere was festive. A number of children, astride their bikes, helmets on heads, were present- drawing inspiration from these great riders.
