Old Pueblo Grand Prix

That race was AMAZING! By far, the best race I've done out here! As pointed out in a short lived post by Chris, a race has 3 parts:
-Course (which includes spectators)
-Riders
-Money

Let's see:
Course:

Check! A sweet, technical, slightly sketchy, course through downtown Tucson that was LINED with people. Most importantly, it wasn't in an office park.


Look! A Corner! And people watching!



Riders:
100 strong in the Pro 1/2, including one Jeremy Hunt of Team Sky fame (even though he technically shouldn't have been there.)

Pfft Paris Roubiax...OPGP is waaay cooler.


Crit-tastic!



Money:
Gobs of it! Nearly TEN GRAND for the P/1/2, plus several other thousands for the other categories! 2 G's for winning!
Fuck yeah!

But there is more! There was an after party (free drinks!), an expo, music, announcers, and a grand stand at the finish line for spectators!
A+

All of this gives the race a 4th quality: Character. It had heart, a vibe, a personality. Something that takes some races years to develop, this one got it right on the first try!

Is there room for improvement? Of course! The course could be a little longer, the city could repave the sketchy back street, etc. But in terms of the logistics and how it was pulled off, the race was par none. A major tip o' the hat to the promoters for putting this together. It truly restored my faith in AZ cycling and I hope that other promoters take notice and step their game up next year! Clearly every race doesn't have to be in an office park or deserted subdivision, it can be a community event. Make it something the town can be proud of and support! I look forward to next years Old Pueblo Grand Prix, if I live here I'll do it for sure. Hell, even if I don't I fly in for it!