Thousands of people from around the world continue to fill the streets of Central Virginia to see the best cyclists in the world compete in the 2015 UCI Road World Championships.
Wednesday’s session – the men’s elite time trials – produced one of the biggest turnouts since Friday’s opening ceremony.
After the women’s elite individual time trials were held in downtown Richmond on Tuesday, the men, beginning at King’s Dominion, winded through Hanover and Henrico Counties before ending in the River City.
As a treat to its visitors, King’s Dominion opened its park for free admission to the general public.
Some of the biggest crowds Richmond has seen so far during the races were set and ready downtown to cheer on their favorite cyclists at the finish line.
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One of the many enthusiastic onlookers waiting at the finish line was Emilio Peiro, a native of Spain. Peiro moved to Richmond in 1999 because he was offered a job as an assistant soccer coach. When he heard Richmond was hosting the UCI Championships, he said he was the happiest person in the world.
“I went to Tour de France, La Vuelta a Espana, and having the world’s be here where I live, is a huge plus,” Peiro said. “I don’t have to travel this time.”
Peira is also excited about meeting people from all over the world to share and celebrate his love of cycling.
“I met people from Denmark, the Netherlands and all over,” he said. “I try to meet as many people as I can because I want to get in touch with people from all these different countries so we can enhance the experience and see more of the UCI together.”
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Julian and Carmen Olaya traveled all the way from New York City to see the races. The couple moved to the United States in 1979 from Columbia in search for a better future. They said they’ve loved Richmond so far and how friendly everyone has been.
“It’s a lot different here than New York City – more nice and calm,” Julian said. “Richmond is not too big but not too small and a lot easier to get around.”
The couple said they are huge fans of the sport and Julian even cycles himself. They didn’t want to miss the chance of being here in person.
“I’m here because I didn’t want to miss this great opportunity,” Julian said. “God knows when UCI is going to be in the states again.”
People are still coming in near and far to see the world compete at the UCI championships, especially as the Road Circuits are approaching this weekend. Many said they are eager to continue to cheer on and support the races and their favorite cyclists as the week moves on.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
