HANOVER CO., Va (WRIC) – In the first of 12 meetings, UCI Road World Championship officials unveiled what residents in Hanover County can expect in September.
“I think this is a wonderful thing, I’m excited, thrilled,” said Apphia Downing, a Hanover resident.
“It’s very exciting, I was in the bike business for a number of years and I’m an enthusiast, and this is a very big deal for the area,” said Steven Grisanti.
Hanover County is ready for the world.
“Our Fire, EMS & Sheriff’s Department…they are all engaged in the planning. They’ve been working on this since the beginning, and we are very confident that they are well prepared,” said Angela Kelly-Wiecek, with the Hanover County Board of Supervisors.
The Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial race will kick off at King’s Dominion September 23 and continue down Route 301 until it crosses into Henrico County. All Hanover County schools will be closed for the day.
“Help them appreciate all of the fun that can be had with a global event like this,” said Kelly-Wiecek.
Richmond 2015 revealed the three fan zones in the county. The first is in King’s Dominion where the race will start. Hanover Tavern will host a “Bikes, Brews and Barbecue” festival. Rutland will have vendors and a beer garden for its “Bike Fest.”
“This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for our region to showcase itself to the world,” said Lee Kallman, the VP of marketing and development for Richmond 2015.
“This will have lasting effects for our area. There will be people who come here and see all that we have to offer and will want to come back at another time…and of course, we hope that while they’re here they’ll take advantage of the restaurants, the history and the shopping,” said Kelly-Wiecek.
“I think it will definitely help the tourism, some of the businesses in the area, our hotels, restaurants. I think it’s going to give Hanover County a lot of good exposure,” said resident Linda Lippa.
Residents also got a sneak peek of the new interactive website for the races. Richmond 2015 will launch it Wednesday afternoon.
