Two-year agreement brings top riders to Clay County for national titles
PENNEY FARMS, Fla. – The best amateur cyclists in the country will descend upon Clay County for the USA Cycling Road Amateur National Championships on June 25-28, 2020. The two-year agreement brings the event to Northeast Florida in 2021 as well.
“We look forward to welcoming this group of competitors and their families to our community,” said Clay County Board of Commissioners Chairman Gayward Hendry. “We are excited to showcase our small towns on the national stage. There will be many opportunities to show your community spirit by coming out to cheer on these young athletes as they compete for the national title. We are certain they will enjoy Clay County as one of the most hospitable places they've ever visited.”
The championship will feature 800 competitors combined between the boys and girls divisions, starting as young as 10 years old. There will be a group of elite amateur racers pushing for the professional ranks that will be competing as well.
“We appreciate USA Cycling entrusting Clay County and Airstream Ventures with their road amateur national championships for two years,” said Alan Verlander, CEO of Airstream Ventures. “Any time you host a national championship, it is a special opportunity, and we look forward to providing the participants, fans, and staff of USA Cycling a truly memorable experience.”
Three different disciplines will be featured in the weekend of racing – time trial, road race and criterium. The time trial course on Thursday, June 25, will start and finish at the Keystone Airport, with the course running through Camp Blanding. The road races begin on Friday, June 26, with the younger age groups on a short course that starts and finishes at Penney Farms. The road races conclude with the longer race for the older age groups on Saturday, June 27, at Penney Farms. The racing concludes on Sunday, June 28, with the criterium – a NASCAR-like cycling race near Fleming Island High School.
“USA Cycling is excited to bring the Amateur National Road Championships to Clay County,” said Chuck Hodge, Chief of Racing and Events for USA Cycling. “This event is a showcase for our young and aspiring athletes as they seek out future success both in the US and abroad.”
With 800 participants coming from across the country, all hotel rooms in Clay County will be sold out as more than 4,000 room nights will be booked during the week. The Nationals are expected to make a $2.3 million economic impact on Clay County.
“The economic impact this event will bring to our community will be felt county-wide, not just in hotels, but in restaurants, retailers, gas stations and more,” said TDC Chairman, Commissioner Mike Cella. “The County is committed to bringing events like this to give our community an added economic boost, especially during slower seasons.”
To find out more about the event and the activities around it, visit the local information website.