New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
City Grand Prix cycling race canceled due to COVID concerns
NEW HAVEN — The annual New Haven Grand Prix cycling race will not be held this year due to coronavirus-related concerns, according to the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program.
The race was originally scheduled to take place Oct. 1, the organization said in a Monday morning email, but has been postponed.
“Due to a myriad of factors related to the continued spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our event until 2022 with the hope that we can return under safer public health conditions for riders, spectators, and the citizens of New Haven,” the organization said.
Cyclist Frankie Andreau, a longtime member of the U.S. Postal team, will be in New Haven Friday to make a presentation at a fundraiser for the program, officials said.
The organization is still planning to hold its ConnectiCare Gran Fondo and Team Time Trial Challenge on Sat., Oct. 2, in Madison, officials said.
Those interested in shifting their registration to the Oct. 2 event are asked to contact CCAP at 860-2954030 or infor@ctcyclingadvancement.com.\
The organization noted the importance of the annual Grand Prix.
“Our annual cornerstone race and street festival is a hallmark of the city’s early fall nightlife,” officials said.
In 2017, Michael Markowicz of Glastonbury, the winner of the men’s master 40-plus race, lauded the event.
“This is the last race of the year, and it’s a big one, because it’s downtown in a great city, with a huge crowd and just an awesome atmosphere,” Markowicz said at the time. “That just gets everyone more excited, especially me.”
“In prior years the excitement of the bike race, paired with the Apizza Feast and our New England Brewing Company beer garden, drew thousands of residents and visitors from all over New England and showcased our sponsors, event partners, and our great city to nearly 15,000 spectators - all of whom we want to keep safe and healthy for a brighter return in 2022,” the release noted.