The Central Coast Cycling Classic includes 2 days of Racing, More Family Fun, and Bigger Cash Prizes on July 4 & 5, 2009

San Luis Obispo County lights up with fun activities on Independence Day weekend. With firework displays strewn throughout the coastal regions, community parades, beach parties, and Concerts in the Plaza, SLO County is on the map for a lovely summer getaway for people all around the state.

Add exciting road racing to the scene and it’s a cyclist’s perfect vacation scenario. The Camp SLO Road Race has joined the SLO Downtown Criterium Festival to create the Central Coast Cycling Classic weekend on July 4 and 5.

In its fourth year since its revival, the SLO Downtown Criterium on Sunday will host the SCNCA Elite Criterium Championships and is proud to be increasing its purses, including equal cash amounts of $3000 to both Men Pro/1/2 and Women Pro/1/2/3, and over $11,000 cash throughout the weekend to Elite, Masters, and Pro categories.  Junior’s categories are back and a Master’s Women’s race has been added on Saturday.

The SLO Downtown Criterium Festival is the capstone event for the Central Coast Cycling Classic weekend. The festival at the Criterium transforms 4 city blocks into a whimsical playground, putting smiles on faces of all ages. See San Luis Obispo’s downtown in a different light as streets are closed to auto traffic and the crowds come out to Enjoy the ‘SLO’ Life. You’ll enjoy meandering through the festival blocks to enjoy bike demos, an industry expo, the Solstice GreenWay, a go-kart and recumbent tricycle track, a beer and wine garden, a kid’s magic show, and more.

And don’t forget the intermission community event this year: athletes and fans alike can get in on the 2-wheeled fun by signing up their 4-person team for San Luis Obispo’s very own version of the Little 500, taking  place on the criterium course! It’s a costume contest on wheels…Get more details and sign up your team at www.SLOLittle500.com.

Get involved in the race – sign up to volunteer! We need course and traffic marshals throughout the day.  You do a great deed by helping us put on a fantastic event on Sunday in Downtown SLO, and you receive in return the 2009 Criterium T-shirt with original artwork, a pass into the New Belgium Brewing Hospitality Tent, and a 20% off coupon from GH Sports.  Click here to sign up for a shift and thanks!

Join us for SLO County’s premiere cycling race and festival with a mission of providing a positive and active experience for all! See www.CenCalCycling.com for all information.