| Sanpete County will play host to bicycle racing enthusiasts from across Utah this month when the first-ever Sanpete Classic Bicycle Race is held in Spring City Aug. 27. Cyclists of all ages will compete in 46-, 75- and 102-mile races on courses that twist and wind through the countryside. “We have been searching for a new venue to hold our race and Sanpete County fits the bill perfectly,” says Eric Thompson, a member of the New Moon Cycling Club, who helped organized the race. “Our race passes through many of the local townships of Sanpete County and this course offers rolling hills and beautiful scenery all without a lot of automobile traffic. The somewhat quiet Main Street of Spring City also provides us with a great location to see each of our categories battle it out for bragging rights and prizes,” Thompson says. There will be various categories for men, women, juniors (age 17 and younger) and master-level competitors. Race start times are between 10 to 10:45 a.m. depending on the category. Prizes and/or medals will be awarded in each division. “We hope to have more than 200 racers from all over the state attend this first-year event,” Thompson says. “The town has been very receptive to host the race as well as the Sanpete Travel and Heritage Council. We hope that this will be a venue that we can use for years to come.” Bicycle racing has gained in popularity tremendously over the years, Thompson says. “You only have to look at how many people know who Lance Armstrong is and have followed his career,” he says. “In Utah, we see more and more riders attending races and club rides each year. Our club, New Moon Cycling, which has racers, mountain bikers, and people who just love to ride bikes, has more than 150 members and grows every year,” he says. For more information on the Sanpete Classic Bicycle Race, visit the New Moon Cycling website: http://www.newmooncycling.com/ridesandraces.php People interested in competing can register online at: www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?item_id=718 General information on cycling is also available on the Utah Cycling Association’s website, http://uca.cycleutah.com . # # # | 
