Event Allies, the City of Wilmington and their many partners are once again proud to bring cycling to the streets of Downtown Wilmington as the Annual Wilmington Grand Prix Weekend will soon be here!  

Grand Prix Logo 2022Presented by Bank of America, the races will be held May 13 through 15. The local race event has grown from a regional bicycle race to one of the premier cycling events on the East Coast. The Wilmington Grand Prix race is traditionally a stop along USA Cycling’s Pro Road Tour (PRT), a calendar of the top road races in the U.S., which attracts pro cyclists from around the world. Wilmington Grand Prix Weekends in the past have brought racers from seven countries and 21 states to Wilmington. 

“The Wilmington Grand Prix is an important race on our Pro Road Tour Calendar,” said Chuck Hodge, USA Cycling’s Chief of Racing & Events. “Racers love the technical nature of the course and the enthusiastic crowds that greet them.”  

“Nothing beats the kickoff event on Monkey Hill with its festival atmosphere,” said Wilmington Grand Prix Race Director Laura Van Gilder (Crespo, Pa.), one of the winningest female racers in USAC history. “Then there’s the high-speed racing with the pros on Saturday downtown, and the scenic Gran Fondo ride on Sunday through picturesque Northern Delaware. The Grand Prix weekend is steeped in tradition for racers and the local community.” 

 "The Wilmington Grand Prix is one of my favorite races,” said two-time women’s winner Tina Pic of Gainesville, Ga. “The course is fast, technical, challenging and ends on a great hill. Last year I was lucky enough to stay and ride the Gran Fondo. What a beautiful and well-supported event. You shouldn’t miss this one, whether you are racing or just there for the Fondo.” 

The action starts Friday night (May 13) with the Monkey Hill Time Trial, a 3.2-mile race against the clock through Wilmington’s Brandywine Park. The setting also serves as the Grand Prix Kick-off Party with live music, food trucks and more; indeed complementing the racing and creating a truly unique atmosphere alongside the historic cobblestones of Monkey Hill. 

Saturday (May 14) will feature four amateur races in the morning that culminate with the Women’s Pro and Men’s Pro races in the afternoon. In addition to the racing action, the Grand Prix Street Festival returns, offering free family entertainment from 5th Street to 10th Street. Activities include sidewalk sales, course-side cafes and a variety of family games and activities, including moon bounces, bungee jumping, fitness challenges, bike expos and more. 

Sunday (May 15) will see the return of the Annual Delaware Gran Fondo. Previous Gran Fondos attracted cyclists from 15 states, including Utah, Alabama, and Colorado, by offering them a scenic tour through the Brandywine Valley and some of Delaware’s best-known attractions. 

“The Gran Fondo will not only attract top cyclists, pro and amateur, to ride in Wilmington, but it will showcase the beautiful cultural attractions in the Brandywine Valley,” said Jerry DuPhily, event organizer. “The area offers some of the best cycling terrain on the East Coast. Riders can experience the spectacular rolling hills of chateau country. The course will include world-class institutions such as Hagley Museum & Gardens, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, and Auburn Heights. 

 

Make the Wilmington Gran Prix part of a weekend escape to Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley, or, better yet, come ride in Sunday's Gran Fondo;this is a bucket-list ride for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. Start planning a visit today with our free Visitors Guide. To register or learn more about the Wilmington Grand Prix and Gran Fondo, visit www.wilmgrandprix.com.