With the Carl Zach Cycling Classic taking place Sunday, downtown Waukesha will become the hub for hundreds of bicyclists this weekend.
Beginning with the boys and girls ages 10 to 14 junior division at 10:30 a.m., there are 10 races throughout the day. The last race begins at 6:30 p.m. and is a 90-minute race.
Streets used for the race route during the day will be closed.
The route will run in a clockwise direction starting on W. Main St. in front of Court Insurance, 379 W. Main St., and heading east.
Bicyclists, who could travel more than 30 mph in the pro divisions, will then turn south on Grand Avenue, west on Wisconsin Avenue, south on Maple Avenue, west on W. Park Ave., north on West Avenue, east on Main Street and then back to the start/finish line in front of Couri Insurance, the sponsor for this year’s race.
In addition to the races, there will be a Kiddie Klassic, a Bike Safety program and a short race along the cycling course between Veterans Park and Maple Avenue.
The first 100 children registered receive a free bike helmet. All children participating are required to wear a helmet during the race.
The Kiddie Klassic begins at 11:30 a.m. There are three age categories: 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7 and 9. Registration is $5 in advance or $7 on the day of the event. Registration can be done through the Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.
The day-long event is named in honor of Carl Zach, a competitive bicyclist who grew up in Waukesha.
In 1999, Zach established the Spring City Velo Cycling Team and mentored team members. Zach was killed on July 4, 2000 on the last lap of the Criterium of Independence Race in Fox Point.
In 2000, the Waukesha Cycling Classic was dedicated in Zach’s memory and shortly thereafter, the race was renamed the Carl Zach Cycling Classic.
The Classic is part of the Tour of America’s Dairyland series and the Midwest Cycling Series.
There are medals for the junior races and monetary prizes for the adult divisions.