Residents should keep an eye out this weekend if they decide to spend some time walking around the city enjoying the summer weather: Bicyclists from around the globe will be speeding through the streets.
That's because the Carl Zach Cycling Classic rolls into town this Sunday, June 19. Races will begin at 11:00 a.m. just west of Couri Insurance downtown, 379 Main St., and run concurrently until 8:30 p.m.
The Classic is a stop on the Tour of Americas Dairyland and routinely attracts hundreds of national and international athletes.
This year, the event will also feature a 'Dad's Day Downtown' celebration in honor of Father's Day.
'We are excited to help bring world-class cycling to Waukesha,' said Jerry Couri, president of Couri Insurance Agency and title sponsor of the Classic. 'When we have the opportunity to show off our great city to people from around the globe, it's a win-win.'
'Cycling is such a long-standing tradition in our community,' said Judie Couri, president of Couri Insurance Associates. 'We love seeing the cheering crowds race day and supporting these young men and women as they work so hard to further their racing careers. Come down to enjoy cycling and honor all the Fathers in Waukesha on their day.'
Races will run clockwise starting just west of the Couri Insurance building and head east, turn south on Clinton Avenue, east on South Street, south on North Grand Avenue, west on Wisconsin Avenue, north on West Avenue, then east on Main Street back to the start/finish line.
The races include masters and category two through four, men and women. The women's pro ace begins at 5:00 p.m. and the men's pro race begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m.
Other associated events
As part of the Classic, the Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is partnering with the Friends of the Parks, to sponsor the Kiddie Klassic, a children's bicycle race scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Children ages 6 to 9 must be registered and wear a helmet.
Following the Kiddie Klassic will be the Dad's Day Balance Battle in conjunction with Wheel & Sprocket. Dad's and children ages 10-17 will race the course without pedals on their bikes. Pedals will be removed and re-installed by Wheel & Sprocket pros. Registration and helmet are required.
Pre-registration for either event is $5 by going to the WPRF website, or $7.00 race day. Same day registration will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Veterans Park, 710 N.West Ave.
There will also be live music in Cutler Park, 321 W. Wisconsin Ave., from 2 to 6 p.m. the day of the race from Cowboy Up and an appearance by the Milwaukee Brewers Racing Sausages.
Families will be allowed to climb trees — with employees from Treetop Explorer — in the park to watch the races or can follow the action on a Jumbotron.