The Alabama Cycling Classic combines the Sunny King Criterium with the Noble Street Festival in downtown Anniston on Saturday, July 3, with the Piedmont Criterium on Sunday, July 4. It has been named a Top 10 Event in Alabama for tourism. Cyclists are expected to compete over the weekend, including many juniors and elite professionals from across the U.S.
Admission for spectators is free for all bicycle races, making it one of the most unique professional sporting events in the country. Sunny King Automotive Group continues as a longtime supporter of the Sunny King Criterium and Noble Street Festival. A portion of proceeds from all participant registration fees will be donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life chapter of Calhoun County. More than $120,000 has been raised for cancer research and patient support since 2002.
For information about races, partners and activities, visit www.annistoncycling.com. For information on the Noble Street Festival, visit www.mainstreetanniston.com/noblestreetfestival.
Saturday – Sunny King Criterium
Road Impacts:
- The start/finish line of the Sunny King Criterium will return to 11th and Noble streets in downtown Anniston, with 21 categorized races held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- There are four turns on the one-kilometer course.
- From the start/finish at 11th and Noble, racers will move in a counter-clockwise direction using Wilmer Ave., 12th St., Moore Ave. and back to 11th.
- All sections of downtown streets used for the bicycle races will be closed to ALL traffic beginning at 3 a.m. on Saturday. Roads in this area are expected to begin the reopening process after 10 p.m. Saturday.
How to Enjoy the Sunny King Criterium:
- There is a sound system all around the course for the bike races to hear the action.
- There is a giant video display board at the start/finish line to watch the races, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- The pro races begin with the women at 6:20 p.m., and then the men at 7:30 p.m.
- Tail-gaiting, well-behaved dogs (on leashes), coolers, and lawn chairs are all welcome all around the course.
- Bring a camera. Not only can you take photos as the racers go by, but there is an awards stage set up near the start/finish that is accessible to all fans.
- Can’t stay for the full day of racing? No problem. Go to AnnistonCycling.com and watch the live streaming powered by Sparklight and Alabama Power on your computer or mobile device!
- All along Noble Street, enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the Noble Street Festival, beginning at 11 a.m.
- City-owned parking lots are abundant in the downtown historic district and parking is free.
Sunday – Piedmont Criterium Road Impacts:
- The start/finish will be located near Piedmont City Hall on N.Center Ave
- The course loops in Downtown proper of the city of Piedmont and is .7 miles long per lap.
- The races will travel in a counter clockwise direction, beginning on N.Center Ave.
- North Center Ave, E.Ladiga, N. Church St sections of the course will be closed from 6:30am- 3:30pm on July 4th.
- Temporary traffic delays will be experienced throughout the day on E. Ladiga Street and several intersections when racers pass: N. Church St., Hood St, and N. Center St. Also Temporary Traffic delays on all cross streets of N. Center Ave inside the city limits of City of Piedmont.
- Be aware that the race entourage includes both professional cyclists and junior athletes ages 10-18 m/f – All Ages for adults.
- The City of Piedmont Police Department and city staff personnel will be controlling all traffic at course intersections in the downtown area. Obey ALL traffic directions for any barricades and for controlled intersections.
- Without alternate routes, please be patient as some delays may occur.
- In the case of emergencies, there will be police officers and course marshals at major intersections who can help to limit inconveniences.
