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Watching the RacesThe Univest Grand Prix is a two-day family festival held in historic Montgomery and Bucks Counties, Pennsylvania, and built around the excitement and prestige of televised professional bicycle racing. The festival consists of two spectacular pro races, races for children ages 3 to 17 combined with a children's fun fair, and a special ride for the "weekend warriors" - recreational cyclists who want to test themselves on a true racecourse. Adding to the full weekend is the Doylestown Arts Festival that complements Sunday's Univest Grand Prix of Doylestown, held in the beautiful Victorian town. Great locations and local food combine with the excitement of pro racing to make the Univest Grand Prix one of the most entertaining weekends a family can find. What's more, it's free for all.
Univest Grand Prix Road Race, Saturday, September 8thNorth America's Pro Classic live! Watch on a giant TV screen at the finish line in Souderton. Or if at home, be sure to watch Channel 69 WFMZ-TV's live, start-to-finish coverage from 10:30 am to the finish at 3:00 pm. National and international fans can see it live too -- the last two hours are live on the internet television channel, cycling.tv. The Univest Grand Prix is a true, classic road race where top racing cyclists from across the globe gather to do battle with North America's finest stars on a hilly and twisting course that only a strongman can win. Teams from Italy, Mexico, Holland, Poland, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada and Germany have honored the Univest Grand Prix with their presence over the years, and given the race its stellar international reputation. The Univest Grand Prix has unique character: It begins with a scenic 70-mile loop, passing through Lansdale before heading Northwest across Montgomery County into very beautiful countryside. The race crosses covered bridges and flys across reservoirs. The "peloton" hits the final Souderton/Telford finishing circuit at about 1:00 pm for thirteen laps of the brutally hard (and spectator friendly) 5 kilometer/3-mile loop. Fans see the riders up close and pushed to their very limits in a true test of endurance and skill. Where's the best place to watch the racing on Saturday?There are a variety of ways to watch a bicycle road race. The first place to choose is right in Souderton near the start/finish line. It's there that the giant TV and announcers will keep you informed, that area foods are available and where you can see the excitement of the final sprint. Walk up the Wile Avenue hill and see the riders struggle up it - there's a reason the crowds in Europe always flock to the uphill sections. Go watch on the hill and you'll understand why. Then walk back to the start/finish line with 2 or so laps to go for the finish. Another active way to watch, is to walk the 3 mile circuit backwards. If you are a brisk walker, you can make it back for the finish. You see the riders the most often that way, and on every part of the racecourse. To add to the fullness of your day, make a road rally of it. Go early and pick one or even two spots on the opening 70-mile loop and watch the race go by before heading back to Souderton, hopefully ahead of the pack, to watch the final laps on the circuit. Excellent vantage points around the race course include:
Live Radio, TV and WebcastBring a radio with you (or tune your car radio) and follow the live action on WNPV 1440 am radio from 10:00 am to the finish at 3:00 pm. You can also watch the event live, start to finish on WFMZ-69 starting at 10:30 am.. Spectators in Souderton on race day will be able to follow the action from start to finish on an elevated giant screen television that will be visible from the downtown area. And a world-wide audience will also be able to tune in for the action at www.wfmz.com and at Cycling.tv. You may also read live reports at www.cyclingnews.com NBC-10 Summary Show on Sunday, September 23rd, from 12:30 to 1:30 pmUnivest Grand Prix of Doylestown, Sunday, September 9thThe Criterium! This short circuit, fast-action racing style represents the heart and soul of USA racing. Held on a new 1.5-mile course in the center of Doylestown, the race encircles their famed Arts Festival. The Univest Grand Prix of Doylestown begins at 11:00 am and ends at about 1:00 pm. Get there early for a prime viewing spot, watch the intensity of the pros unfold, then finish off your day, and the perfect weekend, with the Arts Festival. Kids races too! Free to all, registration at 9:30 am, sprints on the finish line stretch from 10:00 to 10:30 am. Autograph sessions with the pros for the kids. See the Children's Races section for more information. Start/Finish Line: West Court and Main Street, Doylestown. HotelsOfficial Race Hotel Other Hotels Race Office Children's and High School RacesSouderton, Saturday, September 8th Doylestown, Sunday, September 9th Admission is free for all for both days. Helmets must be worn. Prizes will be awarded to all participants. Please see the High School Race section for more information What do some of those cycling terms mean?
Directions>Printer Friendly Version of Directions Directions to Souderton: From Interstate 78 and Route 309: From PA Turnpike: Directions To Doylestown
From Race Hotel (Best Western New Hope Inn): From the North. Traveling on Rt. 611 South: From the South, Traveling on Rt. 611 North: From the East. Traveling on Rt. 202 South: From the West, Traveling on Rt. 202 North: |
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