Spectator Information
What is the Gran Prix of Beverly?
The Gran Prix of Beverly is a criterium, or crit, a bike race held on a short course (usually less than 5 km), often run on closed-off city centre streets. Race length can be determined by a total time or a number of laps, in which case the number of remaining laps is calculated as the race progresses. Generally the event's duration (commonly one hour) is shorter than that of a traditional road race — which can last many hours, sometimes over the course of several days or even weeks, as in a Grand Tour. However, the average speed and intensity are appreciably higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line.
Events often have prizes (called primes, pronounced "preems", and are usually cash) for winning specific intermediate laps (for instance, every 10th lap). A bell is usually rung to announce to the riders that whoever wins the next lap, wins the prime. Success in road criteriums requires a mix of good technical skills — in particular, the ability to corner smoothly, while "holding your line" on the road, as well as rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional "sprint" ability to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners.
Schedule
GP Beverly Kids Activities
Registration for Kids races & parade: 4:30-5:15pm on Beverly Common
Kids races: 5:30-6:00pm ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 race on grass on Beverly Common
Kids Parade: 6:00pm ride the adult race course with top pro riders! Free Gran Prix of Beverly Poster to all children
Fidelity Investments Gran Prix of Beverly Presented by Beverly Hospital
Start/Finish line on Cabot Street
Amateur Men 4:30pm
Women State Championship Race 5:20pm
Elite Men State Championship Race 6:35pm
Where is the best place to Watch?
The Gran Prix of Beverly is a downtown race - spectators are just inches away from the action! Riders will start and finish right on Cabot Street. There are plenty of great vantage points along the way.
After traveling the world, I'm excited for the opportunity to race just steps from my own home. I look forward to working with Essex County Velo to bring bike racing into the heart of downtown Beverly!
