Monday June 27, 2011

For those of you always saying there's nothing too do or nothing "cool" in Augusta, I certainly hoped you did miss the USA cycling championships this past week.

First of all, a big congratulations to the Greater Augusta Sports Council for bringing such a world class event to town. Secondly, it was a huge success! Everything I've seen and heard pointed in that direction.

Fort Gordon played a great venue as did Strom Thurmond Dam and downtown Augusta. I know the viewing areas may not have been spectator friendly for the road events, but to see the bikes zipping around downtown at break neck speeds was pretty darn cool.

You have to give them a pass on the other venues seeing what would be a good viewing area for races that last 14 to 30 miles? The start/finish line is the best place to be and that works for everyone.

Even though the names were unfamiliar to most, the caliber of the 1000 plus athletes was top notch. Many of the US Olympic team next year, will have competed here.

So if you missed it this year, make plans next year. The championships will return and here's hoping another 1000 cyclists will be in Augusta for the event.