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Sports

Here's How to Watch, Enjoy Grand Prix Bicycle Racing in Geneva July 9

Grand Prix racing is s sophisticated and fun sport to watch. Here are some tips on how to enhance your enjoyment of the race in Geneva on July 9.

Amateur and professional cyclists from all over the United States and even the world will be racing in downtown Geneva from 10 a.m. to 8:30 pm. July 9.

Here’s how to make sense of it and key places to watch the action, courtesy of the city of Geneva.

Sprinters vs. Endurance

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A criterium is fundamentally a contest between sprinters and endurance riders. Endurance riders keep a fast, steady pace and aim to break away from the pack to win. Sprinters conserve energy by keeping the pack together so they can hit a sudden burst of speed at the end to win.

Drafting

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Bicycle-race strategies revolve around the wind. A cyclist riding closely behind another can save over a third of his energy. That's why most racers stay in a group, known as “the pack” or “peloton.”

Cyclists sometimes work together, taking turns at the pack's front and sharing the work by taking the brunt of the wind. The pack's shape tells you how hard and fast they are going. When riding in single file, everyone’s working as hard as possible. When the pack is three or four riders abreast, they’re taking a few moments to recover.

Teams

Riders compete in teams and work together. Riders have different roles and develop strategies that fit their team's goals for the race.

Strategy

A common team strategy is for one or two members to try to get into a breakaway group early, while the team’s sprinter takes it relatively easy in back, out of the wind.

If an endurance rider successfully establishes a breakaway group, the rest of the team will try to disrupt the pack’s efforts to chase them down. But if the breakaway group is caught, the sprinter will take over and use a “leadout” to set him or her up for a bunch sprint at the end.

The course in Geneva offers great spots to see pro bike racing at its best.

Tricky Turns

The South Street section of the course promises to be and exciting mix of speed and bike handling skill. So stand back and enjoy!

The Eye of the Storm

The start/finish line is at the corner of Franklin and Seventh streets. From here you can see racers coming and going from many angles, talk about the race with other fans and talk to riders.

Pure Speed

Riders will reach top speeds, sometimes in excess of 40 mph, racing down Campbell Street and Fourth Street. You’ll feel the rush of wind as the pack passes by.

Best Seat in the House

Everywhere! Make a day of it and enjoy one of the most beautiful and exciting sports in the world.

Make Some Noise

Remember to make some noise as riders race by. Riders feed of the energy of the crowd. Do anything that lets them know you are watching: clap, shout, whistle, ring a cow bell, heck put a bunch of pennies in an empty water bottle and rattle it as they go by!

Most of all, come out and have fun.

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