Course: A .8 mile loop on N St., 19th St., 20th St., 21st St., and 18th St.
Course Description: The Downtown Grand Prix is in the same general
area and on some of the same roads as the
Merced Criterium. The course has eight corners
and the pavement can be pretty rough. Some sections of the course are very
narrow and tight.
Road Surface: Smooth is some places, rough in others. Bring strong wheels.
Gearing: 12x21
Facilities: This is a big time race so expect bathrooms and food to be readily available.
Weather: Getting into late March the weather should be nice, but you never know.
Feeding: N/A.
Rules Specific to this race: There were a whole lot of flat tires in the Merced criterium which was run on some of the same roads. Be sure that you have some wheels in the pit.
Race Advice: On a tight and twisty course the field will tend to string out. Riders who are not near the front of the pack will have to work harder coming out of each corner to stay in contact. With all of those turns it might be easier for a breakaway to work.
Lodging: There is plenty of lodging in Merced.
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Corrections and additions, please email me!
Kevin Metcalfe
[email protected]