“What a day!†This was the response over and over again after the pros hit the finish line August 17 at the inaugural Brentwood Grand Prix, highlighting a day that saw over 600 racers compete in eight separate events for a total purse of $10,000. The downtown setting clearly had the allure to draw in racers from all over Southern California with some of the largest fields of the year.
Spectators were treated not only to great racing but a large expo area where vendors were offering everything from cycling apparel to free massages. The day-long exposition area showed the latest in cycling technology, nutritional products, food vendors, and included a free bicycle valet and package check.
The Kid’s Races, sponsored by Helen’s Cycles, provided some of the most memorable images of the day as the crowds cheered cycling’s next generation to the finish line.
One spectator dining outside at Gaucho Grill summed things up quite nicely when he said, “Where else can you enjoy a fine glass of wine and see a pack of 100 cyclists race by at 35 miles per hour?â€
Brentwood is home to the Velo Club La Grange, hosts of the Brentwood Grand Prix. They are one of the oldest and largest cycling clubs in California, with over 400 members nationwide.
