Botetourt County is a hub for cycling and we have some exciting news and we need your help!
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, with support from Botetourt County and the City of Roanoke, will host the 2022 USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships. Several hundred athletes from all over the country will compete for a chance to earn national titles in the road race, individual time trial, and criterium.
“Botetourt County is thrilled to be a part of this esteemed event that will bring visitors and activity to the region,” said Chairman Dr. Richard Bailey, of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors. “We are known for outdoor recreation and stunning scenery. From the mountains to the river to our scenic county roads, we are a destination for those seeking adventure. These athletes will have the opportunity to experience Botetourt County’s beauty and the rolling landscape for three days of racing.”
During the week racers will compete in age groups from 11 to 22 years of age in three different races. On Wednesday, June 29, racing kicks off with the Individual Time Trial in Botetourt County on U.S. Route 11, basing operations at the Troutville Elementary School. Distances include, 6 miles, 14 miles, 17 miles and 19 miles.
On Thursday, June 30th and Friday, July 1st the road races will begin at the Botetourt Sports Complex and traverse the county with age dependent challenging 23-mile and 7-mile courses. The top athletes will climb just under 9,000 feet throughout their races. Motorists are reminded to use caution in the area. The public is invited to attend and cheer on the athletes!
The four-day event concludes on Saturday, July 2, with a sprinters’ race or criterium. The race will take place in Downtown Roanoke. Racers will tackle a unique, broad, five-corner course that will test all riders. The races will kick off at 8:00 a.m. and run until 7:15 p.m. With speeds approaching 30 mph on a technical course this event is like a Formula 1 car race on bicycles.
To sign up to volunteer or to learn more visit the USA Cycling Volunteer page.