Carlsbad Grand Prix

I love riding my bike, I love watching the pros ride, but until the last few years I had no interest in watching local/​regional bike races.
All that changed with the Carlsbad Grand Prix. It all comes down to the amazing bike culture we have here with local teams and local sponsors coming together to promote the best of cycling. Unlike 5k’s and tri’s which we all known more as individual sports. There is an aspect of cycling that is communal which separates it from other races. The fact that we do group rides, compete on strava and learn from other riders make us even more competitive.
First off the view is unbeatable (above the flower fields with 100 degree view of the ocean. The crit is flat (basically) and fast with only 1 corner to really worry about. The last corner sees crashes of people positioning themselves. The recent edition was wet and saw wipe outs. It’s a closed course blocked by CPD. The sponsors have really grown and provide pace cars, trail moto, on course ref’s and officials along with expo.
With most of the big races in San Diego, Long Beach, Ontario, Redlands. This and the recent SLR put racing back in NCSD and with such an abundance of talent training locally.
This race has sparked my interest to upgrade from a Cat 6 racer.
For other fun races check out Belgain Waffle Ride, SLR over more recreational rides like Bike The Coast.