As with every other year, the road cycling events calendar for 2024 is a packed one, and while we’ve already witnessed some keenly contested contests to date, there’s plenty more where they came from.
As the months have rolled past (is it May already?), some truly epic road cycling events have already taken place across Southern California. Events such as the SoCalCross – CXLA, which saw categories race in temperatures of 70 and above, and the Taylor Elizbeth Clifford Memorial Grand Prix in Costa Messa are just a couple that have dominated the headlines in 2024 due to how competitively contested they were.
If you missed those, there’s no need to worry, as the calendar going forward still has plenty of events you can attend. Whether you’re a cycling fan, like to wager on the results via sites like https://www.betting.us/, or a rider hoping to take part, We’ve listed some of the most prominent road cycling events still to come in 2024.
USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships (May 14-19)
You’ll not have to wait long for the first of some seriously exciting 2024 road cycling events in the Southern California Calendar throughout the rest of the year. The USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships recently took place starting on May 14th. This six-day event featured a packed schedule of time trials, criterium, and road races across the Junior, Under 23s, and Elite men and women categories.
27th Annual Barrio Logan Grand Prix (June 15)
If that’s too soon for you to arrange some time off, why not plan ahead for the 27th Annual Barrio Logan Grand Prix in the middle of June? You have plenty of time to book time off, order tickets, and plan a day of high-quality road cycling spectating.
One of Southern California’s most significant races each year, the event is renowned for offering heart-pumping bicycle racing performed by a mix of professional and amateur racers. Better yet, any aspiring road racers among you can get involved, as the Barrio Grand Prix is open to anyone of all skill levels and experience. Whether you’re of Olympic-level quality or want to compete in your first event, you’re welcome.
The event takes place in the Barrio Logan District of downtown San Diego at 7 am on 15 June and runs until each of the dozen races across its infamous 0.8-mile street circuit has finished.
Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (July 14)
You’ll just have to wait a month after the completion of that famous annual cycling event before another comes along in the shape of the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix. As more knowledgeable race fans will know, this is the country’s second-oldest one-day bike race that has taken place since 1962.
Reasons to go include seeing whether the Williams brothers can continue their dominance of the men’s event. Between them, Cory and Justin Williams have won the last six races, with both tied on three a piece. The women’s event is what you might class more competitive, with Colleen Gulick, the reigning champion, after winning the event for the first time in 2023.
Majestic Grand Prix Costa Mesa (July 21)
If you’re a hardcore road racing fan, fast forward a week after the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix; there’s the Majestic Grand Prix in Costa Mesa to consider. This will be the 13th event since its inception in 2011 and will attract a great mix of professional and amateur riders.
Kicking off at 6 am on Sunday, 21 July, the event hosts 13 races across different age and gender categories, while men, women, and children can also participate in the 5k run-walk.
Fiesta Island Time Trial (September 29)
The last of the more notable races on the packed Southern California road cycling events calendar for 2024 is a time trial series that has run in San Diego since 1968. Single racers, tandems, and teams can all compete for glory in one of the city’s oldest cycling events.
Known for going ahead no matter the weather conditions, the Fiesta Island Time Trial pits racers against the clock rather than directly against competitors – although they’re ultimately ranked by their times. The first racer shoots off at 7:00:30 am, and the rest of the field, up to 150, is released in 30-second intervals afterward.
Ready to Ride Off Into the Sunset?
The above list should have you covered if you’re looking for some fantastic road cycling events to attend or race in during the remainder of 2024. We’re sure you’ll agree there are some cracking events made up of a mix of iconic and traditional races and some exciting up-and-coming occasions.
Photo © Christy Nicholson / EchelonDesignPhoto.com
