INDIANAPOLIS — One of the nation's biggest cycling events for racers and casual riders is coming to downtown Indianapolis Friday and Saturday.
IU Health Momentum Indy is hosting high-level racing, a community ride and different activities for families July 12-13.
The centerpieces of the weekend are two nationally respected criterium races:
Mass Ave Crit
Friday night's Mass Ave Crit will be a twilight race starting at 9:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Mass Ave with around 400 pro and amateur cyclists competing. It is also a part of the American Criterium Cup series.
During this festival, cyclists will earn points that will help rank them throughout the national series.
Indy Crit
Saturday morning's Indy Crit will feature a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids race, bike obstacle course, BMX stunt show and more. It all starts at 9:30 a.m.
While the elite racers will be competing for thousands of dollars in prize money, anyone with a bike and helmet is encouraged to take part in the festivities, like the Honor Major Taylor Ride Saturday morning at 8 a.m.
"It's really unique, it's not like any other sporting event because everyone gets a front row seat," Executive Director Jennifer Cvar said.
Momentum Indy is the fifth stop in this cycling series and many cyclists tell 13News they've visited many cities through the series, but Indy's race is one of their favorites.
"It's right in line with when they say, 'all great racers come to Indy,'" Aaron Beebe said. "There's a lot of wonderful and terrific talent that's coming this weekend."
Beebe is one of many Hoosiers competing in this race, he says, it's nice to lead his teammates on the course he's trained all year long.
"There are going to be a lot of people in the crowd I know, but at the same time you compartmentalize that a little bit and try to think of it as any other race," he said. "We are still here to do a job and as long as we are winning it, that is the main goal."
The next stop in the series is Chicago.
To register for the honor ride, click here.
For more information on the weekend celebrations, click here.