Around the Worlds Notebook

After an exciting opening weekend (including a victory for American Taylor Phinney and his BMC Cycling team) of the UCI World Road Championships, there was more action on the streets of RVA today, including the Junior Women’s Individual Time Trial and the Under-23 Men’s Individual Time Trial. In the Women’s race, riders from Team USA took the top two spots, with Chloe Dygert coming in first and Emma White finishing second. Check out this video, shot by Sports Backers’ own Amy Waters, from the chase car behind Chloe during her ride as she crosses the Lee Bridge in downtown Richmond. In the Under-23 Men’s race, Mads Schmidt of Denmark took the top spot.

Sunday’s Team Time Trials started at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which has a long history as a cycling hub in Richmond. Enthusiastic crowds gathered at the Garden, and lined the course through Lakeside and into the Fan. Lewis Ginter’s Facebook page (the page of the Garden, not actually Lewis Ginter’s own page) has some great photos and video of the races and festivities, and it’s a bonus for everyone when events like the World Championships can introduce visitors and residents alike to some area highlights like the Garden. Opportunities like that will present themselves throughout the week. In fact, as I was walking through Jackson Ward to the Convention Center to pick up my media credential last Friday, I was reminded of the history, character, and culture that can be found throughout that neighborhood (not to mention the great aromas coming out of a few of the restaurants that I walked past – looking at you Big Herm’s Kitchen and The Cultured Swine).

Tuesday’s races will feature the Junior Men’s Individual Time Trial in the morning, and the Elite Women’s Individual Time Trial in the afternoon, so there will be plenty of excitement throughout the day. A great way to stay updated on the schedule, courses, maps, and other events associated with the World Championships is the Richmond 2015 app, which is free and available for download. And while you’re out cruising on your tandem bike and enjoying the races, be sure to take some time to appreciate all that RVA has to offer, whether you’re a visitor or long-time resident.