While Lance is busy biking through France, hundreds of professional, and elite amateur, cyclists have rolled into our backyard for the first ever Tour of the Valley, sponsored by the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and local team Carbon Racing.
"People from out of state, and out of city are coming in here saying they're just breathless. They're saying we had no idea that it was this great here in the Mahoning Valley," says Phil Moore, Executive Director of the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"The organization's been excellent so far, and the prize money is very good," says Rick Parr, a cyclist from North Canton.
There is $12,500 in total cash prizes handed out for 17 races at four stages over three days. Time trials started early Friday morning at Mastropietro Winery in Berlin Center and the action continued with a criterium through Canfield in the afternoon.
"Short course, but very fast, and it's going to be great for spectators. We're expecting a big crowd," says Moore.
So are many local shops and restaurants, setting out tables for folks to enjoy even more of the local flavor.
"What more could you want? I'm sitting on the front line watching bikers go by, having green tea and eating soup, what a wonderful day," says Joe Downey of Poland.
How about two more days of racing? Saturday features a grueling 66-mile road race climbing through Columbiana, then another criterium around downtown Youngstown on Sunday. Moore says, "This is something this area's not used to, but it's something that our locale is perfect for."
"The first question I've been asked is-- are we going to do it again next year? So that's great. Any time we can bring this many people into our community and let them support our local businesses, we're happy," says Canfield Mayor Bill Kay.
