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Boston Has Become ‘World-Class City for Biking’ As Cyclists Return for TD Bank Mayor’s Cup Race

Downtown Boston is used to being cluttered with cars, pedestrians and bikers making their way around the city. But in a few months, the bikers won’t have to share the road with anyone as all eyes will be on the cyclists competing for the TD Bank Mayor’s cup.

The finale of the USA Cycling’s National Criterium will be held in the heart of Boston on September 22, 2012. Entering its fourth year, the race will host nearly 200 of the best professional racers, including Olympians and national champions.

The winner of the race will take home top honors in America’s premier season-long criterium series, and a cash prize of $30,000 to be split between both male and female winners.

“We are proud of how much this event has grown in just a few short years,” Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “The TD Bank Mayor’s Cup is a great symbol of how far Boston has come in being recognized as a world-class city for biking and we’re honored to host these top cyclists again this year.”

The course encircles Boston’s City Hall Plaza and Government Center, giving spectator’s plenty of great view points to watch the race.The event is expected to draw a crowd of more than 10,000 people.

The TD Bank Mayor’s Cup is part of a two-day Boston Cycling Celebration, one of the country’s largest weekend cycling festivals.

The weekend will also feature amateur races, the Boloco Block Party on City Hall Plaza, and the eighth Annual Hub on Wheels Charity Ride.

In addition to establishing the cycling series winner, TD Bank Mayor’s Cup has helped to raise the city’s significance in the biking world. Boston was recently ranked among “America’s 20 Best Cycling Cities” by Bicycling Magazing, and also received a silver level designation