Dana Point Grand Prix, Dana Point, CA
The Law Offices of Roger G. Worthington, P.C. Partners with the 3rd Annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling as Title Sponsor for 2009 Click here for more information. Click here for a race flyer.
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| Landis, Sutherland, Kilun to race Worthington-sponsored Dana Point Grand Prix - 4/26/2009 |
The Dana Point Grand Prix is a community-oriented criterium cycling race that consists of a 0.8-mile L-shaped course that goes though major streets and residential areas. The race draws pro teams and racers nationwide, including Olympians, world champs and California’s top masters teams.
Local charities benefit from money raised and community members have taken the race’s success to form the non-profit cycling group that, among other goals, promoted the sport of cycling to Dana Point’s youth – the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation (link to website). The Foundation is a nonprofit group that allows multiple charities to benefit from the Grand Prix as well as set the path for future cycling related events in town.
“The city wanted to hold an event that would promote cycling as a form of fitness and transportation.” said Capo Beach resident and event announcer Roger Worthington, who’s largely responsible for bringing the event to town. Worthington used to organize a cycling race in San Clemente (link to webpage), and after collaborating with then Planning Commissioner Steve Weinberg in 2006, the Dana Point crit was born.
Despite a race that boasts big names, Worthington and others are just as excited to watch the kids race. “There’s nothing sweeter than the sight of a ruddy-cheeked kid huffing, puffing and laughing,” he said. Joining Worthington in the announcer’s booth in 2008 was Floyd Landis, who entertained the crowd with his bike race insights and a moving rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues” his hero, Johnny Cash.
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| Roger Worthington announcing the Dana Point Grand Prix with 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Steve Hegg. April 26, 2009 |
According to city council member Steven Weinberg, "If you've never seen this type of event, whether you're a kid or an adult, you're missing one of the best shows on earth." The people and city of Dana Point were honored to be able to give something back to the Marines for their service to this country.
"We see the health challenges faced by our clients every day, and we want to foster a culture that rewards healthy living," adds Worthington. "When you see a hundred kids pounding away on their bicycles, having more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and when you see their happy parents firing away non-stop with videos and digital cameras, you know you've struck the right chord."
A Call for Kids! Dan Point Grand Prix of Cycling organizers are reaching out to youngsters to complete for free at the annual road race (April 17, 2009)
Click here for photos of the 2008 event.
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| Working the Mike! Worthington and Floyd Landis at the 2008 Dana Point Grand Prix |