University of Richmond prepares to host start of UCI Road World Championship Men's Elite Road Race

University of Richmond is making final preparations to host the start of the UCI Road World Championship Men’s Elite Road Race.

“We are working closely with the Richmond 2015 team to ensure the race goes smoothly while on campus,” said David McCoy, assistant vice president of Public Safety for the university.

The event will not significantly disrupt campus life because the race is happening Sunday, Sept. 27.

UCI Worlds and Richmond 2015 will be on campus Saturday, Sept. 26, to install the start line, tents and other structures needed to provide support for the racers and to ensure a great fan experience.

As a result, Richmond Way between Westhampton Way and Lakeview Lane will close at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and will not reopen until Sunday afternoon.

On race day, the full campus race route will close at 7:45 a.m. and will reopen once the cyclists have cleared campus. Richmond Way will remain closed until the afternoon.

Visitors may increase their fan experience by visiting the teams prior to the race start. The staging area for the teams is located along Gateway Road.

Ahead of the race, UR’s Facilities staff removed five speed bumps to ensure a smooth ride for cyclists. The speed bumps will be reinstalled.

During the race, campus buildings are closed to the general public with the exception of Tyler Haynes Commons and the Heilman Dining Center. Within Tyler Haynes Commons, Tyler’s Grill on the first floor and the University Bookstore on the second floor will be open 7 to 10 a.m. Sunday. The dining center will open for a full breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. and will switch to brunch at 11 a.m.

Due to its proximity to the race route, Boatwright Memorial Library will be closed to students, faculty, staff, and the public from 4 a.m. until noon on Sept. 27. Eight-Fifteen at Boatwright, the café attached to the library, will be open from 7 to 10 a.m. Sunday.

While the Carole Weinstein International Center is closed, Passport Café, which is located in one corner of the building, will be open 7 to 10 a.m. Sunday. An international festival also will be held in the courtyard before the race and immediately following it.

UR has reserved several lots for community members, including lots B1, B2, B3 and B5, which are near the football stadium. Lots R22 and R23, which are on either side of Richmond Way near the Law School also are available to the public.

As for where to watch the race on campus, there are several great spots, including the hill in front of Boatwright Memorial Library. Other locations include the turn from campus onto Boatwright Drive, the Carole Weinstein International Center and the lawn across the road from the Center.

“This is a great opportunity for the university,” said UR President Ronald A. Crutcher. “We are thrilled to be hosting the thousands of spectators who will attend the Men’s Elite Road Race, and we are excited that viewers around the world will have a chance to know more about the university through this event.” 

For more information, visit richmond.edu/richmond2015.

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