Pro racing returns to San Francisco with twilight race

San Francisco's hills will once again be the focus of a major professional bicycle race when the San Francisco Twilight Criterium takes place Saturday, September 13. More than 400 of the best male and female cyclists in the country will line up as the sun sets over the Golden Gate Bridge. The race is round ten in the USA Crits series.

The six-tenths-of-a-mile course around Cow Hollow will provide the backdrop for drama and spectator entertainment. San Francisco's Union Streets and Fillmore Streets will be transformed as part of an eight-block course that will be covered almost once a minute for an hour. A fast plunge down Fillmore Street, technically tricky corners and a false flat around the final turn means fantastic viewing points on almost every corner.

The star cyclists in the peloton – Olympians, national champions, and series leaders – will be called to the line first and set the scene for an adrenalin-laced evening. An athlete village will offer the opportunity for fans to walk up to the riders and get autographs minutes before the races.

"We are very pleased to host this exciting race after the incredible display of athleticism and sportsmanship at the Beijing Olympics," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "It is very important to support an event like this, which allows members of our local community to compete against the best professional racers in the country, and inspires our youngest to participate in sports and group activities."

For more information, visit www.sftwilight.com.