McLane Pacific Cycling Classic lifts 8-rider limit

The 13th Annual McLane Pacific Cycling Classic is the first non-stage race of the year for the United States Cycling Federation National Racing Calendar, scheduled for Saturday, March 4.

Breaking with tradition, the seasoned planning committee initially implemented the suggested eight-man rider limit for participating teams. After further discussions with team directors, the MPCC committee has decided not to cap the maximum number of riders eligible to race from each team for this year's event.

At the Downtown Grand Prix, internationally acclaimed cyclists will race around a 0.8 mile circuit in Merced, 70 miles southwest of Yosemite National Park. On the next day, the Foothills Road Race will take place on a 24-mile rolling loop.

"I call it the 'wake up race' because it's like the alarm clock going off after a season of training," said Brian Sheedy of Priority Health Cycling Team. "It always hurts going to McLane because it's really fast."

In all, over 1200 riders are expected to try their luck in Merced this year, which has many other spectator-attracting events planned for that particular weekend.

For more information about the race, please visit www.mclanepacificcyclingclassic.com.