Chevron Manhattan Grand Prix

62nd Annual CHEVRON MANHATTAN BEACH GRAND PRIX SET FOR June 25, 2023

Strongest Field in Years Highlights 48th Anniversary Year

Kid's Community Races at 2:45 pm - Kid's sign-ups begin at 10:00 am MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – The 62nd Annual Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix will take place Sunday, June 13, 2006, race officials announced. Record crowds are anticipated to support over 1,000 racers battling for $25,000 in prize money and the coveted winners' jerseys. Racing action begins at 7 a.m. “We can expect a spectacular day of world-class races,” said Rod Spackman, Public & Government Affairs Manager for Chevron, the event’s title sponsor for the past 15 years. “The Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix has helped cultivate a new generation of cycling enthusiast in Southern California. Professional bicycle racing is exploding in popularity, and we are honored that the South Bay and this event continues to serve as its base of support” More than 10,000 cycling fans will join the festivities and witness the two main events: the Women’s Pro Race beginning at 11 a.m. and the Men’s Pro Race at 1 p.m. This year’s Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix will also crown the Inaugural Woman’s Cycling Challenge champion. The Cycling Challenge was created for woman racers in Southern California and Nevada of all levels, to encourage and support participation in the sport. Another highlight of the day is the Community Races at 2:45 p.m., when children two to 14 years old will hop on bicycles, or tricycles, and compete for medals. All participants will receive an official race number, a medal and an event T-shirt. In its history, the Grand Prix has hosted some of the world’s top cyclists, including several U.S. Olympic and World Champions as well as Tour de France competitors. The race’s attraction is due to its reputation as a challenging and technical criterium. Shaped like a slightly bent “paperclip,” the course features two long straight-aways and two sweeping 180-degree turns. Riders face a headwind on the downward slope, which hinders breakaways. Team tactics are a must and setting up for the final turn is essential to win the event. Some of the world-class teams returning this year include Toyota United Cycling, Health Net and Navigators. About the Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix The 1.4-mile course circles clockwise around Live Oak Park, up Valley Drive and Down Ardmore, from 15th Street to Pacific Avenue. Race fans will line the streets to cheer on the riders as their endurance is worn away with each uphill climb. The Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix is one of the premiere competitions on the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) circuit. Manhattan Beach cyclist Ted Ernst founded the event in 1962 and it has now become one of America’s oldest bike races. He was also a founding member of the South Bay Wheelmen which, along with the Lions Club of Manhattan Beach, organizes and provides dozens of volunteers for the race. Ernst, the Wheelmen and Lion’s Club members remain a driving force behind the event. The 2006 Manhattan Beach Grand Prix will mark Chevron’s 15th year as title sponsor, continuing the company’s commitment to community service. Proceeds from the race will support Lion’s Club programs for children and the elderly, including scholarships for local Mira Costa High School Students. “The Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix makes a significant impact on the Lion’s Club every year,” said Bob Jones, who represents the Lion’s Club and serves as the Grand Prix’s operations director. “We encourage people to come out and support this event, and experience the thrill of world-class cycling. It’s for a great cause and watching live racing is as exciting as it gets.” For more information on the 45th Annual Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, please visit mbgp.com.