Manhattan Beach Grand Prix to Celebrate 60 Years
Jul 20, 2023 10:45AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Photo via Manhattan Beach Grand Prix/Dan Munson
On Sunday, don't be surprised if you see an unusual sight in Manhattan Beach: packs of professional cyclists whooshing down the Greenbelt at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Sunday marks the 60th anniversary of the Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, a destination race that draws amateur and professional cyclists from around the country.
“This event has been an integral part of the Manhattan Beach community, and we are thrilled to celebrate its 60th anniversary," said race director Greg Aden. "We are grateful to Chevron and our dedicated sponsors for their ongoing support, and we look forward to continuing the tradition for years to come.”
The 1.3-mile course circles counterclockwise from the Joslyn Center to 15th Street, up Ardmore to Pacific Ave., and back down Valley. All told, the course features two long straightaways, two sweeping 180° turns, and 50 feet of climbing per lap. Race
fans traditionally line the streets to cheer on the riders as their endurance is
worn away with each uphill climb.
The course is essentially "like a big paper clip," said Aden. But, he added, it's a fast and challenging course that attracts racers from all over - and it is a certified event that allows riders to qualify for state championship titles.
The Grand Prix has attracted some of the world’s top cyclists, including
several U.S. Olympic and World Champions as well as Tour de France
competitors.
Race Offers $20,500 in Total Prizes
Race organizers expect about 600 adult riders overall. The riders come from as many as 15 states, and a few countries such as Mexico.
The races (see the race schedule here) begin at 7:00 a.m. with amateur races, and progress in difficulty throughout the day.
The professional womens' race, which typically draws 35 to 40 women, begins at 1:30 and lasts for 55 minutes. Then the professional mens' race, which draws between 100 to 115 riders, begins at 2:30 and runs for 90 minutes.
The pro races offer a total of $20,500 in prizes. For both men and women, the top prize is $8,000.
The event also features the popular kids' races, open to kids ages 2 to 14, at 12:45 p.m. The distance for 2 to 6 year olds is 60 yards and for ages 7 and up it is 185 yards. Aden said that organizers expect about 200 participants for the kids' races.
Aside from cycling, the event is also host to the Manhattan Mile, a competitive net-downhill race along the course that offers a total of $4,500 in cash awards to the top runners. That race begins at 12:15 p.m.
60 Years of Cycling Excellence
This year, in honor of the event's 60th anniversary, organizers will be giving out prizes for the oldest race memorabilia.
Those who bring their memorabilia to the kids' races booth before 1:30 p.m. are eligible to compete for the following awards:
- Oldest Medal (kids and adult) $100 bike shop gift card
- Oldest Trophy (kids and adult) $100 bike shop gift card
- Oldest T-shirt (kids and adult) $100 bike shop gift card
The Manhattan Beach Grand Prix was founded by U.S. Bicycle Hall of Famer Ted Ernst. Ernst started
racing in 1947, at a time when he estimates there were only 1,000
racers in the country. After racing in Europe and South America and
lacking sufficient sponsorship to enter the Tour de France, he packed
up, moved to California, and opened up Ted’s Manhattan Cycles.
Ernst created the event in 1962 and it has now become one of America’s oldest
bike races. Ernst was also a founding member of the South Bay Wheelmen,
which organizes and provides dozens of volunteers at the event.
This year, Ernst, age 91, will serve as the honorary starter for the kids' races.
Chevron has also served as a long-running sponsor of the event, marking more than three decades of support.
“Chevron is proud to be the title sponsor for the 31st year of this wonderful community sporting
event," said Chevron's Corporate Affairs Manager Jeff Wilson in a statement. "It has become a legacy event in Manhattan Beach and among the cycling community."
event," said Chevron's Corporate Affairs Manager Jeff Wilson in a statement. "It has become a legacy event in Manhattan Beach and among the cycling community."
