Dana Point Grand Prix

The Dana Point Grand Prix is a community-oriented criterium cycling race that consists of a 0.8-mile L-shaped course that goes through major streets and residential areas. The race draws pro teams and racers nationwide, including Olympians, world champions and California’s top master’s teams.

Local charities benefit from money raised and community members have taken the race’s success to form the non-profit cycling group that, among other goals, promoted the sport of cycling to Dana Point’s youth – the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation (link to website). The Foundation is a nonprofit group that allows multiple charities to benefit from the Grand Prix as well as set the path for future cycling related events in town.

“The city wanted to hold an event that would promote cycling as a form of fitness and transportation,” said Capo Beach resident and event announcer Roger Worthington, who is largely responsible for bringing the event to town. Worthington used to organize a cycling race in San Clemente, and after collaborating with then Planning Commissioner Steve Weinberg in 2006, the Dana Point crit was born.

According to city council member Steven Weinberg, "If you've never seen this type of event, whether you're a kid or an adult, you're missing one of the best shows on earth." The people and city of Dana Point were honored to be able to give something back to the Marines for their service to this country.

"We see the health challenges faced by our clients every day, and we want to foster a culture that rewards healthy living," adds Worthington. "When you see a hundred kids pounding away on their bicycles, having more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and when you see their happy parents firing away non-stop with videos and digital cameras, you know you've struck the right chord."

 
Worthington and Floyd Landis at the 2008 Dana Point Grand Prix

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