The Tour of Lawrence was a three day cycling celebration that began downtown on June 26 with street sprints and an evening of music and family entertainment.
Saturday the Campus Criterium Race showcased Haskell Indian Nations University and the Breezedale Historic District with a 2.2 mile loop bicycle course, followed by at Downtown Criterium that used the former two-time Collegiate National Championship course. Case prizes for the weekend totaled over $20,000.
Bob Sanner of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors’ Bureau said events like this help bring the community together and also get national attention for Lawrence.
“Seven hundred riders in the race and 2500 people downtown help create the idea that Lawrence is THE Midwest events destination,” Sanner said. “It helps sell Lawrence to corporations and shows companies that they should bring their events, conferences and meetings to Lawrence.
“Our downtown track meet even got international attention. All these events demonstrate what Lawrence can do.”
Sanner said he is thankful for volunteers, some of whom came from Central Rotary, who man these events. He believe in promoting events on social media using the slogans “Explore Lawrence,” and “Unmistakably Lawrence.”
“Being a university community helps,” he said. “There’s a youthful vibe that I really enjoy.”
