competitions called the Piedmont Road
Race. Due to popularity, there are more
categories and larger payouts for the road
races this year.
Race director, Marilyn Cullinane says, “The
goal in 2020 is to increase to three days of
racing. Depending on which new city we
add and accounting for prize payout and
budget for staff will determine if we are
able to host a stage race in 2020.”
“The stage race, three-day race format
would offer two road races; one point to
point course, one criterium course and one
loop road race course,” she explains. “Point
to point, meaning from one city line to a
new city line location.”
Cullinane commends the City of Anniston
for hosting a “fantastic” one-day criterium
saying, “one of my goals in stepping up
to a stage race event is to increase the
success and participation in the Sunny
King Criterium… We need to keep building
events around the Sunny King Criterium
to increase awareness for our most prized,
King of Crits criterium event.
Cullinane is working with individuals
in Anniston and Calhoun County to
raise awareness to the new stage race
goals. Anyone interested in helping
fundraise or sponsor can contact info@
startsmartcycling.com.
“Thanks to the economic impact study
conducted by Jacksonville State University
several years ago, we know that the
Alabama Cycling Classic has a significant
economic impact, based on lodging
stays and the number of people who
attend or participate in the event. An
estimated 5,000 people attend the event,
14
and a sizable number stay at our local
hotels and eat at our area restaurants.
According to JSU’s survey, the Sunny King
Criterium and Noble Street Festival have
an estimated direct and indirect economic
impact of over $600,000,” said Linda Hearn,
manager of the Calhoun County Area
Chamber and Visitors Center. “This level
of tourism impact is a major reason why
the Chamber’s tourism arm is an annual
supporter of this event. Our understanding
is the state’s tourism department is a
large contributor to the event too, which
only enhances the event’s reputation as a
regional attraction.”
The Sunny King Criterium is managed by
Start Smart Cycling out of South Carolina.
The Noble Street Festival is managed
by Main Street Anniston. Both are
supported by many local businesses and
organizations.
Volunteers are recruited by the American
Cancer Society Relay for Life chapter of
Calhoun County. The popular Kidz Bicycle
Race and Mad Dash fun run are promoted
and managed by the YMCA and Kiwanis
Club of Calhoun County, with support from
Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association
(NEABA). And all 17 years have had the
support of the chamber and Sunny King
Automotive.
Want to be a part of the fun? Volunteers are
needed to help this event run as smoothly
as possible. If you are interested in joining
the volunteer team, please contact Noble
Street Festival and ACC directors.
April 2019
VOLUNTEER
INSIGHT