Greenville Cycling Classic returns April 30

The tree-lined streets of downtown Greenville will be home to some of the top professional cyclists in the country for an exhilarating day of racing on April 30.

Entering its third year, the Greenville Cycling Classic presented by Prisma Health will return to downtown Greenville, S.C., on April 30, 2026. Aside from the professional racers competing in this fact paced course in the heart of Greenville, community members can take part in its Ride with the Tour de France Legend while men’s and women’s collegiate races will showcase talent from across the Southeast Conference.

The event is part of USA CRITS, a series of criteriums featuring some of the fastest cycling in the United States.

“I’m thrilled to bring high-speed crit racing back to Greenville for its third year,” said George Hincapie, 17-time Tour de France veteran and five-time Olympian. “This event is a fantastic spring highlight for the entire community to enjoy, further enriching our blossoming cycling culture here in the Upstate.”

Set on a compact, enclosed circuit, the intricate course winds its way through the vibrant city center, giving spectators an up-close view of the thrilling action. The Greenville event unfolds on an exhilarating one-kilometer loop featuring tight turns and rapid straightaways through downtown. The start/finish line, along with the evening festivities, will be centered on North Main Street at One Plaza.

This is event made for spectators and it is free to attend.

“This event not only showcases the incredible talent of professional cyclists; it highlights Greenville’s commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Tim Brookshire, CEO for Prisma Health Greenville Memorial campus and its Upstate Market. “At Prisma Health, we stand by our communities. Because we’re not just here to heal, we’re Here for Good. Engaging in sports like cycling is a fantastic way for people to improve their health and well-being. Prisma Health is proud to support this exciting event that brings our community together and inspires people of all ages to embrace the joy of cycling.”

Schedule of events (view the course map here):
• 3:00 p.m. – Men’s Category 4/5 race
• 3:35 p.m. – Collegiate Men
• 4:10 p.m. – Collegiate Women
• 4:45 p.m. – Masters 45+
• 5:30 p.m. – Ride with the Tour de France Legends
• 6:00 p.m. – Men’s Category 2/3 race
• 7:00 p.m. – Women’s Pro 1/2/3 Category race
• 8:10 p.m. – Men’s Pro 1/2 Category race

The Tour de France Legends ride is free and open to all (riders must be aged 12 and older) and allows community members to join Greenville locals and retired professional cyclists George Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde and Bobby Julich for a cruise around the course.

Greenville has a rich history as a premier cycling destination. In 1986, the Michelin Cycling Classic became the first official pro race held right downtown – a tradition that continued for many years. Following that milestone, Greenville emerged as a favored venue for high-profile competitions like the Tour DuPont, the Olympic Torch Relay and several US Professional National Championship events. Since 2012, the Hincapie Gran Fondo has attracted thousands of cyclists to the city each year to experience the scenic terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Additionally, in 2024, EF/ONTO Cycling began a junior development arm of the Hincapie Sportswear professional team, designed to create opportunities for emerging North American talent. Its junior riders have produced five National Championships, nine appointments to the US National Team, eight professional contracts, seven World Championship appearances and a World Championship medal. Some EF/ONTO Cycling team junior riders will participate in the Pro 1/2 Races at the Greenville Cycling Classic.

The full event schedule, list of sponsors, volunteer opportunities, and additional details can be found on the event website: GreenvilleCyclingClassic.com. To register to ride, please visit https://www.bikereg.com/greenville-cycling-classic-pb-prisma-health. The registration deadline is the day before the race, April 30.