Cycling Series Kicks off in Athens, Finale in Sandy Springs Next Week

The USA Southeast Crit Series, aka Speed Week, kicks off, Saturday, with seven races over 10 days.

The first race is the Athens Terrapin Twilight Criterium and the last race is the Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge on May 8. But you can also experience the whirlwind cyclists this Sunday, at the Historic Roswell Criterium.

More than 150 men’s professional and 60 women’s professional riders will compete for $150,000 in prize money.

Both the Roswell and Sandy Springs crits include amateur races and events. 

The Sandy Springs race is the brainchild of Sandy Springs City Councilwoman Dianne Fries, who started the Cycling Challenge in 2008. This year's event, near City Walk and Heritage Sandy Springs, falls on Mother's Day and includes a 62-mile amateur ride, an arts festival, concert and several eateries.

Speed Week pro races include:

The Terrapin Twilight Criterium -  Athens, Ga. on Saturday

Historic Roswell Criterium -  on Sunday

Beaufort Memorial Classic – Beaufort S.C. on Tuesday

Downtown Walterboro Criterium – Walterboro, S.C. on Wednesday

Spartanburg Regional Classic - Spartanburg, S.C. on May 6

Dilworth Criterium – Charlotte, N.C. on May 7

Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge – on May 8.