Nature Valley Grand Prix: The 411 on the Stillwater Criterium

The Nature Valley Valley Grand Prix is well on its way to Stillwater, where Chilkoot Hill awaits the field of top pro/elite men and women racers from across the country.

The event started Wednesday in St. Paul (photo gallery), headed off on a road race in Canon Falls (photo gallery) Thursday, will take to the streets of Uptown Minneapolis today, before taking to a road race in Menomonie, Wis., before finishing the grand prix in Stillwater on Sunday.

Road Closures:

* Starting at 8 am there will be no parking on the roads of the 1.25 mile course (First Street from Churchill to Pine; Second and Third streets from Chestnut to Pine; and Broadway from Pine to Churchill).

* Starting at 10 am Second and Third streets will be closed, as will Broadway and First on the course.

* The closures force traffic to Murtle and Main Street.

* Best way into town for the race is using Manning down 96 to the parking garage, which is one block from the course.

Best Views:

* Along Second Street

* Chilkoot Hill

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Spectator Tip from Race Officials:

The pack will shatter on the climbs in Stillwater, with the lead pack shrinking on every lap. The yellow jersey will be under serious pressure, with challengers pushing the pace to try to make the leader crack. The jersey often changes hands on this final day of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Event Schedule:

* 10:30 am – Expo opens & Stunt Rider Shows
* 10:45 am – CycleOps amateur race
* 11:45 am – Women’s Pro/Elite Race: 13 Laps
* 12:45 pm – Kids fun race
* 1:30 pm – Men’s Pro/Elite Race: 20 Laps
* 4:00 PM – Expo closes

After Party:

Members of the Men's Pro United Healthcare team will be signing autographs at Chilkoot Cafe and Cyclery, which is at the corner of Fourth Street and Churchill.

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