The Johnson City Omnium is celebrating its 14th year in 2020 with a few adjustments from its typical format.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the event that is typically held at the end of May in Downtown Johnson City, will take place Aug.15-16 in Elizabethton. Details regarding these changes as well as new policies concerning COVID-19 can be found at www.jcomnium.com.
The three races that make up the Omnium are known to cyclists as the most challenging racing east of the Rockies. The huge variety in terrain and type of racing has proven to be instrumental in developing bicycle racers who can be competitive both nationally and internationally.
Two of the races will follow the same routes from previous years. On Aug. 15, racers will compete in the Carter County Roan Groan. This race takes riders on as many as 80 miles and almost 10,000 feet of climbing. It’s followed by the Ballad Health Time Trail in Unicoi County. This 3-mile course features a 1-mile climb.
The final race in the series takes place on Sunday, Aug. 16. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets in Downtown Elizabethton to see the action up close at the Fat Tire Criterium. This course is expected to be even faster than the Johnson City course and organizers anticipate plenty of action.
Early registration for the Johnson City Omnium recently closed with a 45-percent increase over last year’s early registration. These early registrants indicate not only an increase in the number of racers but very competitive fields. There are three current National Champions, four returning Omnium winners from last year and the 2018 Omnium Pro/Am winner. They represent 19 States.
“With all of the races either being postponed or canceled, it’s both refreshing and motivating knowing that a race as popular, and hard, as Johnson City is still going to be happening,” said Pro/Am racer and current National Road Champion Luca Scuriatti. The 17 year-old from Washington, D.C. added, “I am really looking forward to the road race in particular, as I’ve never done a race with over 9,000 feet of climbing!”
Proceeds from the event go to the Science Hill High School NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) racing team, Northeast Tennessee Cycling NICA racing team, Johnson City Morning Rotary Foundation, Milligan Women’s Elite Cycling and Carter County Amateur Radio Club.
For more information on the Johnson City Omnium visit jcomnium.com or contact director@jcomnium.com.
