The United Community Fund Great Neck International Bicycle Race will take place rain or shine on Sunday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The race is open to U.S.C.F. licensed amateur and professional riders only. Races will take place for both men and women, according to age and skill, with the final feature race being 50 laps or 30 miles. The race course starts at the intersection of Canterbury and Grace Avenue, runs up Grace Avenue, makes a left on Chapel Place and left on Grace Avenue back to the start/finish. The course will be barricaded off and the streets will be cleared of parked vehicles.

At the 2006 bike race (l. to r.): Joel Liebowitz, Village of Great Neck Plaza trustee; David Emanuel, race organizer; Michael Larkin, UCF executive director; Jean Celender, mayor of the Village of Great Neck Plaza.

The event is being hosted by the Village of Great Neck Plaza and is in memory of former Mayor Allan Gussack. Race organizer David Emanuel noted that Mayor Gussack realized that events such as this provide our youth with positive role models and promote interest in sports which are part of a fun and family lifestyle. This event is now held as a tribute to his vision.

Riders in the past have come from 12 countries and 13 states and have included medalists in the Junior and Senior National Championships, Olympians and district champions. Winners in the past have included former USA team member Charlie Issendorf and Allesio Sala of Milan, Italy.

Our generous event sponsors include Anton Community Newspapers, United Capital Corporation, The Inn at Great Neck, Daniel and Gilda Zirinsky, North Shore Cyclery and Fitness, Iron Horse Bicycle Company, the Village of Great Neck Plaza and the Town of North Hempstead.

To register for the event go to www.gnibr.com or call 482-8101.