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 racecourse 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.

Emily Hughes, who is a world renowned figure skater and Great Neck resident,will join us at the start of the race. 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.

This year a contingent from the Pennsylvania Lightning, which includes some of the hottest rookies in the sport, will be competing in this year's event. 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. Past winners include former USA team member Charlie Issendorf and Allesio Sala of Milan, Italy.

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.

You can register for the event on Sunday beginning at 10:45 a.m.