Hi Joey,
The Gloucester Times is going to run a story about the Gran Prix of Gloucester, possibly in Saturday’s edition. I wanted to share the statement that I provided them. Please feel free to run all of this.
On a personal note, I love Gloucester. My family and I are regular visitors at Wingaersheek Beach, on rare nights we get a babysitter, my wife & I hit Duckworth’s. My favorite drive when I need to get my toddler to sleep is heading north on 127 to Folly Cove.
As you’ll see below, we’ve had to investigate other host cities. Rest assured that we are working with the Gloucester Chief Administrative Officer to close some issues. We recently had a site visit with the Chief Administrative Officer, the Operations Manager of Public Services, Fire Chief and Building Inspector and made significant progress. Finally, we’re going through the permit process.
Best,
Paul Boudreau
We are committed to hosting a world-class event in the Greater Boston area on the weekend of Sept. 28-29. Since the fall of 2012, after the completion of the race weekend, Gloucester city officials raised concerns with the event. We have endeavored to address these concerns to the best of our abilities. Discussions are ongoing, and we remain optimistic that we can reach an agreement. However, given the uncertainty that Gloucester would continue to be a feasible host city, we faced no other choice but to explore options for other potential host cities in the area.
Athletes from across the United States and Europe are currently making travel plans for their cyclocross race season. As the kickoff event of the premier professional cyclocross race series in the United States, we feel we have an obligation to continue to host this event. In addition, the economic impact it has provided to the community has grown tremendously. Based on a Bentley University economic impact study, roughly 40 percent of participants stay in the Cape Ann region during the race weekend. In the race’s fourteen years, we have strived to be mindful, cooperative community partners and are dedicated to building upon the relationship with the city . However, if the Gloucester venue is not a viable location, we will be forced to seek an alternative site that meets the standards that racers have come to expect from this event.
Editor Nore from Joey C
I am fully supportive of the Gran Prix, the quality of the people it brings here and what they put back into the community between the businesses that benefit and the showcasing of our City as a venue for world class events. Make no mistake about it, these athletes travel from all over the world to participate.
They have demonstrated that they leave the park in better shape than when they arrive. (Pictures don’t lie homie), and show that they are willing to listen to, and work with the powers that be to insure that people are left happy.
Good Morning Gloucester 