Hot competition

The Tour of Lawrence has become a popular annual event for bicyclists and local residents.

It sort of goes without saying that participants in the annual Tour of Lawrence bicycling event will be getting a warm welcome this weekend.

High temperatures hovering around 100 degrees will provide some challenges for both cyclists and spectators, but it doesn’t lessen the community’s enthusiasm for what has become a popular annual event.

About 600 cyclists are expected in Lawrence today through Sunday to participate in a full schedule of race events downtown and on the Kansas University campus, including street sprints, a circuit race and a criterium race in downtown. A beer garden with live music on Eighth Street between Massachusetts and New Hampshire should be a popular spot this evening, and children’s activities will be set up near Ninth and Massachusetts streets on Sunday.

The Tour of Lawrence has become a true community event, and is one of several efforts to promote the city as a hub for athletic competition. A number of local businesses have stepped up to help sponsor various events, and all proceeds will benefit the Heartland Community Health Center.

It may be hot enough to melt a few tires this weekend, but we hope both racers and spectators have a safe and fun outing at the Tour of Lawrence.