Finally ! A pro bike race in my backyard

The Commerce Bank Lehigh Valley Classic is an all-new kick-off event for the Triple Crown Series in 2008.  The June 3 event will feature three races including a short criterium race for elite amateur men and a similar race for elite women – both to be held in downtown Allentown – and the international men’s professional road race of approximately 90 miles, which will be conducted on a longer circuit route through the city. The course will have its main staging area and start/finish line on Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown.

The Commerce Bank Lehigh Valley Classic main event will showcase twenty-five of the world’s elite professional cycling teams.  Approximately 17 domestic and eight international teams will make up the culturally rich field of riders. With eight riders per team, the Lehigh Valley is in for an exciting day of racing as they watch over 160 cyclist vie for the lead position in the extremely competitive peloton. Cyclists will cover 85 miles, riding 12 laps of a challenging 7.1-mile circuit with winding hills and sharp turns.  The course begins and ends at 9th & Hamilton Streets. Racers continue through downtown Allentown, cross the 8th Street Bridge, wind through Lehigh Parkway and pass the “Feed Zone” before making their way back into downtown on the deceptively-steep Hamilton Street return.  Start Time: 1:00 PM

This is so cool, the start/finish line at 9th and Hamilton St. is where my employers office building is. Right on that corner! I scheduled a 1/2 day off so I'll be finished at 11 AM and be ready to watch the start at 1:00 PM for the mens' pro race.
I'll make sure I take and post a boat load of photos.

http://www.procyclingtour.com/lehigh-home.htm