The 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic is set to attract over 10,000 visitors on April 30, featuring both amateur and professional races. This event aims to establish Greenville as a key destination for cycling enthusiasts and local businesses.
Key points
Greenville Cycling Classic is a springtime cycling event
Expecting over 10,000 visitors in 2026
Features amateur and professional races
Takes place on April 30
Located on downtown's Main Street
Mentioned in this story
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville Cycling Classic
Greenville's Cycling Classic has quickly become a springtime favorite for both the competitive cycling community and nearby businesses.
In its third appearance, organizers of the 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic are expecting 10,000-plus visitors and supporters along downtown's Main Street for the April 30 racing event.
The second coming to the former Michelin Cycling Classic, Greenville's new race tradition, brings together amateur and professional cycling events from 3 to 8 p.m. at downtown's center stage.
Cyclists in the Men's Category 4/5 Race, the first of seven races at the Greenville Cycling Classic, in their second annual amateur and pro crit is part of the Speed Week race series in downtown Greenville in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, April 24, 2025. The last two races are 6:55 p.m. Women's Pro 1/2/3 and then the 8:05 p.m. -- Men's Pro 1/2 Category Race.
Cyclists in the Men's Category 4/5 Race, the first of seven races at the Greenville Cycling Classic, in their second annual amateur and pro crit is part of the Speed Week race series in downtown Greenville in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, April 24, 2025. The last two races are 6:55 p.m. Women's Pro 1/2/3 and then the 8:05 p.m. -- Men's Pro 1/2 Category Race.
"Greenville is a cycling destination city, not only for visitors but for people who live and work here," said Tor Bennstrom, founding partner of the Greenville Cycling Classic. "The Cycling Classic is a building block for future trails, businesses, more cyclists, and to promote the outdoor lifestyle."
According to Bennstrom, the Greenville Cycling Classic has seen exponential interest. In 2024, around 5,000 supporters attended the event due to nearby live music at Downtown Alive and the usual downtown foot traffic.
Q&A
What is the date of the 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic?
The 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic will take place on April 30.
How many visitors are expected at the Greenville Cycling Classic?
Organizers expect over 10,000 visitors to attend the event.
What types of races are included in the Greenville Cycling Classic?
The event features both amateur and professional cycling races.
Where is the Greenville Cycling Classic held?
The Greenville Cycling Classic takes place along downtown's Main Street in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Tor Bennstrom, founding partner of the Greenville Cycling Classic, cycling along a road in South Carolina.
Tor Bennstrom, founding partner of the Greenville Cycling Classic, cycling along a road in South Carolina.
Last year, the local criterium race event doubled its total attendance (10,000) and drew more than 500,000 online viewers.
“Visit Greenville SC, Greenville Area Development Corporation, and Greenville Chamber of Commerce are all sponsors and supporting a tent for the event this year," said Bennstrom. "We expect them to bring in external site selectors who are checking out Greenville as a community, so this has become a highlight for them, as well.”
In 2026, the event highlighted by Tour de France legends like George Hincapie, Bobby Julich, and Christian Vande Velde are expecting an even larger turnout as the cycling community, local businesses, and marketing firms are using the event to entertain current and future clients, employees, and more, in an event that has become a signature event during Greenville's springtime.
Here is more on the upcoming 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic:
Is the Greenville Cycling Classic a benefit to local businesses?
Ink Properties, a niche-based Greenville real estate business, uses The Greenville Cycling Classic as a direct marketing tool to further its purpose: helping cyclists relocating to the Upstate find the perfect home.
Since starting in 2020, the business owned by Brandon and Lindsay Hall has helped about 10 cycling-focused families each year transition to gravel, mountain, and road riding areas such as Travelers Rest, Marietta, Pickens, and downtown Greenville.
Cyclists round a corner in the 30-lap Men's Category 4/5 Race, the first of seven races at the Greenville Cycling Classic, in their second annual amateur and pro crit is part of the Speed Week race series in downtown Greenville in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, April 24, 2025. The last two races are 6:55 p.m. Women's Pro 1/2/3 and then the 8:05 p.m. -- Men's Pro 1/2 Category Race.
Cyclists round a corner in the 30-lap Men's Category 4/5 Race, the first of seven races at the Greenville Cycling Classic, in their second annual amateur and pro crit is part of the Speed Week race series in downtown Greenville in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, April 24, 2025. The last two races are 6:55 p.m. Women's Pro 1/2/3 and then the 8:05 p.m. -- Men's Pro 1/2 Category Race.
The Greenville Cycling Classic is a major connector for their real estate business.
"It’s exposure that helps us, people from the cycling industry are there," said Brandon Hall, who runs the business with his wife, Lindsay. "The Cycling Classic has a large amount of exposure, and it helps people be more familiar with what we do here.
"The Hincapies' presence enhances what we do," Hall added.
In this file photo, George Hincapie rides in The Downtown Greenville Cycling Classic Saturday Oct. 14, 2006 in Greenville.
In this file photo, George Hincapie rides in The Downtown Greenville Cycling Classic Saturday Oct. 14, 2006 in Greenville.
The 76-year-old Harper General Contractors has been a sponsor of the Greenville Cycling Classic since its inception in 2024.
For the 2026 race, Doug Harper, former chairman of the Upstate-based construction company, will provide high-level lighting for the evening races and host a tailgate tent along the racetrack, which offers a buffet and beverages for clients, friends, and business associates.
"The race is popular and growing," Harper said. "It's a great event for Greenville and a great sport that combines excitement and activity. Greenville hosting the event downtown is a great addition, which helps showcase a wonderful event and the potential of this city."
A pace car from BMW leads cyclists in the 30-lap Men's Category 4/5 Race, the first of seven races at the Greenville Cycling Classic, in their second annual amateur and pro crit is part of the Speed Week race series in downtown Greenville in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, April 24, 2025. The last two races are 6:55 p.m. Women's Pro 1/2/3 and then the 8:05 p.m. -- Men's Pro 1/2 Category Race.
A pace car from BMW leads cyclists in the 30-lap Men's Category 4/5 Race, the first of seven races at the Greenville Cycling Classic, in their second annual amateur and pro crit is part of the Speed Week race series in downtown Greenville in Greenville, S.C. Thursday, April 24, 2025. The last two races are 6:55 p.m. Women's Pro 1/2/3 and then the 8:05 p.m. -- Men's Pro 1/2 Category Race.
In addition to being a marketing event for businesses, Bennstrom said the annual cycling event in Greenville helps book nearly 100-to-150 hotel rooms on the night before and after the race, as many supporters of the Cycling Classic often venture to The Spartanburg Criterium, which will take place on May 1 in downtown Spartanburg.
"Our team has worked on building more cycling infrastructure and events that showcase what cycling is," said Bennstrom. "This event is a great opportunity to show off what Greenville has to offer."
What's new at the 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic
George and Rich Hincapie are major supporters and enthusiasts of the cycling world. Together, the brother duo has launched an American pro cycling team named Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, which plans to compete internationally by 2029.
Brody McDonald, a Greenville-based team member and a few other riders from Europe, and the new cycling team are expected to be present at the 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic.
The Greenville Cycling Classic features tight turns and fast straightaways. The one-kilometer course starts and finishes on Main Street.
The Greenville Cycling Classic features tight turns and fast straightaways. The one-kilometer course starts and finishes on Main Street.
Over the past two years, students from Clemson University and Furman University have participated in the amateur portion of the race. In 2026, two new racing categories will be included to allow local colleges and universities with cycling teams to compete in a 25-minute-long race for both men and women.
International cycling athletes from Colombia, Scotland, and more are expected to make their debut appearance at the 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic.
Road closures for the 2026 Greenville Cycling Classic
Beginning Thursday, April 30, between 10 a.m. and Friday, May 1, at midnight, the following streets will be closed:
3 p.m. -- Men’s Category 4/5 race**3:35 p.m. --Collegiate Men4:10 p.m. --Collegiate Women4:45 p.m. --Masters 45+5:30 p.m. -- Ride with the Tour de France Legends6 p.m. --Category 2/37 p.m. --**Women's Pro 1/2 Category race.**8:10 p.m. --**Men's Pro 1/2 Category race
– A.J. Jackson covers business, the food & dining scene, and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@usatodayco.com, and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.Sign up today for a digital subscription.
