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The Starkville Cup will be several races, with some being 30 to 40 minutes each and all making numerous roughly one-mile loops through the Cotton District.

“A typical race format would be 40 minutes of racing, plus three laps,” explained SIM member and avid cyclist Robert McMillen, who is helping to organize the event.

“That is, the official would ring a bell as the pack of racers crossed the start/finish line after 40 minutes of racing, and then the racers would have three laps to go,” continued McMillen.

Events like metropolitan bike races have become popular community builders and often attract scores of spectators, say organizers.

“We think this will help to promote our community, but also promote cycling within our community,” said McMillen, speaking Tuesday night to the Starkville Board of Aldermen.

“And we'd like to explore this being a great economic development tool for Starkville,” added McMillen, noting events like these have been known to draw large crowds, particularly when held in urban districts with ample dining and people-watching opportunities.

That's one of the reasons the organizers chose the circular loop along streets with outdoor dining sites like City Bagel, Bin 612, Rock Bottom Grill, Up Your Alley, Little Dooey's, The Grill and Bulldog Deli. The route is set to run up University Drive to Maxwell Street, then on to Russell Street, and looping back to University via Fellowship Street.

The board supported the project, granting in-kind services through police, fire and public works to SIM and the Starkville Cup.

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