Global para-cycling spotlight lands on Huntsville

How it works: The races run through Cummings Research Park Sept. 4-7, starting and finishing around Columbia High School, and will see nearly 50 countries competing, per Claire Aiello, vice president of marketing and communications for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

• Aiello told City Council this month that most of those teams, which include Brazil, Japan, Ireland, Costa Rica and Argentina, were set to arrive Aug. 29-30.

Zoom in: Team USA is bringing 28 athletes, including nine veterans, some of whom are para-athletes due to combat injuries and others from accidents, she said.

• Athletes compete on a variety of bikes, based on their disability or impairment, from normal bicycles to hand-cycles powered via the arms for those with lower-body disabilities, and tandem bikes for those with visual impairments.

What they're saying: "We're very excited about this tourism boost," Aiello told the council, noting that international visitors "love our barbecue … our Southern hospitality."

• "They are great advocates for their sport, and they love coming to Huntsville," she said.

• The expected economic impact is $4.1 million, Aiello said. The event marks the city's fifth time hosting the races.

Driving the news: The city's focus is on traffic safety, as racers will be on roads alongside cars in a busy part of town.

• At a news conference last week, Huntsville Police urged motorists to use caution in the race area.
• Explorer Boulevard will be closed for most of the weekend, as it's the main race ring. Time trials will be on Sept. 4-5, and road races Sept. 6-7.