Frankly I think this is very cool. A bigger better “cool” than the Twilight Criterium I wrote about a while back.

3 days of cycling. Top world class riders, people flooding downtown - TV coverage - The D&C has the details - Here are a few -

# The race will move from its normal June slot on the prestigious International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar to Aug. 8, 9 and 10. This will avert potential training and travel conflicts with the July Tour de France and allow the world’s best riders to compete in Rochester.

# The race’s name will change to the Rochester Omnium, which in cycling is an event that features multiple competitions that are scored independently and purse money is paid out separately.

# The weekend will feature three distinct races: a 5.3-mile time trial starting in Irondequoit and ending at Ontario Beach Park on Friday; the normal criterium (a timed event on a one-mile loop course downtown) on Saturday, and a 110-mile road race starting in Honeoye and ending on a six-mile loop course around Genesee Valley and Highland parks on Sunday.

# Negotiations are under way with World Champion Sports Network to televise the event live and on the Internet.

Rochester is the title sponsor although the “Zero Tolerance” police activity in Rochester seems to be taking a financial toll.

# The City of Rochester will replace Saturn of Rochester as the title sponsor. Saturn will remain a key corporate partner. City spokesman Gary Walker said the city’s financial commitment will be “significant.” Duffy requested $100,000 from City Council in September — a $60,000 grant for the event and $40,000 to cover police and support costs, but those numbers have been tabled due to the Zero Tolerance policy on crime.

Hats off to Mayor Duffy and Scott Page and Full Moon Vista Bike & Sport cycle shop

So they expect 85,000 visitors? I’ll be one of them.

Spectator sports are great but how about a participation sport? How about as I said in an earlier post - a Tour d’Rochester - something not affiliated with a charity but something sponsored by Monroe County and the City Of Rochester. Something on par with the 5 Boros tour in NYC - where cyclists at all different levels, cycle around parts of the greater Rochester area on routes that are normally closed to cyclists. I know we have hard core cyclists here - I’ve seen them riding in the snow.

How about a 30 to 50 mile tour for friends and family as well. It can give participants a greater appreciation of what we have here and they can participate at the weekend athlete not at the world class athlete level.