Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Organizers say late MnDOT approval, staffing gaps strained national cycling event; county sees $1M+ economic boost
Loading...
Summary
Larry Kirch, an organizer with the city of La Crescent, told the Houston County Board that this year’s USA Cycling national championship drew roughly 787 registrations (about 750 starters) and an estimated economic impact exceeding $1 million but was hampered by late MnDOT traffic‑control approval and shortages of certified flaggers and radios.
Larry Kirch, an event organizer who identified himself as with the city of La Crescent, told the Houston County Board that the county’s recent USA Cycling national championship drew heavy participation and broad economic activity but was hampered by planning and safety gaps. "MnDOT said ‘we’ll get you a traffic control plan’ for a gravel race in Lanesboro and then they never did," Kirch said, describing a late approval that forced organizers to hire the city traffic engineer and finalize details the Friday before the event.
Kirch said the organizers corrected some errors in their own materials — juniors numbered 150, not 15 — and estimated registration at 787 with roughly 750 riders starting on race day. He suggested next year’s event be moved up a week and staged at the Applefest grounds near the Ice Arena to reduce downtown disruption and to separate the finish area from a steep 22 percent park climb that effectively decided many races.
Paul Reardon, who said he handles routes and mechanical support for national events, said limited resources on long county routes and a shortage of certified flaggers created pressure at several intersections. Organizers plan to increase radios (from ~30 toward 50), double the number of certified flaggers and add more motorcycles to enforce center‑line rules on narrow roads. "We need to figure out a way to spread those people out," Kirch said of large fields of riders.
Board members asked whether the event delivered on promised local economic benefits. A presenter said the county’s survey and Department of Tourism multipliers — $227 per overnight per person in the presenter’s calculation — produced an estimate “definitely over a million dollars” in total impact. The presenter cautioned that the estimate is conservative and dependent on survey response rates.
Commissioners thanked organizers and encouraged earlier coordination with townships, MnDOT and neighboring Winona County, and closer pre‑event coordination with Applefest organizers to share tent and staffing resources.
Next steps: organizers said they would reconvene route and planning committees in December, pursue permit and traffic‑control plans earlier and aim to increase staffing and radio coverage for future events.
