East Tosa Gran Prix returns to Wauwatosa Sunday

A group of Category 2/3 cyclists eye the start/finish line after turning onto West North Avenue from N.orth 69th Street during the East Tosa Gran Prix on the streets of Wauwatosa last year. The race returns to Tosa Sunday, June 28.

A group of Category 2/3 cyclists eye the start/finish line after turning onto West North Avenue from N.orth 69th Street during the East Tosa Gran Prix on the streets of Wauwatosa last year. The race returns to Tosa Sunday, June 28. Photo By Dave Haberkorn

June 24, 2015

East Tosa is preparing to host a crowd of 20,000 people June 28 for the final round of bike races in the Tour of America's Dairyland.

It will be the third year that the races use Wauwatosa in the East Tosa Gran Prix, which is the last of 11 race locations around the state.

While professional and amateur cyclists race from 12:20 to 8:10 p.m., East Tosa also will have live music, shopping and refreshments.

Pete and the Hot Mess will be playing 1-5 p.m. on North Avenue between 64th and 65th streets. A market with booths from area businesses will be set up between 66th and 67th streets. Surly Brewing Co., of Minnesota, will be selling beer in two tents along North Avenue.

Camp Bar, the lead sponsor for the race, is planning to have a bar set up outside on 66th Street with tap beers, Bloody Marys, soda and water. It also will be hosting an after-party with live music.

Maya Romboy, president of the East Tosa Alliance, said the event is meant to showcase the businesses in the community to potential future residents and customers.

"The hope is that it draws people in, makes people aware that we are here, and keeps people coming back," Romboy said.

While the race itself is organized by the Tour of America's Dairyland, the East Tosa Alliance has to do much of the legwork to make it happen. They solicit the sponsors, get the permits from the city and find the volunteers.

The East Tosa Alliance is still looking for volunteers to assist with maintenance, checking people in, helping with the kids race and being course marshals. Volunteers can sign up at www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/85462968072.

Racers will follow a new course this year. Starting and finishing on North Avenue near 68th Street, cyclists will ride north on 69th Street, east on Meinecke Avenue, south on 65th Street and west on North Avenue.

Amateur races kick off at 12:20 p.m., running until 5. After the women's professional race at 5 p.m., there will be a kids race at 6, followed by the men's professional race at 6:40.

The kids race will have four heats for varying ages. Check-in is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Those who pre-register online will be entered in a contest to win a bicycle.

Parking will be available in several lots near the race:

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