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645,000 spectators saw UCI Road World Championships, Richmond 2015 estimates

Posted at 8:58 PM, Sep 27, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-28 06:14:20-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Turnout for the UCI Road World Championships exceeded expectation, according to race organizers. While 450,000 onsite spectators were predicted to witness the nine-day international bicycle event, Richmond 2015’s preliminary attendance estimate was approximately 645,000 onsite spectators for 10 days (including the opening ceremony).

That does not mean 645,000 bicycle fans traveled to Richmond to cheer their favorite racer. An onsite spectator is considered a fan over the entirety of the event. So a fan who watched the race for 10 days, counted 10 times toward the 645,000 figure.

Richmond 2015 spokesman Paul Shanks said nice weather and huge final weekend helped propel the attendance numbers.

"We'll know more as we dig into data (hotel, tax receipts, etc.) over the coming weeks," Shanks said. "But RVA showed up big time and the world noticed."

Once the study is complete, official attendance and local economic impact numbers will be released.

"I'm extremely proud of the way the Richmond region pulled together in welcoming the world to our doorstep and showcasing our community globally," Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones said. "A truly remarkable series of championship races was topped only by the excitement and enthusiasm shared by hundreds of thousands of spectators who saw the very best of what Richmond has to offer."

Click here to see more Richmond 2015 stories.