WILMINGTON - One of the premier criterium-style bike races in the country, the Wilmington Grand Prix, returns to Wilmington from May 15 through 17, 2026. The Wilmington Grand Prix is recognized as part of USA Cycling’s National Race Calendar for the 18th straight year.
To commemorate Wilmington’s ongoing support for the Grand Prix, local artist and cycling enthusiast Jeremy Butler recently donated “Superman on Superbike” to the City of Wilmington.
Butler, a member of the White Clay Bicycle Club, is a self-taught sculptor who has created sculptures of tennis greats Steffi Graf, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams that are displayed in the museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. Many of his other sculptures are displayed in private homes, public institutions, and art galleries around the country.
“I try to create works of art that will touch the viewer in some way,” says Butler.
This year’s Grand Prix starts Friday, May 15 with the Monkey Hill Time Trial, a 3.2-mile race against the clock through Wilmington’s Brandywine Park. One feature of the evening is the Commuter Challenge, benefiting the Urban Bike Project. Monkey Hill will be alive with sounds from popular band, Lyric Drive. The evening will also feature a caravan of local food trucks and a beer garden.
Saturday, May 16 will feature the Major Taylor Community Ride at 10 am, followed by men’s and women’s professional and amateur racing starting at 11 am.
Sunday, May 17 will see the return of the 13th Annual Governor’s Ride and the 12th Annual Delaware Gran Fondo. Last year’s Gran Fondo attracted cyclists from 18 states and six countries, offering a scenic tour through some of Delaware’s most-prized cultural attractions.
"The Wilmington Grand Prix is one of our city's most anticipated traditions each year," said Mayor John Carney. "I look forward to welcoming cyclists and fans from around the world to experience all that Wilmington has to offer."
“Chase is thrilled to welcome fans and racers to Market Street,” said Don Mell, Delaware Market Site Lead for Chase. “The Wilmington Grand Prix is a showcase of our vibrant downtown, and the weekend highlights our world-class cultural institutions. We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Wilmington Grand Prix, and we look forward to cyclists and families enjoying the festivities throughout the weekend in Wilmington and beautiful New Castle County.”
Weekend Overview
Friday, May 15: The Wilmington Grand Prix kicks off Friday evening at 5 p.m. with the Monkey Hill Time Trial, a 3.2-mile race against the clock through Wilmington’s Brandywine Park. The family-friendly event will feature live music by Fools in the Sun, craft beer, food trucks, and the costumed antics of local cyclists cheering on riders up the famous cobblestone street.
Saturday, May 16: Grand Prix Festivities move downtown where the Major Taylor Community Ride begins at 10am. The Major Taylor Community Ride is a celebration of the inclusiveness of bicycling and is open to all ability levels. Major Taylor’s accomplishments and life lessons have inspired cycling clubs throughout the country, a number of which will be in Wilmington for this special community ride. The ride lasts 30 minutes and takes place on the same Wilmington Grand Prix course that top-tier amateur and professional racers will tackle later that day. Family participation is encouraged. Riders may complete as few or as many laps as they wish during the half-hour time limit while professional announcers recognize participating groups. Many of the racers competing that day will be joining cycling clubs and the public for this inspirational ride. Participation is free.
The racing action begins at 11am with the Men’s Masters Race. The Women’s Pro Race follows at noon, the Men’s Category III-IV at 1pm, and the Men’s Pro Race at 2:15pm. Course cafes and free family fun will welcome spectators to downtown Wilmington.
Sunday, May 17: The Grand Prix continues with the return of the Annual Governor’s Ride and the Delaware Medio and Gran Fondo. The start/finish is at Rockford Park and will take riders through the scenic Brandywine Valley and some of Delaware’s most-prized cultural attractions such as Winterthur, Hagley, Auburn Heights, covered bridges and the Delaware Museum of Science and Nature.
For more information visit wilmgrandprix.com.
