Combine the mass-participation buzz of a big-city marathon, the epic beauty of a European gran fondo, and the all-inclusive nature of a cycling century ride and you get Centurion Cycling. Each Centurion Cycling event features controlled traffic, technical and medical support, and precise chip timing. The difference is that Centurion Cycling courses are set at 100, 50 and 25 miles, challenging riders to develop time goals just like marathon runners.

The 50-mile and 100-mile courses feature significant climbing, providing a tough test for even the most seasoned amateur racer. The 25-mile event is more family friendly. Centurion’s ability-based seeding process, broad range of age-group and team categories, and multiple distance options encourage racers, less-competitive riders and families to all embrace this new challenge whereracers race, riders ride and everyone has fun.

The short answer is both. It’s up to you to decide how you ride. We’ll position riders who want to race at the front of our giant peloton, with those who are just riding to finish further back. Either way, your official time starts when you — and the provided timing chip attached to your bike’s fork — cross the start line. Think of it like the New York City Marathon. Some competitors are there to win (or at least beat all their buddies). Others just want to line up in a prestigious event, ride with friends and set a personal best time. Or maybe you’re simply riding for the satisfaction of saying, “I did it! I rode 100 miles!” It’s totally up to you.