GREENSBORO — The race to land the U.S Bicycling Hall of Fame has entered the final lap.
A representative of the Somerville, N.J., institution today identified Greensboro and Davis, Calif., as the finalists for the new home for the biking shrine.
“We are very excited about what Greensboro has put together to get them to the top of the list,” said Bill Brunner, the head of the organization’s search committee. “They have really done a great job.”
A contingent from the hall will visit Greensboro Monday and Tuesday.
“That tells us we are getting down to the end,” said Neil Belenky, chair of a task force that has pushed Greensboro’s candidacy since November. “I think it speaks extremely well for (the city) regardless of the outcome.”
During the Greensboro visit, Brunner said, his group will tour possible sites, all of which are in close proximity to the proposed Downtown Greenway, a recreational loop for walking, running and biking around the center city.
Hall officials have already visited Davis, a university town with a rich bicycling history.
Brunner said his group has no timetable for making a decision.
“There is a sense of urgency,” he said. “(But) we want to do it right.”
About a year ago, officials at the hall announced they wanted wanted to find a new home after their original facility was sold for redevelopment.
The hall of fame preserves the history of cycling and recognizes those who have had a positive impact on the sport. The organization also collects historical artifacts for research and public display.
Belenky would not discuss the details of Greensboro’s offer.
Contact Donald W. Patterson at 373-7027 or don.patterson@news-record.com
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