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LISBON -- Thanks to a newcomer to the village, Lisbon will be hosting a gravel road bicycle race later next year that could attract hundreds of cyclists and put Columbiana County on the map as a race destination.
Coal Country Roubaix is set to debut on April 27, said race organizer Joe Lawhorn. The inaugural race will feature four distances: 50 kilometers, 100 kilometers, 100 miles and 300 miles. After riding through the village square, participants will head south on Market St. and cross over into Jordanville before climbing the hill leading to Steubenville Pike.
Gravel road cyclists love climbs and challenging roads, he said.
"And Lisbon has hundreds of miles of dirt and gravel roads around the village," said Lawhorn. "And the elevations are insane. This is prime cycling territory." Incidentally, Roubaix is a French village that has a famous gravel road bicycle race and has given its name to similar events.
Lawhorn, who spent six years in as a Marine and six years in the Army and is now on the US military's permanent disabled and retired list, began cycling after his discharge from the military.
Since taking up the sport he has won many awards and prizes.
"Lisbon was coal country until the mines were abandoned," said Lawhorn. "But there are hundreds of miles of dirt/gravel rural roads here with low traffic. This can be a cycling paradise."
Since registration began, cyclists from six states have already signed up, and Lawhorn is hoping for a strong local contingent as well.
The event already has several sponsors including UltraCycling Magazine, Breakaway Energy, Vittoria Tires and NR6 Cycles. Lisbon's Days Inn will be offering discounts to cyclists who plan to arrive early.
"We are off to a great start," said Lawhorn, who noted that a similar event in Emporia, Kansas, draws thousands of cyclists each year.
Lawhorn has already received the blessing of Lisbon's Village government and will soon be approaching adjoining townships about the event.
"We are grateful that Joe approached us about holding Coal Country Roubaix here," said Lisbon Mayor Peter Wilson. "Races such as this could boost the local economy and create jobs in the village. We're all in."
As the event nears, Lawhorn will be seeking volunteers to help stage the event.
To register for Coal Country Roubaix, go to: https://www.bikereg.com/coal-country-roubaix.