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Several streets in downtown Maryville will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday for the second annual Jeff Roth Memorial Crit Bike Ride.

The race begins Sunday at 9 a.m. with the women's race and continues throughout the day with several USA Cycling categories. The Pro race will start at 2:30 p.m. and will provide spectators with 60 minutes of fast-paced bike racing.

Spectators can bring lawn chairs and set them up on the Blount County Courthouse lawn and cheer on the racers. Kids can also bring their bikes for the "Fun Race" that will go off right before the Pros.

Roads to be closed include: Church street from Ruby Tuesday headquarters to Dandy Lions; all of College Street; High Street from College to the Court Street; Court Street from Lamar Alexander Parkway to Church Street; Cusick from Broadway Avenue to Court Street; and Ellis Avenue from College to Court Street.

The parking lot across from the First Baptist Church on Lamar Alexander Parkway will be open, but the road with parking next to the courthouse will be closed.

A criterium, or crit, is a type of bike race held on a short course (usually less than 5 kilometers), often run on closed-off city streets. Race length can be determined by a total time or a number of laps, in which case the number of remaining laps is calculated as the race progresses. Events often have prizes (called primes) for winning specific intermediate laps.

Racers can register at www.bikereg.com. Day of race registration will be available for an additional $10. A USAC license required for all races. Cat V beginners and Women's Cat IV can purchase a one-day license the day of the race. Parents will need to sign a release for all kid's race participants.

Please email any questions or concerns to tim@cycologybicycles.com.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission of educating the public on the economical, environmental and health benefits of cycling.

For more information, log on to www.jeffroth cyclingfoundation.org/index.htm