File Photo/During last year's race, a group of riders pedal along Highway 19-E in Elizabethton on their way to Carver's Gap in Roan Mountain in the first leg of the 2023 Carter County Omnium, sponsored by Carter County Tourism.

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Elizabethton Police Department has issued an alert regarding downtown street closures this weekend due to the Carter County Omnium and Roan Groan bike races.

The Roan Groan Bicycle Race will commence on Saturday morning at Cat Island Park with staggered start times beginning at 9 a.m. Elizabethton Police officers will temporarily block traffic for the racers as they begin their route to Roan Mountain at the following intersections: Main and East Elk at the Monument, East Elk and 19E, and 19E and Siam Road.

Affected roadways will be closed starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday. Different races will start from 8 a.m., and roadways are anticipated to reopen by 6 p.m.

The race course will traverse several downtown streets including Hattie Avenue, North and South Sycamore Street, East E Street, and North and South Riverside. Streets will be closed a block away from the race route to form an outer perimeter, ensuring the safety of racers and spectators.

Elizabethton Police officers stationed at the closed intersections will assist race participants, spectators, affected residents, and those attending church services at First Christian Church on Hattie Avenue and Elizabethton Alliance Church on East Elk Avenue with parking as needed.

The Elizabethton Police Department appreciates the public’s caution and patience during this event. For additional information go to https://cartercountyomnium.com/.