First it was a ride down the Rio Grande; now it's all about a ride through the streets of downtown Laredo. From boats to bicycles--another event organized with the help of the City of Laredo has come and gone, leaving a smile on the faces of visitors and City officials. Annette Garcia has the story.
"And they're off! Over 150 riders, winding their way through the streets of downtown, in search of winning big at the first ever International Cycling Circuit in Laredo. With prizes of up to $1,000 dollars cash, some will make 16 laps on the 2 and a half mile circuit--the equivalent of 40 miles of cycling. The event came together through the efforts of a local cycling club and City officials. 'It grew from just conversations. A lot of us ride and we ride away from Laredo. Something locally, and the City supporting it is a really good deal,' says Joe Gonzalez, a member of the Laredo Cycling Club.

(Annette:) 'The event is drawing people from across the U.S. and Mexico, and organizers say that's just what they hoped for.' 'These are things we're trying to do to stimulate the local economy. We're not just waiting for people to come and shop Laredo. We're trying to create events to bring them to Laredo and have a reason to go shop,' says City Councilman Jose Valdez. Valdez calls the efforts forced tourism. About a month ago, kyaks caught the attention of people on both sides of the border. Now, bikes are adding to the list of sporting events ,some say they never thought they'd see in Laredo, but welcome with open arms. 'You always think of Laredo as eating and dining; now they're promoting health and sports. It helps with the community. Hopefully it will be addicting and people will go out and do more with the cycling,' says Joe Gonzalez. Annette Garcia, Pro 8 News."
Organizers say they hope to make the International Cycling Circuit an annual event, and plan on adding more events--including a billiards competition--to the list of things to do in Laredo.