The Inaugural Ing Direct Capital Criterium bicycle race will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2008.  To facilitate this event, vehicular traffic restrictions will be imposed on several streets in the downtown area.

The participants will ride their bikes along the following route, which will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 5:00 am until 2:00 pm:

The participants will take Pennsylvania Avenue, NW westbound, turn right on 13^th Street, NW northbound, right on F Street, NW eastbound, right on 12^th Street, NW southbound, left on E Street, NW eastbound, right on 11^th Street, NW southbound, left on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW southeast bound, to a sweeping 180 degree turn between 9^th and 10^th Streets, NW before heading back to the finish line on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 12^th and 13^th Streets, N.W.

In addition, Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 12^th Street, NW and 13^th Street, NW, and 12^th Street, NW between Pennsylvania Avenue, NW and E Street, NW, will remain closed for an additional 2 hours or more to allow for breakdown of course staging.

To avoid delays, motorists should avoid the route of the race and streets that intersect.

The Metropolitan Police Department always advises drivers to pay attention when operating any motor vehicle.  Motorists are also urged to exercise caution when traveling in the area of any special events due to potential heavy pedestrian traffic. Unexpected changes are always possible in such closures based upon unanticipated or prevailing conditions.