FRANKLIN—The Franklin Omnium bicycle race is returning to the area for the second year in a row. Around 165 participants will be racing through Franklin on Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15.

The Franklin Omnium will consist of three events: a time trial beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, a criterium race beginning at 1 p.m., and a road race beginning Sunday July 15 at 8 a.m. In each event there will be eight to nine races, each race consisting of difference age and skill groups. The time trial, a 9.4 mile course, and criterium, a short and technical Main Street circuit, will start in downtown Franklin and end near Second Avenue. The Sunday Road Race, a tour through the flat countryside of Southampton County, will start and end at Hunterdale Elementary School.

About 200 people are expected to come out to watch their friends and family race. Those participating compete for a $3,800 purse that will be split among the different events.

The Franklin Omnium is being organized by Celerity Cycling, a non-profit organization that supports, promotes and structures competitive cycling in southeast Virginia. Celerity is being assisted by Velocita and Tripower.