COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Central Ohio legislation enforcement companies will probably be scattered throughout Purple, White, and Increase on Wednesday, the place 500,000 persons are anticipated to be downtown to observe the fireworks present.

There’s going to be police in all places,” stated Columbus police chief Elaine Bryant. “On foot, on bikes, on horses, in plain garments you can not see.”

Authorities additionally will probably be watching from cellular and stationary safety cameras looking out for any hassle through the day-long pageant.

For Dakota Freias and his sister Sophia, it is a household custom to get downtown early and arrange for the fireworks present.

“So we do not have anybody blocking our view,” stated Freias. “It is occurred earlier than.”

Freias says final yr the household turned caught up in a crowd of individuals working from the fireworks after police say a bunch of teenagers incorrectly started yelling gunshots had been fired.

“All we noticed was police working,” stated Freias. “My mother is a relaxed and picked up individual — she stated keep calm, keep right here.”

“There have been no photographs fired,” stated Chief Bryant. “We’re going to encourage individuals, ‘don’t do this,’ it is necessary that we do not do this, do not induce panic — we would like everybody to be protected.”

Should you see something misplaced that issues you, or one thing that’s misplaced, share that info,” stated Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.

A number of Central Ohio legislation enforcement companies serving to with increase safety.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Workplace dive group will patrol the waters to ensure everyone seems to be protected, and the sheriff’s bomb squad started early Wednesday morning to test each car that entered the pageant space.

You get that many individuals, you’ll be able to’t take an opportunity that one thing is going on,” stated Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin.

These are safety layers that Dakota and his household are grateful will probably be surrounding them from all sides whereas their eyes are to the skies.

“I do not fear, I do know we’ve police all the way in which round, ” stated Freias. “I do not ever fear.”

LOS ANGELES — Bronny James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers on Wednesday, a league supply advised ESPN, reaching his rookie deal on the identical day LeBron James agreed to an extension with the group and ensured the primary father-son duo in NBA historical past will play for the purple and gold subsequent season.

Bronny James’ contract begins at $1,157,143 in 2024-25 and progresses to $1,955,377 the next yr, $2,296,271 in 2026-27 and $2,486,955 for a group possibility in 2027-28, sources advised ESPN.

The Lakers introduced Wednesday that they’d signed Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 choose on this yr’s draft, with out disclosing phrases.

James averaged 4.8 factors on 36.6% taking pictures (26.7% from 3), 2.8 rebounds and a couple of.1 assists in 19.3 minutes at USC after present process a coronary heart process final summer time. He mentioned the almost five-month layoff due to the medical challenge affected his growth.

Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka praised James’ mindset and potential as a point-of-attack defender, and new Lakers coach JJ Redick mentioned James, whom Los Angeles chosen with the No. 55 choose final week, will probably be a high precedence with the group’s revamped participant growth program.

“We view Bronny as [a] Case Research One as a result of [of] his base stage of really feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, taking pictures, passing,” Redick mentioned. “There’s quite a bit to love about his recreation, and as we construct out our participant growth program holistically, he’ll have a terrific alternative to turn into a superb NBA participant.”

James and Knecht will make their summer time league debuts Saturday in San Francisco towards the Sacramento Kings within the California Traditional.

The Lakers’ roster now stands at 15, the utmost variety of gamers an NBA group can carry.

Bronny James is formally a Los Angeles Laker.

After being drafted with the No. 55 general choose within the 2024 NBA Draft, James, the son of famous person LeBron, put pen to paper on his first NBA contract Wednesday.

Popping out of USC, James averaged 4.8 factors, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals in 19.3 minutes per recreation throughout 25 appearances. He posted a 37/27/68 taking pictures cut up on 4.5/2.4/1.4 quantity.

So, how a lot will James make in his first skilled NBA deal? Here is what to know:

How a lot does Bronny James make within the NBA?

James’ first NBA deal will see him make a reported $7.9 million throughout 4 years, by way of Spotrac.

About $5.4 million of that shall be assured, with the fourth 12 months being a group choice. He additionally can’t be traded till Dec. 15, 2025.

Who’re the highest-paid No. 55 general picks in NBA historical past?

Might James develop into one of many best-paid No. 55 general picks in NBA historical past? There is definitely an opportunity.

Here is an inventory of the highest 10 highest-paid No. 55 picks, sorted by their profession earnings, by way of HoopsHype:

1. Patrick Mills, $81.9 million
2. Luis Scola, $47.1 million
3. E’Twaun Moore, $43.7 million
4. Jeremy Evans, $9 million
5. Ryan Bowen, $8.8 million
6. Kenny Gattison, $6.8 million
7. Joffrey Lauvergne, $6.7 million
8. Aaron Wiggins, $4.7 million
9. Nigel Williams-Goss, $1.5 million
10. Lawrence Roberts, $1.06 million

If James had been to complete out his contract, he’d be across the six-to-seven vary, plus extra if he will get one other deal.

How a lot does LeBron James make within the NBA?

LeBron, for comparability’s sake, simply reportedly signed a two-year take care of the Lakers price $104 million, which is $52 million a 12 months.

By way of profession earnings, James may haul in as a lot as $583 million by means of his NBA profession by the top of this new deal.

What was LeBron James’ rookie contract?

After being the 2003 No. 1 general choose by the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron was on a four-year contract price $18.7 million.

Bronny James, son of NBA all-time main scorer LeBeron James, is anticipated to be a second spherical choose within the 2024 NBA Draft.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The Sixers have joined the Phillies in barring Howard Eskin from their amenities after the longtime Philadelphia sports activities broadcaster and radio character allegedly made an undesirable advance towards an Aramark worker at Residents Financial institution Park.

A 76ers spokesperson mentioned Wednesday the crew does not intend to permit Eskin into its coaching complicated in Camden, New Jersey, “till additional discover” and has requested Wells Fargo Heart to not let Eskin in for crew actions for the foreseeable future.

The Sixers are a tenant of Wells Fargo Heart, with their lease expiring in 2031. The crew hopes to construct a brand new enviornment in Philadelphia’s Market East neighborhood.

Afterward Wednesday, a spokesperson for Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Wells Fargo Heart, mentioned they “respect” any determination the Sixers made concerning Eskin. 

“The Sixers management entry and credentials for all of their occasions, together with video games and actions, within the Wells Fargo Heart,” the assertion learn. “We respect any determination they make concerning Mr. Eskin. We grew to become conscious of the incident concerning Mr. Eskin yesterday and can proceed to observe the state of affairs.”

Aramark introduced Tuesday night time it discovered one in all its staff was subjected to an undesirable advance by Eskin on the ballpark. The corporate mentioned it instantly started an investigation, corroborated the allegations and labored with Audacy, the father or mother firm of 94WIP, and the Phillies to guard the worker.

In a press release, Audacy mentioned it discovered of “an unwelcome kiss by Howard Eskin in the direction of an Aramark worker at Residents Financial institution Park.”

“The protection of our staff is paramount,” Aramark mentioned in a press release, “and after we discovered that an Aramark worker had been subjected to an undesirable advance by an Audacy worker, we instantly started an investigation, which corroborated the allegations.”

Eskin didn’t return a telephone name from CBS Information Philadelphia.

Audacy mentioned Eskin will proceed to be on air at WIP however not this weekend due to one thing unrelated to the incident at Residents Financial institution Park.

CBS Information Philadelphia reached out to the Philadelphia Flyers and Eagles. The Flyers have but to reply as of publication. The Eagles mentioned they’re monitoring the state of affairs.

The 73-year-old Eskin has been a sports activities media character in Philadelphia for many years. In 1986, he helped launch WIP’s first-ever sports activities speak present and has broadcast practically 7,000 exhibits on the radio station.

Eskin has additionally made a number of stops at TV stations in Philadelphia, together with two stints at KYW-TV, now CBS Information Philadelphia, in 1982 and 1992. Eskin is at present a contributor to FOX29’s Eagles protection whereas being a sideline reporter for the Eagles on WIP.

Eskin hosts a sports activities speak radio present on Saturday mornings on WIP.

Eskin’s son, Spike Eskin, rejoined the station earlier this 12 months in WIP’s afternoon drive slot after working as this system director of WFAN-FM in New York. 

In a publish on X, previously Twitter, Wednesday, Spike Eskin wrote, “I do my finest to a great particular person. Whether or not you want me (some) or dislike me (some as properly), I’ll hope and anticipate it’s primarily based on what I do and say, and the way I act. I’ll see you on the radio immediately, and the podcast late tonight. I recognize the assist, as at all times.”

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia sports activities radio host Howard Eskin has been suspended from Phillies residence video games for the remainder of the season after investigations by his employer confirmed he kissed a employee for Residents Financial institution Park’s meals service supplier with out consent.

Audacy, the dad or mum firm for Philadelphia’s SportsRadio 94WIP, stated in a press release it discovered of the “unwelcome kiss” of the Aramark worker by Eskin and “instantly investigated,” The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday.

Aramark is a meals service supplier for Residents Financial institution Park, the house of the Phillies.

The Phillies and Aramark issued their very own statements on the matter.

“We cooperated with our companions at Audacy and Aramark on their investigations,” the membership stated in a press release, including that it takes the allegations critically. “We assist Audacy’s resolution to droop Howard Eskin from Residents Financial institution Park.”

Aramark stated in a press release that its investigation corroborated the allegations.

“We then labored with Audacy and the Phillies to make sure that applicable steps have been taken to guard our worker and all the Aramark workers at Residents Financial institution Park,” Aramark stated.

Audacy and Eskin didn’t instantly reply to messages from The Related Press.

Eskin, who’s from Philadelphia, is a media superstar within the metropolis’s sports activities market. He helped launch SportsRadio 94WIP’s first sports activities discuss present in 1986 and stays a mainstay of the station and sports activities TV.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

LONDON (AP) — Coco Gauff likes No. 1 Courtroom at Wimbledon.

It’s the place she beat Venus Williams again in 2019 when Gauff made her Wimbledon debut at age 15.

On Wednesday, Gauff beat qualifier Anca Todoni 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the third spherical on the All England Membership.

“That is the court docket the place I first began right here at Wimbledon. Courtroom 1 is all the time a particular place for me to play on,” the 20-year-old Gauff stated in her on-court interview.

The victory additionally permits Gauff, the No. 2 seed, to maneuver one other step away from final 12 months’s first-round exit.

“General, I simply discovered about life quite a bit,” the U.S. Open champion stated when requested about placing that three-set loss to Sofia Kenin behind her.

“I simply realized that, sure, what I do I’m very enthusiastic about, however it’s not ever that severe and typically the world could make you are feeling like there’s a lot stress, there’s a lot expectation,” she stated. “On the finish of the (day), it’s a recreation. It’s sport.”

The 19-year-old Todoni is from Romania and was making her Grand Slam debut.

“I do assume I may have performed cleaner at some moments,” Gauff stated.

5 years in the past, Gauff beat Williams — a five-time Wimbledon champion — 6-4, 6-4 within the first spherical and ultimately reached the final 16, all in her Grand Slam debut.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz trailed 6-5 within the first set Wednesday earlier than coming again to beat Aleksander Vukic 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-2, establishing a third-round assembly with No. 29 Frances Tiafoe after the American eradicated Borna Coric 7-6 (5), 6-1, 6-3.

When instructed by the on-court interviewer that Tiafoe stated he’s “coming after you,” the 21-year-old Spaniard replied with a smile: “I’m going for him.”

“We performed a extremely good match within the U.S. Open,” the No. 3 seed stated of their 2022 semifinal that Alcaraz gained at Flushing Meadows.

In different outcomes, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was eradicated within the second spherical by No. 19 Emma Navarro by a rating of 6-4, 6-1, whereas No. 1 Jannik Sinner received previous 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4), 2-6, 7-6 (4) at Centre Courtroom in an all-Italian contest.

“I knew that I needed to increase my degree at the moment,” Sinner stated. “He’s a grass-court specialist. … I’m very completely happy how I dealt with the state of affairs.”

No. 11 Danielle Collins accomplished her first-round match — a 6-3, 7-6 (4) win over Clara Tauson. It had been suspended Tuesday night time at 4-4 within the second set.

No. 20 Beatriz Haddad Maia superior to the third spherical by beating Magdalena Frech 7-5, 6-3.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

WIMBLEDON, England — Coco Gauff continues to “benefit from the journey” at Wimbledon, particularly after a straightforward victory to succeed in the third spherical, whereas Naomi Osaka must wait one other yr after her return to the Grand Slam occasion resulted in a fast exit.

On Wednesday, Gauff beat qualifier Anca Todoni 6-2, 6-1 on No. 1 Courtroom to advance to the third spherical on the All England Membership.

The court docket is a particular place for Gauff, as its the place she beat Venus Williams in 2019, when Gauff made her Wimbledon debut at age 15.

“That is the court docket the place I first began right here at Wimbledon. Courtroom 1 is at all times a particular place for me to play on,” the 20-year-old Gauff mentioned in her on-court interview.

The victory additionally permits Gauff, the No. 2 seed, to maneuver one other step away from final yr’s first-round exit.

“General, I simply realized about life quite a bit,” the US Open champion mentioned when requested about placing that three-set loss to Sofia Kenin behind her. “I simply realized that, sure, what I do I am very keen about, but it surely’s not ever that severe and generally the world could make you’re feeling like there’s a lot stress, there’s a lot expectation. On the finish of the [day], it is a sport. It is sport.”

She added later: “I are usually ultracritical on myself. I am like, ‘Okay, let me take a step again, be affected person, and benefit from the journey.'”

Gauff slipped and fell twice on the slick court docket and muttered to herself through the 1 hour, 6 minute match towards an opponent ranked 140 locations under her. She additionally had 16 unforced errors within the brief match and managed to land solely 43% of her first serves.

“I do assume I may have performed cleaner at some factors however general I am blissful to have gotten by means of to the third spherical,” Gauff mentioned.

“That is tennis,” she added later. “You are at all times going to overlook some photographs that you just usually would make. I’m attempting to give attention to straight units and profitable cleaner.”

Todoni, the 19-year-old Romanian who was making her Grand Slam debut, hit 23 unforced errors and couldn’t discover her vary towards the fleet-footed American, who wrapped up the match with a drop shot that Todoni may solely ship broad.

5 years in the past, Gauff beat Williams — a five-time Wimbledon champion — 6-4, 6-4 within the first spherical and finally reached the final 16, all on her Grand Slam debut.

The draw has opened up for Gauff after the first-day withdrawals of Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, and former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka.

Gauff will subsequent play British qualifier Sonay Kartel, who received 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 towards France’s Clara Burel.

“It should be a tricky match,” Kartal mentioned on court docket after the match. “It should be a enjoyable match, and I hope I can do the British crowd proud.”

Stated Gauff: “It will likely be powerful to face a Brit clearly, particularly on grass. I feel that they at all times do very well, however particularly on this surroundings.”

Osaka, in the meantime, must look forward to no less than one other 12 months after her Wimbledon comeback stalled within the second spherical following a 6-4 6-1 walloping by American Emma Navarro that mercifully lasted solely 58 minutes.

The four-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 returned to the tour in January following a 15-month maternity break, and she or he hadn’t competed at Wimbledon since 2019.

After pushing world No. 1 Iga Swiatek to the sting on the French Open, squandering a match level earlier than shedding within the second spherical, Osaka had 4 erratic errors to get damaged within the seventh sport of the primary set by Navarro, and it went rapidly downhill from there.

“Although at first, it was type of like we have been buying and selling video games, I do not know why, [but] I did not really feel totally assured in myself. I did not really feel like I used to be enjoying that nicely,” Osaka mentioned. “I suppose these doubts began trickling in quite a bit (and) into my sport.”

Navarro, who received the 2021 NCAA singles title for the College of Virginia and is seeded nineteenth on the grass-court Grand Slam match, used clear tennis to advance: simply 5 unforced errors in comparison with 16 winners; zero break factors confronted; a 4-for-4 success fee on the internet.

“That is an environment that might simply overwhelm me, or overwhelm any participant, and I spent only a good period of time making ready myself mentally for the feelings and the nerves I used to be going to really feel,” Navarro mentioned. “Then as soon as I obtained on the market, I simply felt actually at residence.”

British wildcard Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, raced right into a 5-0 lead en path to a cushty 6-1, 6-2 victory towards Belgian Elise Mertens. It is the primary time Raducanu has reached a 3rd spherical of a Grand Slam since her title win at Flushing Meadows

“I feel I am enjoying actually good tennis. I am actually proud of the enhancements I’ve made,” Raducanu mentioned on court docket. “I knew all of the laborious yards and laborious work I used to be doing this yr would result in one thing. I am simply so blissful I will reap among the rewards right here at Wimbledon.”

In different outcomes, No. 11 Danielle Collins accomplished her first-round match — a 6-3, 7-6 (4) win over Clara Tauson. It had been suspended Tuesday evening at 4-4 within the second set.

No. 20 Beatriz Haddad Maia superior to the third spherical by beating Magdalena Frech 7-5, 6-3.

The Related Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Manx bike owner Mark Cavendish made historical past on the Tour De France together with his thirty fifth stage victory, breaking a 34-win file held by Eddy Merckx, who set it from 1969-1975. Cavendish pulled away within the fifth stage of the tour round 100 meters away from the end line, passing Jasper Phillipsen for a brand new chapter within the race’s historical past books. He completed with a time of 4 hours, 8 minutes and 46 seconds — as did everybody else who completed within the top-ten.

Cavendish had tied Merckx’s file within the 2021 Tour de France and had a chance to surpass it final yr. Nevertheless, his 2023 season was minimize brief by a collision with Phillipsen that resulted in a damaged proper collarbone. Cavendish had pushed again his retirement following the premature finish to his 2023 season, and his want for one more stage win propelled him again to the Tour de France.

Instantly after the race, Cavendish instructed ITV, “I am in a little bit little bit of disbelief. I put an enormous gamble on this yr to ensure we’re good right here on the Tour de France…We gambled coming right here, attempting to win not less than one stage. That is an enormous gamble for my boss, Alex Vinokourov, [and] the staff to do…to go all-in, and we have completed it.”

“It is how the Tour de France is,” he added. “You go as laborious as you’ll be able to til you get to the end line, and possibly your life modifications for those who cross that line first. If it does not, you do not. That is the character of this race and what makes it so stunning.”

Cavendish gained his first Tour De France in 2008, claiming the fifth, eighth, twelfth and thirteenth phases. He is continued to show excellence all through his profession and battled via sicknesses this yr to compete within the Presidential Biking Tour of Turkey in April, the place he gained the second leg, and the Tour of Hungary in Might, the place he took a dash win in stage 2.

Cavendish’s sports activities director, retired bike owner Mark Renshaw, in contrast Cavendish to a “nice wine” upon his victory.

“He simply will get higher and higher,” Renshaw mentioned. “I believe the staff had a lot confidence in him. They’ve had confidence all yr. We have signed nice riders, we have modified the staff to take care of him, to get him doable to win, and he is simply been mega-committed. I do not know what number of days he is been together with his household, however this yr, it is not many, and that is the form of dedication you want as a motorbike rider.”

At 39 years outdated and having raced professionally since 2005, many anticipated the Tour de France to be Cavendish’s final. If that’s the case, he can exit realizing he etched his title to the distinguished tour’s file books and capped off an illustrious profession the one means he knew how: on high.

SAINT-VULBAS, France — Mark Cavendish wrote a brand new chapter of Tour de France historical past in what is predicted to be his final look at biking’s greatest race.

The veteran Isle of Man sprinter broke Eddy Merckx’s long-standing document for many profession Tour de France stage wins along with his thirty fifth victory on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old Cavendish sprinted for the win within the fifth stage of the Tour, pulling away some 100 meters from the road regardless of being bunched in. He crossed the road forward of Jasper Philipsen after which celebrated with teammates.

Norwegian rider Alexander Kristoff, who had crashed earlier, completed third. They got the identical time of 4 hours, 8 minutes, 46 seconds.

Sixteen years after his first Tour stage win, Cavendish spoke of his fixed starvation for victory.

“I all the time wanted to win another,” mentioned Cavendish, who was joined by his youngsters on the rostrum. “It takes quite a bit to get there yearly. I’ve received unbelievable folks round me.”

Two-time champion Tadej Pogacar narrowly averted a crash and completed nestled in the principle pack in thirty fifth place. Whereas Pogacar retained the race chief’s yellow jersey, the day belonged to Cavendish.

He equaled Merckx’s mark of 34 wins through the 2021 Tour and went near No. 35 within the seventh stage final yr when he was narrowly crushed by Philipsen. He crashed a day later and broke his proper collarbone.

Merckx, the Belgian thought of essentially the most dominant rider in biking historical past, gained his 34 particular person phases on the Tour from 1969-75.

Cavendish’s choice to present it another shot paid off.

“I simply wished to get the run-in to do it. I’m somewhat bit in disbelief. Astana put a giant gamble on this yr to verify we’re good on the Tour de France,” Cavendish mentioned. “We’ve executed it.”

Together with his 2023 race ending early, Cavendish determined to place off retirement by a yr and got here again to strive once more.

Lastly, Cavendish made biking historical past, after successful his first Tour stage again in 2008.

Different riders had been blissful for Cavendish, with a number of stopping to talk with or hug him after the 177.4-kilometer (110-mile) leg from Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas

Merckx amassed his wins in an period throughout which his domination was such that he earned the nickname “The Cannibal.” Not like Merckx, one among 4 riders to win the Tour 5 instances, Cavendish has by no means gained the general title, or come shut.

However Cavendish’s longevity amongst his fellow Tour sprinters has no equal.

He gained the Tour de France greatest sprinter’s inexperienced jersey twice. He additionally gained phases in any respect three Grand Excursions — the others are the Giro d’Italia and Spanish Vuelta — and have become a world champion in 2011.

Cavendish joined Astana after his contract with Fast-Step Alpha Vinyl expired and he was missed for the 2022 Tour.

Cavendish had confronted a troublesome begin to this Tour. Through the first stage, he appeared to wrestle with abdomen and warmth points.

“I understand how it really works, my coach and everybody round me is aware of how it’s,” Cavendish mentioned. “I’ve executed 15 Excursions de France. I don’t prefer to have dangerous days, I don’t prefer to undergo however I do know it’s simply within the head and to push by it.”

In the meantime, Pogacar has one other flat stage to get by safely Thursday, having reclaimed the chief’s jersey Tuesday with an excellent assault close to the highest of the race’s first large mountain cross.

On Wednesday, he was merely relieved to keep away from crashing.

“We had been within the bunch after which all of a sudden one thing got here up within the center from nowhere. The blokes in entrance of me braked and we touched wheels somewhat bit, however fortunately I escaped,” he mentioned. “I reacted on intuition and was very fortunate.”

The 25-year-old Slovenian leads total by 45 seconds from Tour debutant Remco Evenepoel, the Vuelta and world champion in 2022. Pogacar is 50 seconds forward of two-time defending champion Jonas Vingegaard — the Danish rider who was badly injured in a high-speed crash on the Tour of Basque Nation in early April.

Pogacar is aiming for the uncommon Giro-Tour double, and for his third Tour title after wins in 2020 and 2021. The final rider to win the Giro and the Tour the identical yr was the late Marco Pantani in 1998.

Wednesday’s stage noticed Clement Russo and Matteo Vercher forming a breakaway after 35 kilometers (22 miles).

Provided that French riders gained the primary two phases by Romain Bardet and Kevin Vauquelin, this may occasionally have motivated them. With rain falling, Russo and Vercher had been caught with 36 kilometers (22 miles) left.

Stage 6 on Thursday is once more fitted to sprinters, going by vineyards to Dijon on a primarily flat trek of round 100 miles. The primary particular person time trial is on Friday.