Photo by Casey Gibson, USOPC.

When you think of great cycling locations, Huntsville, Alabama, probably isn’t top of mind. But in recent years, the city has grown into a regular host of paracycling events, and this Memorial Day weekend it will host the first Paracycling World Cup competition to be held in the U.S.

The Paracycling World Cup is a multi-stop international series that features the best disabled cyclists in the world, competing in road races, time trials and a team relay. “These men and women are elite,” says Claire Aiello of the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, which is helping host the event. “I love it when the motorbike comes around the corner and you know the riders are about to come by, pushing themselves throughout the course and jockeying for position. It’s just so fun to watch and cheer these folks on.”

In Europe, cycling races are a community event and Huntsville is trying to replicate that festive atmosphere here. Organizers are encouraging people to make it part of their Memorial Day plans.

About 350 athletes from 40 countries are expected to attend. Individual time trials — athletes racing against the clock — will be held May 26-27. Road races — athletes racing in a group, first to cross the finish line wins — are May 28-29. And the handcycle relay — with countries competing against each other in four-person, mixed male-and-female teams — will conclude the competition on May 29. Visit huntsvilleparaworldcup.com for more details. Streaming will also be available.