Come September, thousands of bicyclists and spectators will be inIowa City for the Telenet UCICyclo-Cross World Cup as millions more watch around the world. It's also poised to bring $2 million into the local economy.

"The world is coming to Iowa City,"John Meehan, race director for Iowa City'sWorld Cup event, said Wednesday."This is an event you don't want to miss."

Tickets for Iowa City's first World Cup race went on sale Wednesday, Meehan, Iowa City Interim City Manager Geoff Fruin and other race organizers announced at a news conference at Carousel Volkswagen.

"When cities are reallyproud of something, they often say that it's going to put us on the map. After the [Cyclo]Cross weekend in September, I don't think I'll ever be able to use that term again because this event will absolutely redefine what it means to be put on the map," Fruin said.

Fruin said organizers estimate about 10 million viewers will watch the broadcast of the World Cup race in Iowa City and that there would be a $2 million injection into the local economywith the arrival of thousands of bicyclists and spectators.

The World Cup race is governed by Union Cycliste Internationale, the group that also governs the Tour de France.

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