AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 2024 USA Cycling Masters & Juniors Road National Championship criterium finished over the weekend at the Augusta Common.

Organizers say roughly 1,000 bikers participated in the event.

The championship wrapped up around 7:30 p.m. but the impact from it is long term.

Organizers say this race is estimated to bring 1 million dollars to Augusta, which benefits our local economy.

People from all over the country – came to Augusta to cycle and enjoy the southern culture.

“Yeah, I think this event is a perfect example of what sports tourism does to our community,” said Michelle Pippin a member from Augusta Sports Council.

From Atlanta to California, thousands flooded the streets of Augusta.

But regardless of the distance, Bonnie Walker with USA Cycling says the garden city is the place to be.

“Our racers and riders families like to come to the city just to experience the south for those who aren’t from here and Augusta has just opened their arms and welcomed us in,” said Bonnie Walker from USA Cycling.

It’s not the first time Augusta has hosted USA Cycling, but for some in the crowd, this was their first time in the city.

“I have to say that everybody is so friendly- very real – very approachable. It’s a little hot and sticky for me but other than that it’s been quite a nice time being out here,” said Andrea Tyson.

One thing Andrea has enjoyed- is good southern food.

“I have tried a few local BBQ places and some Poke place,” said Tyson.

From the hospitality to the food, the Garden City welcomed all cyclists here with open arms.

Bonnie Walker says this is the last year Augusta will be hosting a USA Cycling Championship for a while.

She says while she is sad to leave Augusta, she hopes to host another event here soon rather than later.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There’s a new candidate in the Burke County sheriff’s race.

Brad “Cap” Capitosti will be running against incumbent sheriff Alfonzo Williams, he announced in a news release.

Capitosti will be a write-in candidate due to the late withdrawal of the previous republican candidate, according to the news release.

“Though my name will have to be written in on the ballot, I know Burke County voters are excited for the opportunity to have a capable, approachable, and persistent sheriff in office,” said Capitosti.

“We’ll make sure they know to write ‘Brad Capitosti’ on Election Day.”

The news release says Capitosti spent over 10 years working in law enforcement and was one of the first members of the Richmond County Gang Unit.

He was assigned to narcotics in both Richmond and Burke counties where he conducted federal operations alongside the DEA and then became investigative sergeant in criminal investigations at the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, according to the press release.

Capitosti currently lives in Waynesboro with his wife and two children, and co-owns Augusta Land Managment LLC. with his brother, where they directly support US Army installations across four state lines, the press release states.

“Winning an election is a challenge, and being a write-in is just one more obstacle for us to overcome. We’re going to have to work hard to make sure voters know exactly how to ensure their vote for Capitosti counts,” he said.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s a little over a week from kids going back to school in Richmond and Columbia County.

With the new school year approaching, backpacks and school supplies are in high demand for many families.

RISE Augusta and Smile for Shay Foundation partnered up for the annual Back to School at The Hub & Books for Shay Event at The Hub for Community Innovation on Saturday.

It’s one of several community efforts to help gear up kids for school while also providing resources like literacy booths, after-school resources and free health screenings.

Parents like Melissa King said these efforts all make a difference for her kids and many others.

”When we were younger, we didn’t have back to school bashes all the time, there wasn’t enough in the community for those kinds of things for children to come to things like this and get the supplies they needed, or to even help them in general,” said King.

King said she relies on community back to school events to make sure she has enough supplies to support her kids through the school year.

”Sometimes supplies can be over 150 bucks, just depending on the location that you go to, and the supplies requested by the teachers in the schools throughout the year,” said King.

Event organizers and volunteers said well over 1,000 people came out on Saturday to enjoy the resources brought. They said the event really showcases the real want and need for community support in Augusta.

“The rising cost of what parents and families have to purchase for school just continues to go up. Anything we can do to help them get them started. We are also committed to making sure we provide supplies throughout the year because we know they run out,” said Betsy VanDeusen, AU Literacy Center.

New to Back to School at The Hub is the addition of the Books for Shay Event.

It’s one of several efforts from the Smile for Shay organization. The non-profit organization was created by the family of Shaylin Foster. She was a student at Grovetown High School when she was killed in a car accident in 2018.

One of her main passions was reading books. In honor of Shaylin, the Foster family gives back through donated books every year. Donated books from Smile for Shay were given out throughout the event for families to pick up.

The event started at 10:00 a.m. and finished at 1:00 p.m.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.