FAYETTEVILLE - Competitive cyclists from all 50 states and 20 countries will coverage on Northwest Arkansas this week for the 37th edition of the Joe Martin Stage Races.

More than 700 cyclists are expected to compete in more than 10 different men’s and women’s categories. The Joe Martin is one of only nine races listed on the USA Cycling National Race Calendar and is the biggest event of its kind in the area.

“We have seen a real increase in the quality of the racers in all divisions over the past few years,” race director Bruce Dunn said. “Even in our amateur divisions, you won’t see a lot of competitors out here for their first event. They want to get two or three other events under their belt before they are going to try to race in the Joe Martin.

“It’s a tough course with top-notch competition.”

Racers compete in four events over four days in a team format. It starts with time trials at Devil’s Den State Park at 1:30 p.m. today as racers face a challenging 2½ - mile course uphill.

The road race portion will be held Friday and Saturday, and the event wraps up Sunday afternoon with a criterium that will feature racers roaring down Dickson Street and around the Fayetteville square on closed-off streets.

“The criterium is really the most fan friendly event and is a lot of fun to watch,” Dunn said. “It is what American-style racing is all about.”

Local cycling enthusiast Joe Martin created the event in 1978 and served as race director until he was diagnosed with cancer in 1988. After his death, the races were renamed in his honor in 1989 and have continued to grow into one of the premier cycling events of the year.

At a glance JOE MARTIN STAGE RACES

WHEN Today-Sunday WHERE Fayetteville WEBSITE joemartinstagerace.com

Sports, Pages 23 on 04/24/2014