LEWISVILLE, N.C. — The USA Cycling Masters and Para-Cycling Championship brought in more than 900 cyclists to the Forsyth County community Tuesday. The championship is part of a week full of cycling events leading up to the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic this weekend.

“We have people here from California, we have international riders, people from all over the East Coast,” said Lewisville Mayor Mike Horn. It’s the first time his town, popular among cyclist for its rolling roads and country setting, has hosted the event. “It’s a chance to show what we’ve done here, creating a community that’s friendly, well planned — a community that has a lot of amenities.”

The competitive races this week are expected to bring 34 top professional cycling teams from 10 different countries to the area.

“It’s a beautiful town, beautiful area,” said cyclist Charles Seward, who came from Atlanta to compete. “Next year I’m bringing two or three people with me.”

More than 30,000 fans are expected to attend events this week bringing in 3.5 million dollars to the local economy, according to Visit Winston-Salem.

With the sport growing and the National Cycling Training Center expected to open next year on Liberty Street in downtown Winston-Salem, many see it as a huge economic win for the city and surrounding host communities.

“Once people see Lewisville, once they see [the cycling championship] this might be the community they want to live in, raise a family and retire here,” said Horn.