The county agreed Monday to provide continued support for anannual bicycle race that draws many people to Brookhaven streetsand businesses.

Frank Moak, an organizer for the Human Performance Company GranPrix 2005, met with the board simply to keep them informed of theprogress of the event, and he sought approval to use county roadsfor the race again this year.

Typically, Moak said, three of the event’s races were held inLincoln County and one in Natchez. The Natchez race has been movedto Lincoln County this year, he said.

The move will expand the event from two days and one night tothree days and two nights, providing even more of an economic boostto the area, Moak said.

According to Moak, racers and their families competing in lastyear’s events contributed $34,360 in economic benefit to the countythrough hotels, meals and gas.

Not only are organizers expecting that amount to increase withthe extended stay, but they also expect more racers than the 193athletes who competed in 2004.

“This race is becoming quite popular among the racers,” Moaksaid. “We have a beautiful county and they know it.”

Also, he said, this year will be the first the Gran Prix is notcompeting with other events in the Southeast.

“That may be big,” Moak said. “It could have a tremendous impacton the number of racers who come to this event.”

The race is scheduled for April 22-24.