The “other guys” include many A-list professional cyclers, making this Richmond event a major new stop on the USA Cycling circuit. “We race against the same guys all year ’round,” Saunders says — “the best guys in the nation … I’m one of the best guys, but to be honest, I’m not the best guy.”

He was a month ago. In early May, Saunders won the third race of the South Carolina Heritage Cycling Series in Greenwood, taking first against Saturn and Navigator team members, former Olympians and members of Lance Armstrong’s U.S. Postal Service team.

“He’s a legitimate contender to win this race,” says Tim Miller, network administrator at CapTech, the IT consulting firm promoting Friday’s event. Miller also is executive director of the CapTech Foundation, which is bringing the race here.

With the Medalist Sports marketing company, Miller brought Richmond the Tour DuPont in the ’90s. The cycling enthusiast and former racer hopes the Classic, a fast-paced sprint on a short, closed course, will be more exciting and spectator-friendly. The first part of the event starts at 6 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to gather along Second Street between Byrd and Spring streets. — Wayne