LiveBlogging the NBA Draft

The Daily News' Bob Cooney -- who is covering the race for the paper -- introduced those who might not be as familiar with bike racing. Here's his intro story -- and here are his fun facts to know about the race:

* This is the 23rd race this city has hosted (men only from 1985-95). The first winner in 1985 was a five-time Olympic gold medalist in 1980. Do you know him? (Answer later.)

* In the previous 22 races, weather has never been an issue. With sun and low-80s predicted for Sunday, that streak should improve to 23.

* Individuals aren't so much looking to win for themselves, but for their teams. For example, Ina Teutenberg is one of the best women's sprinters. Her team, T-Mobile, will try to keep her near the front for most of the race so she can try to win it for them with a sprint at the end.

* For the men, Juan Jose Haedo, considered the best sprinter in the world, will be competing for team CSC, while defending champ Greg Henderson will be pedaling for T-Mobile.

* If you feel like hustling, here's a good way to watch the race. Get to the starting line to watch the men (9 a.m.) and the women (9:10 a.m.) get going. Then, grab a shuttle bus (they're available near Logan Circle) and head up to the Manayunk Wall. While up there, enjoy watching the riders, but also enjoy all the fun up there. Head back down to the finish line to catch the end of the women's race, around 11:30. Then, go back up to Manayunk and have some more fun before getting back down to catch the men finish, between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

* If you're into biking even a little bit, there are plenty of vendors around Logan Circle where you can load up on hats, shirts, shoes and all other types of equipment - even pretty good sunglasses for cheap.

* Oddly enough, there has never been a multiple winner in the 22 races for the men.

* Germany's Petra Rossner has won seven of the 11 women's races. But she retired after her win in 2004. Regina Schleicher is the defending champ, and she'll be racing for Nurnberger and wearing No. 1.

* During their 156 miles, the men average speeds of close to 25 miles per hour.

* Average speed up the Manayunk Wall is 8 to 18 mph.

* The average pro rider has about 5 to 8 percent body fat. The person writing this and most of you reading it are at about 20 percent.

* The men (and women) shave their legs because it's easier to rub lotion and ointments on them and, in case of an accident, easier to tend to a wound.

* An average 140-pound rider will burn about 700 calories per hour, and can lose up to 3 liters of fluid per hour.

* Former speed-skater Eric Heiden won the inaugural race.