But it has. And the 30th annual event, now called the Cat's Hill Classic, will return to town on May 8 with more than 500 amateur and professional riders expected for the series of races on the one-mile course that starts at the corner of Tait and Nicholson avenues.

The clockwise loop includes six 90-degree turns and also the trip up the hill that gave the race its name—the Cat's Hill, a demanding 23 percent grade on Nicholson Avenue. The steep incline has challenged riders with its many ruts and potholes in the past. And while the climb will still be a challenge for cyclists, at least there will be a smooth surface since the road was resurfaced earlier this year.

The Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club sponsors the event that features races ranging from three to 35 laps, depending on age and ability levels. The professional men's race is the longest of them all at 35 laps. Jonas Carney is the defending champ in that division.

Karen Brems Kurreck is a two-time defending champion in the women's professional race. In all, she is six-time Cat's Hill winner.

Eric Wohlberg, Fred Markham, Ron Kiefel and Chris Huber are all two-time Cat's Hill men's winners. The race has also featured such cycling greats as Greg LeMond, Derek Bouchard-Hall, Suzy Pride, Eric Heiden, and Dylan Casey.

Race action begins at 9 a.m. on May 8. For more information, visit www.catshill.org.