Augusta has been the host city for several cycling events in the plast two decades.

From regional events to the Tour de Georgia to the International Mountain Bike Association World Summit, the Garden City has seen the sport at various levels and disciplines.

In the next two years, Augusta will get to see some of the best compete as the 2011 and 2012 USA Cycling Elite/U23/Juniors Road National Championships and Paralympic Road National Championships come to the area.

The announcement was released Wednesday by the Augusta Sports Council.

"Over the years we've done cycling at every possible level of championship," said Tammy Stout, executive director for the sports council. "This is a new challenge, hosting three in one week."

More than 700 cyclists are expected for the weeklong championship event. National titles will be awarded for men and women in the road race, criterium and individual time trial competitions.

The details of where the competitions will be held are still being worked out, Stout said.

Augusta's history of cycling events is impressive, Stout said. In 1994 the city held the Masters National Championships and for several years was involved with the Tour de Georgia.

Most recently, Augusta held a mountain biking industry and advocacy conference in May.

The second annual ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta triathlon, which features a 1.1 mile swim, a 56-mile bike leg and 13.1-mile run, will be held Sept. 26.

The 2011 event is scheduled for June 21-26.

The 2012 races will take place June 18-24.