There’s a new bike race in town, folks! Criterium Detroit City takes to the city streets this Saturday, July 9, 2011 and promises all the excitement of NASCAR with the finesse of Tour de France. There hasn’t been a USA Cycling sanctioned bike race in downtown Detroit in over 20 years but this inaugural event will change that.
What is a Criterium?
: a bicycle race of a specified number of laps on a closed course over public roads closed to normal traffic.
The closed circuit racecourse allows spectators to be right in the middle of the action while the cyclists are pedaling at up to 40 MPH. The short course means that you can see the race from start to finish.
Criterium Detroit City offers a range of races from beginners to professionals. There will also be a Boll Family YMCA children’s race led by one of Detroit’s favorite celebrities, PAWS from the Detroit Tiger’s. Plus, the Detroit City Futbol League will participate in a relay race, which is sure to delight.
The Marketplace will feature over 30 businesses that will be set up in the parking lot of the Detroit Opera House. Local artists, designers and merchants will be displaying their wares as well as bike shops and bike dealers.
Detroit Moxie will be in the Marketplace too! Stop by to say hi and pick up a t-shirt if you haven’t already grabbed one online.
The start and finish line will be in front of the Boll Family YMCA. Food and drink will be available from Small Plates, Detroit Beer Co., Bert’s on Broadway, 1515 Broadway and the Cadillac Opera Café.
This event emphasizes one of the things I love about Detroit. Erika Fulk saw the need for an organized and high-energy bicycle race in downtown Detroit—and with the help of others—she made it happen.
Show your support of biking, Detroit and the entrepreneurial spirit by heading down to the races this weekend.
Do you want to race? Save $10 by registering before midnight on July 7th. You can also register at the event.