HERE THEY COME! WHITE PLAINS BIKE RACES IN FULL SWING

Hits: 58

 

IMG_5125 IMG_5139

IMG_5146 IMG_5173

WPCNR DOWNTOWN IN ACTION. By John F. Bailey. JUNE 9, 2013:

The Second Annual  KeyBank White Plains Downtown Criterium featuring hundreds of riders in different heats ZIPPING and  racing around down town White Plains in a circular/square course,is  in full pedal until about  1 PM OR 2 PM today.

Races start at Macy’s and the Michaelian Building and intrepid cyclists are  racing down Martine, down Mamaroneck Avenue  Up Quarropas St, down Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, and back to the Michaelian Building and around again. The “Crit” even has  a pedal-by-pedal public address announcer, Bill Montgomery  providing insider commentary, plus free coffee and giveaways from sponsors, including KeyBank sunglasses!

The Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong reported that motorists can expect traffic detours. Main Street will be open but Mamaroneck  Avenue will be closed  from Martine to Quarropus as will MLK.

WPCNR observed no traffic problems as of mid-morning, and the ultra professional White Plains Police are doing their low-key cordial, efficient traffic movement and spectator assistance. The course is well-monitored, pedestrians can cross in safety. All crossings are monitored by race officials. Races will continue past noon today, perhaps until 2 PM.

The “Crit” is a high-speed, action-packed bike race held on a race course closed to traffic. Racers in White Plains are cycling a 3/4 mile course about 32 times over hills, down hills, with wide courses and the races this reporter saw were highly competitive AND it is dangerous.

Several collisions with bikers walking off shaking it off were seen by WPCNR, and getting back in the race.Bikers and teams race around the course in a pack returning to the starting point every two minutes or so. Riders negotiate tight turns at daring speeds jockey for position, for the final race to the finish. Excess proceeds will benefit the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency.

Tom, a  bicyclist observing said it was great for cyclists to race inside a real town with a wide course and not in the usual remote locations most bicycle races are held. He said it takes a lot of effort by a city to run one of these races and he commended the efforts of the city departments for their management of the course.

Comments are closed.