Bike races kick off in downtown Albany

ALBANY — Bike racers from around the country are once again traversing the streets of downtown Albany today as the annual Criterium Bike races return to the Good Life City.

Now in its 10th year, the Albany bike races offer both professional and amateur cyclists an opportunity to compete. In fact, this year marks the second year the racing action is part of the Southeast Regional Series (SRS) which consists of five races in five states.

Today’s race is the start of the SRS circuit and cyclists competing in Albany will be awarded points toward the series title that will culminate with the final race of the year in Greenville, S.C., in September.

According to Kristen Schutte, marketing and communications manager for the Albany Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau, more than 450 racers pre-registered for the event and even more were expected today.

“We had 464 pre-register, including over 70 professionals, which as of Thursday was up 40 percent over last year,” said Schuette. “Cyclists are notorious for late registration so we have no idea what it could potentially be.”

While the event has significant importance within the cycling community, it also has significance for Albany. Rashelle Beasley, executive director of the CVB, said the event ranks as one of the most important for the city in terms of economic impact.

Beasley said last year’s event generated almost $200,000 for the community. Based on this year’s preliminary numbers, she believes that amount should increase to $300,000.

“It’s definitely one of our top five events each year,” Beasley said. “It’s very important to us as it’s a great way for us to show off our city. These cyclist don’t travel alone. They bring their families so this allows us to show our attributes and show that Albany is a family-friendly place.”

Today’s racing is broken up into different classifications riding in different groups throughout the day. Each group will run the .6 mile loop as many times as possible within a certain amount of time. The professional riders, who will start at 3:30 p.m., will be trying to get as many laps as possible in 75 minutes.

The actually route starts at the corner of Pine Avenue and Washington Street and riders will travel down Pine to Front Street. They will then turn on Front and ride to Broad Avenue where they will turn and head to Jackson Street. At Jackson Street they will then head to Pine and take Pine back to the starting point.

The first set of racers will begin at 8 a.m. and races will continue throughout the day, ending around 5 p.m. Adding to the excitement is a planned 100 Block Street Art Competition that will begin at 10 a.m. in the downtown Art Park. Attendees there will be treated to vendors, live music and beat boy battles as well.

There will also be an after party that begins at 9 p.m. for ages 18 and up. Entry to that is $5 or donation of two cans of paint.

The racing action will pick back up in Lee County Sunday morning with a distance road race.

For more information about the races and events surrounding them, citizens can visit the CVB website visitalbanyga.com, the SRS website www.srs-racing.com and the Art Park website at www.artparkonpine.com.