2008 Kirkland Criterium - NASCAR (with a twist) comes to town

Sunday, August 10, 2008. Downtown Kirkland.

The Kirkland Criterium is unlike other bike races in town. First off, the entire race is actually in downtown. Second, it is a closed circuit, where racers speed around the track over and over - much like a NASCAR race. It should an exciting event for both racers and spectators alike!

Introducing the 2008 Kirkland Criterium. What is a criterium? A criterium, known among racers as a “crit,” is the most popular form of bike racing in the U.S. The race course is a closed circuit track around downtown streets. Racers typically complete a lap per minute, traveling at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour. Considered as the “NASCAR” of bike races!

The race course is basically the same as that of the Fourth of July Parade, just in the opposite direction. The Start/Finish line is at Central Way and Lake Street, which is conveniently located at the front door of Kirkland’s newest cycle and mountain supply shop, uBRDO map (that’s Croatian for “in the hills, or mountains”). Scott Richardson, owner of uBRDO pictured above, said that uBRDO has been open for five months and they are a proud sponsor of this event.

Unlike other bike races, the criterium race has cyclists racing past the same location on the course over and over. It is estimated one completed lap should only take about 60 seconds! Street closures are listed below, so please be prepared for extra traffic.

This sounds like a fun event to watch as a spectator (my training wheels would give me an unfair advantage, so I wont be competing in the races). Hmmm… I think it might be time to get in the NASCAR spirit and rent the movie Talladega Nights.

Here are some more details about the 2008 Kirkland Criterium: 

Kirkland Criterium Mission -The Kirkland Criterium strives to attract nationally and internationally acclaimed cyclists as well as to provide competition opportunities for cyclists with varying degrees of ability. The Criterium is dedicated to promoting cycling as a life-time sport and providing the community with an entertainment venue in downtown Kirkland where spectators of all ages can enjoy the races and associated events.

The Kirkland Criterium has partnered with the Benaroya Research Institute to bring awareness to their work. Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) works to unlock the mysteries of the immune system. Its team of world-renowned scientists is focused on identifying causes and cures for devastating diseases including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. BRI is an international leader in immune system and autoimmune disease research with a focus on translating laboratory discoveries to real life applications. To learn more about the Benaroya Research Institute, please visit - http://www.benaroyaresearch.org/

Race Details

WEBSITE: http://www.kirklandcriterium.com/

WHERE:  Start/Finish - Central Way/Lake Street, Kirkland, WA.

SETUP:  Race setup will begin at 3pm on Sunday, August 10. Roads will be closed by 5pm. There will be locations on the course for pedestrians and cars to get off the across or out of parking areas.

DATE:  Sunday - August 10, 2008

RACE TIMES:

5:15 - 6:00 PM Men’s Category 3* - approximately 30-40 laps

6:10 - 6:40 PM Kids Race

6:50 - 7:20 PM Women’s Category 1-3* - approximately 20-30 laps

7:30 - 8:45 PM Men’s Pro/1/2* - approximately 50-60 laps

*Field limit 100

ROUTE/STREET CLOSURES:

Start/Finish - Central Way/Lake Street

Corner #1 – Riders take a left from Central Way onto Market Street through Marina Park

Corner #2 – Riders take a left out of Marina Park (Lake Shore Plaza) onto Kirkland Avenue

Corner #3 – Riders take a left from Kirkland Avenue onto Main Street

Corner #4 – Riders take a left from Main Street onto Central Way

RACE DIRECTOR:  For more information contact David Visintainer , 206-295-6056 or david@bikecafe.net for additonal information or sponsorship opportunities

PRIZES:

Men’s Category 3 ($500 and merchandise)

Kids Race (Ribbons) Sponsored by Cycle U

Women’s Category 1-3 ($500 and merchandise)

Men’s Pro/1/2 ($750 and merchandise)

Due to time limitations and access to the city streets, not all categories are available to race.

REGISTRATION: 

Register at uBRDO Cycle and Mountain Supply, 122 Central Way Kirkland, WA 98033. Online registration available on BikeReg.com

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