Saturday, February 6, 2010

San Dimas Stage Race 2010

World class professional, state champions and talented amateur cyclists from around the world are once again gearing up to compete in the 11th annual San Dimas Stage Race. The race, hosted by local bike club SC Velo, is scheduled for March 19th, 20th, and 21st. Three exciting stages of racing are planned as well as the Kids Race on the last day. Over 800 amateur and pro cyclists are expected to compete for cash and prizes. The San Dimas Stage Race has grown and matured from its modest beginning in 2000, to become a well regarded race by the cycling community.

Stage 1 consists of individual time trials on a 3.8 mile course that winds its way up Glendora Mountain Road. Sponsored by Glendora Chevrolet, this stage is an individual all out effort by the riders to get the best time going up the steepest and curviest part of Glendora Mountain Road. With the size of the field, it will be a long day of racing, with the first rider starting at 9:00 AM and the last one going out in the late afternoon, the exact time being dependent on the number of riders.



Stage 2 will be a Road Race around Bonelli Park. This stage is sponsored by San Dimas Hospital. The course is made up of a rolling and twisting 7 mile circuit which includes a couple of short, but steep, grades. The riders will make several loops around the course, with the overall racing distances varying from 35 to 84 miles, depending upon their category. The first group will start at 7:55 AM and the last group will start at 1:15 PM. The best spots for viewing the race will be along Puddingstone Ave, which is where the Start/Finish Line will be, and inside Bonelli Park along Via Verde.



Stage 3 will be a Criterium around the streets of Old Town San Dimas. Sponsored by Incycle bike stores and Cannondale bikes, the racers will ride quick loops around a tight, 1.2 mile circuit with 6 sharp corners, for times varying from 30 to 90 minutes depending upon their category. The first group will start at 8:45 AM and the last group will start at 3:00 PM. For spectators, this will be an up-close and fast race, with lots of good viewing spots around the course.

The Kids Race will be a fun event hosted on Sunday March 21st at 12:300 PM in downtown San Dimas. Sponsored by Shimano, the race is free to all children, so get your kids’ bikes out and ready to ride. Please note that helmets are mandatory.

All of these events offer great opportunities for participation by cyclists of all levels from recreational to professional, as well as wonderful viewing for cycling fans. There is no fee for watching, just pick a spot along the race route and be prepared to see some exciting racing. For the photographically inclined, the photo-ops will be unparalleled, with lots of up-close action, so bring your cameras.

For more information about the race please go to www.scvelo.com. Registration is open and spots are available online.

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