January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Cyclists take to the track
The roar of revving engines and the screech of motorbike brakes will give way to the whirl of bicycle pedals and the grunts of human exertion as cyclists take over the track on Tuesday nights for a summer series of crits, sprints and time trials.
The six-week series - strictly for fun - starts Tuesday at six at the Clearwater track - the home of street bikes, go-karts and motocross in Bermuda.
The evening of races will start off with junior events, followed by competitions for senior riders.
All the races will be fairly short, and vary in nature. Criteriums, where riders race for a set period of time, will be the staple event, but organizers will also include time trials, relay races, and sprint challenges, all designed to be fast and fun.
Peter Dunne, president of the Bermuda Bicycle Association, said: "We are very excited about being able to use the track. Riders of all ages will get a kick out racing around the circuit, and for once we won't have to worry about road traffic! This is a wonderful facility and getting access to the track is a real treat for us."
Nigel Godfrey, a BBA vice president with responsibility for junior development, added: "We would really like to attract children to come out and race. Any bike will do, just so long as it is in good order with working brakes. And of course we insist of helmets being worn by all participants."
Ed Jordan, treasurer of the BBA, recently returned from a major junior event in the Isle of Man reporting that the local cycling club there regularly attracts 300 juniors to evening sessions on the local motor racing circuit. "We'd be happy to get 50 at our event" he said.
Juniors who show up to race can register on the day and there is no fee. Senior riders will pay $3, the funds being used to pay out small prizes, known as primes, to encourage competition.
Use of the track has been made possible with the help and cooperation of Calvin Simons of the Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation and David Jones of the Bermuda Motor Sports Association.
The BBA will be making contact with schools over the next couple of weeks to promote the event to juniors. Any children 7 years of age and older are welcome, as are adult riders of any age.
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