Fourth Annual International Cycling Circuit Race to Run in South Laredo
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Sep 6, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Various age, expertise categories allow for local hopefuls to participate
Laredo, TX—A smooth highway cutting through the quiet South Texas brush country landscape will be the backdrop for the fourth annual International Cycling Circuit in Laredo, to be held Sunday, September 16, 2012, starting at 7:00 a.m. With a little over $2,000 in cash and prizes being offered, this race is the continuation of what organizers believe is becoming a major cycling event for professional and amateur bike enthusiasts alike.
“Laredo offers the perfect environment for cycling races in September,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Cindy Liendo Espinoza, one of the principal sponsors of the race. “We want to showcase different areas of Laredo and offer the type of atmosphere that a circuit race requires,” she added. Two previous races have traveled through downtown Laredo and along Bob Bullock Loop 20.
The bike race is a circuit race, which means that participants will run laps to meet the designated length for each category of cyclists. The circuit is an 8.7 mile loop and starts .8 miles south from Sierra Vista Boulevard headed north on Cuatro Vientos. There are two left turns: the first turn will be in the last turn-around before Highway 359, heading back south on Cuatro Vientos and then turn-around at the end of the road. The race finishes at the same starting point.
Various categories means that anyone interested in participating can find one that fits their age and competitive category. Below is a breakdown of the race categories, start times, length of race, laps required and prizes for each. Each category is limited to 100 racers. A minimum number of racers are required for certain races to award cash prizes. The Beginners category includes children under 14 and adult men and women.
Category Start Laps Distance Prizes
Beginners 7:15 a.m. 4 34.8 miles Trophies
Intermediate M/W 7:10 a.m. 5 43.5 miles Cash, Trophies
Open 7:05 a.m. 6 52.5 miles Cash, Trophies
With online registration still open, anyone who is interested in registering can do so for $35 fee by registering at www.cityoflaredobikerace.com; after the deadline of September 14, 2012, there will be a $10 late fee. You can also find additional details on the registration website.
According to Gonzalez, a local cycling enthusiast and organizer for the mid-September event, the date and location is perfect, because there are no other races taking place on that date.
“Cyclists are always looking for races, so this just offers them another chance to compete,” Gonzalez said. “Additionally, this is great way to promote Laredo to people from throughout Texas and Mexico. What better way than to show off Laredo, with our great South Texas landscape landmarks? Locally, we hope to encourage more people to get active and enjoy the health benefits from cycling,” he concluded.
However, if you are not quite at the competitive level, Laredoans are still encouraged to come out to the AREA, bring a picnic and other refreshments and enjoy the race, the weather and some of the activities taking place. Bring the little ones and their bikes; do not forget their helmets and elbow and knee pads or they will not be allowed to participate. The fun begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 11:00 a.m.
A race of this magnitude does mean that there will be certain road closures and preference given to racers at certain intersections, for their safety. Some intersections and lane closures will be found along Sierra Vista and Cuatro Vientos, to allow for bikers to pass.
For more information, contact members of the Laredo Cycle Club for more information, including: Arturo Dominguez at (956) 235-4861 or e-mail ad********@ab************.com " target="_blank"> ad********@ab************.com or Silverio Gonzalez at si******@zy*******.com " target="_blank"> si******@zy*******.com .
So far, racers from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo have signed up to be part of this cycling circuit race. While Sunday’s race is not an official USA Cycling sanctioned event, all USA Cycling rules will apply. Organizers hope to get the race sanctioned next year.
Of course, an event like this would not be possible if it were not for a bevy of sponsors, including the City of Laredo and the following local sponsors: Pro Bike Store, the event’s main sponsor, is providing the “Start” and “Finish” tire for the race, as well as all mechanical repair services and products free of charge; other sponsors include: A Brokerage Firm; City of Laredo; Jose David Gonzalez, U.S. Licensed Broker; La Quinta Inn & Suites Laredo Airport; Palos Garza; Pro Bike Bicycle Shop; Rock Fitness Center; S Specialized; Transportes Fema; Zygo Group, Inc.
