May 26/10 7:44 am - Halifax Criterium May 30th

Posted by Editoress on 05/26/10
 

Get ready to rumble – The Halifax Criterium is set for this weekend.

More than 100 cyclists from Atlantic Canada are expected to converge upon the streets of Halifax this weekend to compete at one of the premier events scheduled in Bicycle Nova Scotia's 2010 season.

The ever popular Halifax Criterium, hosted by Bicycles Plus Cycling Club, will again test the endurance, nerves and speed of cyclists from Cape Breton to Yarmouth when they jostle for top spot over a tight, short course for the most loops around the Halifax North Commons in a preset amount of time.

Each race for various divisions is expected to draw some of the fastest men and women on two wheels to navigate a 1.5 km course around the Halifax Commons which usually serves as of the city's main thoroughfare in the historic area. The Halifax Regional Municipality will close portions of the area to accommodate spectators and participants race day, Sunday, May 30.

The Halifax Criterium is a unique race in Bicycle Nova Scotia's roster because it's the only race in the province that has a closed-circuit. “For spectators, this will be one of the most exciting races to watch as cyclists battle for position around those narrow tight turns,” says Bill Goldston, spokesman for Bicycle Nova Scotia.

Races will begin at 9 a.m., Sunday and will take 30, 40, 50 and 70 minutes, plus two laps, to complete depending on the division category. Youth and children will race mid-day.

Registration on race day is set to start 7:30 a.m., at The Pavilion at 5816 Cogswell Street, Halifax. Awards presentations for all division winners will take place later that day starting 2:30 p.m., at the same location.

Last year, the Halifax Criterium attracted more than 100 of the fastest cyclists from across the province and the Atlantic region and more than 40 children who competed in two separate divisions.

Organizers expect to return a new division – the Single Speed race – which they introduced for the first time last year.

“It was a great success,” said Race Director Ghislain Desainde of Bicycles Plus Cycling Club. “We heard participants really enjoyed it so it will be back this year again.”

This year, children aged five to 12 will compete in two divisions for free and be eligible to win a new Giant bicycle. Parents are asked to please ensure their children are familiar with how to ride their bicycle and that it is in proper working condition.
For further information contact Race Director Ghislain Desainde at gdesainde@hotmail.com or check for updates on our website: www.bicyclespluscyclingclub.com.

Next race is June 6th: Sea Level Lobster Crawl Road Race in Yarmouth
Contact: Jimmie Atwood - Mansers (902) 723-2747 tpijennifer@ns.sympatico.ca