The Inaugural Ventura County Bike Stage Race Kicks Off May 16

(Ventura, CA) – Competitive bicycle racing comes to the streets of Downtown Ventura for a timed stage race, May 16 & 17, 2009. The inaugural Ventura County Stage Race will consist of 3 stages over a 2 day period in Ventura County. This exciting, family-friendly and completely free event is sure to thrill all ages of spectators.

The Ventura community has come together to produce this inaugural event for spectators, racers and curious observers in the So Cal area, and combined it with a spectacular list of prizes. Awards range from food and beverage at popular downtown restaurants and bars, hotel stays, and much more. Race enthusiasts, racers and their families are invited to enjoy Ventura’s vibrant historic downtown district with its wide variety of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee and wine bars during Saturday’s day long activities. The event’s host hotel, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, is within easy walking, or riding, distance from Downtown Ventura. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Ventura Organization, Amgen Cycling Club, Watermark Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Jaguar Ventura, Smith Optics, Juice and Java and many more. Williams Wheel Systems, Win’s Wheels, E2 Hydro / Clif Bar and Hincapie Sportswear (leader jerseys) are providing free racer support.

Race day 1 consists of 2 stages with the exact same starting point at Main and Chestnut Streets in Downtown Ventura at 8:00 am. The event is a fast, 1.7 mile, individual speed event and organizers have added a Euro feel to the course, with multiple twists and turns which add to the technicality. Stage 2 is a 0.7 mile “Criterium” race around the newly paved streets of Downtown Ventura with Main Street and City Hall as the primary venues. A “Criterium” is a group cycling race featuring many turns and speed. Criterium racing goes all afternoon and finishes with the Pro 1/2 Men in the evening.

Race day 2 is 10 miles north to Ojai for the 5.7 mile circuit course. The course will test each racer’s fitness with multiple sprint and climbing opportunities during each event.

Event organizers are pleased to announce the addition of Amgen Tour of California race announcer Dave Towle to the lineup for the weekend activities. Dave is widely recognized as the best announcer in the United States. Organizers are committed to timely results, a safe and professional race course and an exciting event for the entire family!

The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, the race’s official hotel sponsor and Ventura’s only hotel located directly on the beach, is offering a special ‘Ventura Bike Stage Race’ rate at $109 per night. For reservations, please call 805 648 2100. Over the course of the weekend, participants will race in one of eight different categories, competing for $15,000 in cash/prizes. Future plans include alternative courses and increased stages for 2010. For more info, contact Colby Allen at tommasini@gmail.com or go to www.bikestyleusa.com.

Registration is now open at www.socalreg.com

April 29, 2009   Posted in: United States SouthWest