Mayor's Cup
Saturday September 26, 2009
1st Day of Boston Cycling Celebration
More than 200 top professional racers, including Olympic cyclists and national champions, will descend on Government Center for high speed, fast-action racing. This event will also feature a mascot race, a kids race and a concert.
The TD Bank Mayor's Cup is a criterium or "crit" style race, the most spectator-friendly bike race format in the world. Racers sprint around the short .7 mile course at over 28 miles per hour for a full hour and a half. That's faster than most cars can drive on Boston roads. The tight pack of over 100 racers accelerates down the straight-aways and then dives into sharp corners at high speeds, dazzling spectators.
For much of the race you will see a large group of racers tightly packed together despite high speeds. On many laps, the official will ring a bell. On these laps, you will see racers taking each other on head-to-head for mid-race competitions called "primes." Mid-race primes are considered "races within the race;" a racer will win up to a thousand dollars every time he/she crosses the line first. The only problem is there is no prize for second place and, in going for these primes, it's easy to get tired and limit your chances at winning the full race.
The kid's race is 200 meters long (bikes & big wheels!) and is scheduled to start at 3:00 pm. The women's 1/2/3 race starts at 3:30 pm. The mascot race starts at 4:35 pm and is 15 minutes in duration. The men's pro 1/2 race starts at 5:00 pm and is 90 minutes in duration.
All the races will be exciting. Don't miss this action-packed, family-friendly event at City Hall Plaza!
Contact Information & Address:
TD Bank Mayor's Cup Pro Race & Concert
1 City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA 02108
mayorscupcycling.org (Mayor's Cup links are in left margin)