The First Seacoast Criterium |
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PORTSMOUTH BIKE RACE
The fastest event in Portsmouth history will return on September 18. Downtown
becomes a race track as expert cyclists vie for cash prizes. We were there for
the last "Crit" back in 2000. Seems like a good time to pull out those pix and
inspire young riders to train for the next big race. (Click for photos)
SEE: Dave Balin on Recreational Cycling
It looked like a flash in the pan. The fast-paced Seacoast Criterium whizzed
through downtown Portsmouth and into the history books – or so it seemed. The
carefully designed high-speed road event went off flawlessly, but not everyone
was thrilled. Merchants complained and the race did not reappear. But five years
later the Seacoast Criterium is coming around one more time.
We happened to grab a few shots of the original race. Our poor disposable camera
was no match for the action as top-level professionals tore up the tarmac in Market
Square in mid-September. With $30,000 invested in prizes, preparation and personnel,
race organizers held their collective breath as heavy rains drenched the region
the day prior. But gorgeous end-of-summer skies arrived in the nick of time.
Conceived by active bike route organizers from SABR, the race immediately attracted
enthusiastic sponsors and racers. Despite advance promotion, many locals were
surprised to find the busy downtown area closed to vehicles. A well-trained army
of local volunteers marked out the route with barricades, netting and hay bales.
Vendors and VIPs hovered in strategically placed tents as racers circled the brand
new course.
After a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by a 10-year old Dover
songster, women racers manned the course. The men followed. Music blared, bodies
whipped by, and It was all over in a blur. Many top photographers were on the
scene, however, we couldn't afford one. So we submit, for your approval, these
eerie fuzzy images. Our favorite team, the New Hampshire Wheelmen (see bottom)
came in dead last, but then again, their bikes were over 100 years old. They entertained
the crowd with pedaling feats from an era when every bicycle ride was an act of
heroism. – JDR
VISIT the official Seacoast Criterium web site
SeacoastNH Criterium Scrapbook
September 16, 2000
All photos (c) 2000 SeacoastNH.com.
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