Putnam Cycling Classic Gains International Status
Putnam County will soon be on the map for cyclists from all around the world.
The Director of Tourism of Putnam County, Libby Pataki, announced the selection of the Putnam Cycling Classic to the prestigious UCI World Cycling Tour, a series of timed, Gran Fondo-style rides (aged-graded mass participation cycling events, similar in scope and participation to running marathons) held over five continents. The event also serves as the unique American qualifying event forthe Masters World Cycling Championships to be held in Trento, Italy.
The May 5, 2013 Putnam event follows Crete, Greece on the UWCT calendar, with the tour moving afterwards to Copenhagen, Denmark.
“After a superb test event held last October, we were convinced that the next logical step was to expose the natural beauty of Putnam County to an international audience,” stated Pataki.
The Putnam Cycling Classic, like a marathon, appeals to athletes of varied abilities.
While the front lines of the event will feature finely-tuned Masters racers looking to race their way to a World Championship berth, the middle and back of the field will be made up of weekend warriors enjoying a challenging ride under protected traffic conditions.
“These types of events, ones that bring together the entire spectrum of the enthusiast cycling community, represent the future of the sport,” said Event Director John Eustice, “Young and old, veterans and newbies, all can enjoy the benefits of what is essentially a long and beautiful bicycle park in Putnam County.”
The Putnam Cycling Classic has developed a special feature with event partner Metro-North, a “Putnam Classic Express” that leaves Grand Central Terminal and, after a one- hour ride, drops participants off on the start line in Cold Spring.
“This feature will really appeal to the international visitors coming to our event,” stated Libby Pataki, “They will be able to combine the excitement and attraction of a New York City stay with the clean air and beauty of Putnam County. It represents the very best of both worlds.”
The 2013 Putnam Cycling Classic will feature a 68-mile ride with 1,800 feet of climbing and a 37-mile ride with 900 feet of climbing. Both rides will be fully serviced with technical support, feed zones, broom wagons and chip timing.
Tickets for the inaugural “Putnam Classic Express” are available along with event registration on BikeReg.com For more information please go to: www.putnamcycling.com.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
