Organizers of the annual Oak Ridge Velo Classic describe the criterium races as being like NASCAR on bikes. Above is the Men Pro/I race on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at Horizon Center. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
A bicycle racing event in Oak Ridge this past weekend (July 25 and 26) featured three types of races, a Family Wellness Festival, and a Kids Bike Rodeo. It was the URS-CH2M Oak Ridge LLC (UCOR) Oak Ridge Velo Classic.
There were three types of races that included 13 categories of competitors. Road races and time trials were staged from the parking area of the East Tennessee Technology Park on Saturday, July 25, and the criterium races were held at the Horizon Center on Sunday. This year’s criterium races—which are very much like “NASCAR on bikes”—were designated the state championships by the Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association.
The race promoters expected almost 400 competitors for the two-day event. Riders came from as far away as Florida and Ohio.
The Velo Classic also featured a Family Wellness Festival at the Horizon Center that kicked off with a noncompetitive Family Fun Ride on Sunday morning. The Wellness Festival included a Kids Bike Rodeo.
Each year, the race promoters make a contribution of at least $500 to a local service organization. This year, the recipient organization will be the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge.
Here are pictures from the Velo Classic on Sunday afternoon.
A North Carolina rider jumped out to a early lead, but within a few laps, there were other race leaders. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The Men Pro/I race, which lasted an hour, featured a lot of activity early in the race. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
Organizer Lou Rabinowitz, at center right in white shirt, talks to riders before the Men Pro/1 and Men Cat 2 race starts on Sunday afternoon, July 26, 2015, at Horizon Center in Oak Ridge. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
Children receive instructions before the Kids Bike Race at the 2015 Oak Ridge Velo Classic on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at Horizon Center. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The Oak Ridge Velo Classic this past weekend (Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26) included award ceremonies. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The Oak Ridge Velo Classic this past weekend (Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26) included award ceremonies. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The 2015 Oak Ridge Velo Classic included a Kids Bike Rodeo on Sunday, July 26, 2015. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
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