STAGES SET FOR LEGENDARY KILLINGTON BIKE RACE WEEKEND
Posted on May 27, 2011
STAGES SET FOR LEGENDARY KILLINGTON BIKE RACE WEEKEND
Dramatic Sprints, Climbs Offer Exhilarating Viewing for Spectators
Killington, VT – Final preparations for the Killington Stage Race are in full swing, and organizers are expecting big crowds and fast action over the Memorial Day weekend for the return of the legendary cycling event. There are already over 640 entrants, with more expected during this last week of registration, promising a full competitive field for spectators to watch along all routes. Races are scheduled for Saturday, May 28 through Monday May 30, 2011.
Saturday’s 18-mile Mountain Times Circuit Race kicks off at the Killington Skyeship on Route 4, and finishes at Killington’s Sunrise Base Area on Route 100, just south of Route 4. Citizen racers start at 8AM, followed by the first wave of stage racers at 9:15AM and the second wave at 1:00PM. The circuit race features an exciting sprint during every lap and a final sprint to the finish line. The best vantage points for spectators on Saturday are at the Coolidge Historical site at Plymouth Notch, the Salt Ash Inn at the intersection of Routes 100 and 100A, and the finish line at the Sunrise Base Area for the sprints.
On Sunday, the Long Trail Brewing Individual Time Trial stage kicks off at 9AM. Stage 2 starts just west of the Long Trail Brewing Company’s location on Route 4 in Bridgewater, and finishes at the Killington town offices on River Road. Individual time trials will take place throughout the day. The best viewing for Stage 2 is at the start in Bridgewater, at the Skyeship Base Area on Route 4, and along River Road in Killington.
Monday’s Champion Systems 62-mile point-to-point road race begins at the Skyeship Base Area at 9:15AM, features a dramatic climb up East Mountain Road, and finishes at Killington’s K-1 Base area.
“We’re pleased to see the number of racers we have registered so far and we are ahead of last year’s numbers,” says race director Gary Kessler. “Cycling fans should get ready to see some spectacular action by some amazing athletes all weekend long.”
The Killington Stage Race was founded in 1987 and ran for 14 years before being cancelled in 2000 due to a lack of funding. In its last year on the National Racing Calendar it was a top tier event that drew in the top professional men and women in the nation to compete. The event was revived in May of 2010 by Killington’s department of Economic Development and Tourism (EDT).
“We’re thrilled to be kicking off the summer tourism season with the Stage Race once again this year,” says Seth Webb, EDT director for the town of Killington. “This event brings thousands of racers, families and fans into our community, and is a welcome boost for local businesses right now.”
Registration is currently closed but will re-open on Saturday and Sunday of the race. Route maps, schedules and additional information about the Killington Stage Race is available online at www.KillingtonStageRace.com.
PHOTO EDITORS: For hi-res images of last year’s Stage Race, please contact:
Suzie Dundas, Marketing, Media & Events Coordinator, Town of Killington
802.422.2185
suziedundas@killingtontown.com