New York – Sparta Cycling’s Cyclosportif Series is expanding to three events and its newest one – the Putnam Cycling Classic in New York – is bidding to become the only American stop on the UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT).
The Putnam Cycling Classic will take place Sunday, Oct. 14, and is the initiative of Putnam County Tourism Director and former First Lady of New York, Libby Pataki. As part of its bid to be part of the UWCT, event partner Metro-North has created a “Putnam Classic Express,” which 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,” Pataki said. “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.”
Sparta Cycling’s Cyclosportif events (or Gran Fondo format) provide professional-quality race courses and chip timing for a variety of cyclists, ranging from World Masters Champions to new enthusiasts. The UWCT is a global, 15-event series of qualifying events for a Masters World Championship, to be held in Trento, Italy for 2013.
“The UWCT Berkshire Cycling Classic we organized in Lenox, Mass., last May provides a perfect example of what a true Cyclosportif can be,” Sparta Cycling Principal John Eustice said. “It was the American stop on the UCI World Cycling Tour, launched Ann Marie Miller on her path to a double World Masters Championship, and gave all participants a beautiful, challenging and memorable ride.”
Mayor Seth Gallagher said the Village of Cold Spring is excited to host the first edition of the Putnam Cycling Classic, which will feature a 68-mile ride with more than 5,800 feet of climbing, and a 37-mile ride with nearly 3,000 feet of climbing.
“We welcome the riders and know that their cycling experience will be made all the more impressive by the unique character of our 19th century river village surrounded by the most impressive unspoiled views of the Hudson Highlands,” Gallagher said. “Be prepared for a ride of particular scenic beauty.”
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.
