Valley of the Sun ready to shine tomorrow

The 18th edition of the Valley of the Sun stage race is set for this weekend in various areas of Phoenix.  Valley of the Sun started back in 1992 with the Lehi Time Trial, a road race and a Criterium all in the Mesa East Valley.  It has grown quite popular, and it's date early in the season attracts massive fields for what is termed the first real race of the year.

The 2010 edition sees a 14.1 mile time trial on February 12th on the Sun Valley Parkway west of Phoenix near Buckeye.  This flat and fast course used to be the Arizona State Time Trial course, but now has little use due to the development of homes in the area.  Racing begins at 9am that Friday morning.

Saturday the 13th has the traditional road race near Casa Grande.  In what was once thought to be an easy course, breakaways, wind, and the finish hill sometimes plays a role in the overall classification.  Largely, riders will try to even up time lost in Friday's time trial here, as the Criterium on Sunday does not always allow for that opportunity.

Every once in a while a small group gets away, laps the field, and all the hard work on Friday and Saturday is lost.  The criterium on Sunday the 14th may just do that again this year.  With a long course, many turns and an excellent spectator venue, this criterium is special in Phoenix.  While the sprint specialists try to hang on through the weekend to show their goods on Sunday, the roadies try to hang on to their leads.  This makes for some drama.

You can learn more by visiting Valley of the Sun on the White Mountain Road Club website.  Results while the race is under way can be found on the same site. Updates will be provided on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/wmrc_az as well. Please follow the rules of the road while taking in this great race.  Kids will find a bike rodeo, race, and other events, for free, just for them on Sunday the 13th.  If you can make it to any of the venues, try to make it to the race on Sunday, as its the most exciting, fun for the kids, and a great spectator friendly course.


Misschien ook interessant: