World-class crit racing comes to Harlem Rockstar
Email
Print
German Team to Defend 2010 and 2011 Wins
The field at the Harlem Skyscraper Classic will feature some the best criterium racers worldwide.
The powerful United Healthcare p/b Maxxis team, including Karl Menzies (AUS) and current NCC second place Jacobe Keough, will back NCC leader Hilton Clarke (AUS) against the best field ever seen at the Skyscraper. USA CRITS leader Oscar Clark of the amateur United Healthcare of Georgia, with only one teammate to help, will continue his David vs. Goliath fight against the pros hoping to hold off second place challenger Luke Keough of the Team Mountain Khaki’s /SmartStop, currently leading the USA CRITS team classification.
"I have never raced this course but have heard a lot about it," Keough said, "It is a fast and flat four corner course which is really the definition of a crit in my mind. The field is going to be strong because of the USA CRITS Series and NCC points up for grabs. I think the course and the field are going to make for some really fast and exciting racing!"
Adding to that excitement will be the all-conquering Rockstar team from Germany, dominating winners of the Skyscraper in 2010 and 2011, which will be racing to promote the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association. The team, made up of six-day and criterium racing specialists, includes last year’s winner and second in 2010, Leif Lampater, and heralded Dutchman Leon van Bon, a two-time stage winner at the Tour de France and track racing specialist.
“The Rockstar German team dominated the last two editions of the Skyscraper,” said Race Director John Eustice, “but they are in for a shock this year with the level of completion we’ve brought to town. Spectators are going to witness incredible speed, precision team racing and pure cycling skills as these pro teams go to war on Sunday.”
Manhattan’s Century Road Club Association will be well represented at the national event with their Champion System p/b Stan’s No Tubes, currently the second placed USA CRITS team and the third placed CRCA/Foundation team.
Jamis Sutter Home, second place in the NCC team standings bring speedsters Denis Aleman and Jackie Simes, Pure Energy Cycling/PRO AIR boasts Bobby Lea and Michael Chauner, with Aussie Doug Rapacholi and 2009 Skyscraper winner, Brooklyn’s Jermaine Burrowes rounding out the field of fast men.
Founded in 1973 by David Walker, a Community Affairs Officer with NYPD’s 25th Precinct, the Skyscraper was designed to attract children to a cycling safety and racing program through the excitement of professional racing, and to offer amateur riders a chance to race in a beautiful urban setting. Mr. Walker’s vision continues with Bike New York’s Learn to Ride program, which will be available, at no charge, to children from 1-3 p.m. during the amateur races. Additionally, a BMX stunt show by Baby Bean Productions will take place, including BMX racing instruction for children.
Registration opens at 11 a.m. on Father’s Day followed by a series of children’s and amateur races starting the day’s festivities at noon. Race winners will be going home with new bicycles - another David Walker tradition honored by the event. The day will conclude with the prestigious David Walker Memorial Race.
11 a.m. — Registration opens for Kids, Amateur, Pro races
12 p.m. — Kid’s sprints and lap races begin
1 p.m. — BMX stunt show begins with performances throughout the day and BMX classes for children
1-3 p.m. — Bike New York’s Learn to Ride program
1p.m. — Amateur races featuring various men’s and women’s categories and events
3:55 p.m. — Call to line for pro racers
4 p.m. — Skyscraper NCC and USA CRITS event - David Walker Memorial Race
The Skyscraper is, above all, a community cycling festival, with fixed gear races, children’s events, great food and music, and some of the most spectacular, professional racing to be seen anywhere. We’re extremely proud to be sponsoring the event for the fourth year in a row and members of the Rockstar Games team will be on-hand with Rockstar-branded merchandise to give away near the start and finish lines.
For more details please to to: http://www.skyscraperclassic.com.
This Article Published June 14, 2012 For more information contact:
