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"So, what the heck is SpeedWheel anyway?" Glad you asked.
In the following paragraphs, Jack McNeal, president of the Oklahoma Cycling Association, shares
information regarding SpeedWheel and Oklahoma bicycle racing in general. If you've ever wondered
what a "criterium" is and what SpeedWheel is all about, then you're in the right place ... read on!
SpeedWheel is a cycle racing event that became a part of FreeWheel almost 15 years ago,
and has been a favorite of FreeWheelers ever since. It's fast-paced and very exciting.
SpeedWheel is a "criterium" race. A criterium is a circuit race held on a short course entirely closed to traffic. If you rode FreeWheel in 2004, you'll recall the streets of
downtown Fairview being cordoned off for the SpeedWheel races there. The length of the
course can range from half a mile to three miles or so. The race is very similar to a
NASCAR event, only on bicycles; there's a "pit" area, where riders my change wheels or
make other repairs and adjustments, and riders my only advance in the pack while on the course.
Prime Laps (pronounced "Preem") are a frequent addition to criterium races. These are
single-lap "races within a race." During the criterium, a bell is rung and an
announcement is made to make racers aware that the current lap will be a prime lap. The
winner of this single lap will enjoy a cash or merchandise award separate from any prizes
awarded the criterium winner. Prime Laps add another deminsion to the interest and
excitement of short-course cycle racing.
Racers can race in age- or ability-graded groups, and some participate in both. Age
groups include Juniors (age 10-18), Seniors (age 19-29), and Masters (age 30-80+).
Masters are often further divided into 5- or 10-year age groups. Ability-graded groups
range from 1 to 5; 1 representing the best racers and 5 representing beginners. Previous
race results play a large part in determining a rider's group placement.
This year SpeedWheel returns to Drumright on Thursday night, June 16th. Drumright has
hosted this event before on the campus of the Central Oklahoma Truck Driving school.
Their driving course is a great venue for short-course cycle racing. FreeWheelers will
definitely want to turn out to see riders from Oklahoma and the surrounding five-state
area compete for cash and merchandise.
For the third year in a row, CTE, an elite cycling team from Tulsa, is promoting
SpeedWheel. Last year's SpeedWheel attracted 103 riders from 5 states ranging in age from
12 to 50+ for the six different events. Over $3,500 in cash and merchandise was awarded
to '04 SpeedWheel participants!
FreeWheelers will likely have the opportunity to see nationally recognized cyclists in the
Drumright events. Stillwater is home to 19 year old Alex Welch, a likely SpeedWheel
participant. Alex races for the USA Espoir team with Olympic aspirations. Oklahoma
City's 21 year old Megan Long holds several national titles and may be on hand for the
races in Drumright.
All-in-all, SpeedWheel '05 promises to be fun and exciting and a great way to spend an
evening after the ride from Wetumka on June 16th.
If you'd like more information related to cycle racing in Oklahoma, contact Jack McNeal
(smilinjack2@prodigy.net) and check out the event calendar on the
Tulsa Wheelmen web site.
And if you still haven't gotten enough of bicycle racing, check out the
USA Cycling web site! USA Cycling is the
umbrella organization for USCF (United States Cycling Federation), NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycle
Association), USPRO (United States Professional Racing Association), and NCCA (National Collegiate Cycling
Association). That's a whol lot of cycling!
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