Edgar Soto Memorial - news scoop!
Inside sources involved with the second annual Edgar Soto Memorial Stage Race have revealed exciting changes to NashvilleCyclist.com about the upcoming Memorial Day weekend event. The race takes place here in Nashville on Friday, May 25th through Monday, May 28th, 2007, and will attract cyclists from across the country to compete. The stage race is being promoted by TriStar Cycling Team, Gran Fondo, and Juris.
Here are some of the highlights for the 2007 event:
The prize list increase to $20,000 marks a 15% increase over 2006, and amazingly includes a doubling of the Pro 1/2 prize list of last year. The large purse will get tremendous attention, and with that much on the line the field limit for the Pro 1/2/3 field is 150 riders.
It has been several years since area cyclists have had the opportunity to race in downtown Nashville, but organizers are confident they are reaching a deal with the city. I'm told the probability is as high as 90% that it will be held downtown, so let's hope that other 10% pulls through and grants our wishes. Having a bicycle race in downtown Nashville would be a great opportunity for non-cycling fans to see what cycling fans already know, and that is bicycle racing is as exciting and fun as any other form of athletic competition.
One unique change to 2007 will be the inclusion of Category 3 riders in the Pro 1/2 field. Category 3 riders who choose to compete in the Pro 1/2 field will not be eligible for TBAR points. However, there will still be a separate Category 3 field where riders can race and earn TBAR points. For some teams this will be a tough decision depending upon the size of their teams. If a team has a smaller squad in either field they may feel compelled to move their Category 3 rider into the Pro 1/2 field, which can help strengthen any team with a small roster. To do so a Category 3 rider would certainly be sacrificing any opportunity for glory in their own field because it's unlikely they'll make much impact in the Pro 1/2 group. This will be an interesting thing to follow and see how many Category 3 riders jump at the chance.
The stages themselves will fall on different days in 2007. Friday's Stage 1 will again be an individual time-trial in Leipers Fork, but Saturday's Stage 2 will be the circuit race instead of the criterium like last year. The circuit race on Stage 2 will include one more lap than last year for each category, which means an extra 11 miles of grueling up and down along the rolling hills of Williamson County. Hopefully 2007 will bring calmer weather for the Pro 1/2/3 field since last year's Pro 1/2 race was cancelled after a couple of laps due to severe thunderstorms and lightning.
Sunday's Stage 3 will now be the criterium, which as stated will likely take place in downtown Nashville. Last year the criterium was held on Saturday in the Maryland Farms business district of Brentwood, and if the downtown venue isn't secured it will return to Maryland Farms. Monday's grueling Stage 4 in Spencer, Tennessee will be the decisive day for each category. Last year the 3.5 mile finishing climb back into Spencer proved to be the deciding terrain, and this year's Pro 1/2/3 field will scale the climb twice as the mileage increases to 109 for the day.
Registration has already started on BikeReg.com, and it's highly recommended that you register early. Race organizers expect all fields to fill quickly and reach the limit, especially considering this year's event is part of the Maxxis Georgia Cup Series. Don't be left out on this opportunity to enjoy stage racing at its finest right here in your own backyard.
Last but not least, yes, J Alexander's podium girls will be back in 2007! There's no better way to celebrate your victory than with a kiss from the podium girls of the popular Nashville based restaurant. Not only will the racing experience be like a professional, but also the celebrations!
You can learn more details by visiting the registration page on BikeReg.com.
Here are some of the highlights for the 2007 event:
- The event will be included in the Maxxis Georgia Cup Series for 2007.
- Prize money will total $20,000.
- Race officials are close to receiving approval for a criterium in downtown Nashville along 2nd Avenue.
- Category 3 riders will be allowed to race in the Pro 1/2 field (but no TBAR points).
- The final stage for the Pro 1/2/3 field will be 109 miles long.
- Stages will follow in this order: time-trial, circuit race, criterium and road race.
- Registration is already open on BikeReg.com.
- Podium girls are back! (huge smiles from the winners in 2006!)
The prize list increase to $20,000 marks a 15% increase over 2006, and amazingly includes a doubling of the Pro 1/2 prize list of last year. The large purse will get tremendous attention, and with that much on the line the field limit for the Pro 1/2/3 field is 150 riders.
It has been several years since area cyclists have had the opportunity to race in downtown Nashville, but organizers are confident they are reaching a deal with the city. I'm told the probability is as high as 90% that it will be held downtown, so let's hope that other 10% pulls through and grants our wishes. Having a bicycle race in downtown Nashville would be a great opportunity for non-cycling fans to see what cycling fans already know, and that is bicycle racing is as exciting and fun as any other form of athletic competition.
One unique change to 2007 will be the inclusion of Category 3 riders in the Pro 1/2 field. Category 3 riders who choose to compete in the Pro 1/2 field will not be eligible for TBAR points. However, there will still be a separate Category 3 field where riders can race and earn TBAR points. For some teams this will be a tough decision depending upon the size of their teams. If a team has a smaller squad in either field they may feel compelled to move their Category 3 rider into the Pro 1/2 field, which can help strengthen any team with a small roster. To do so a Category 3 rider would certainly be sacrificing any opportunity for glory in their own field because it's unlikely they'll make much impact in the Pro 1/2 group. This will be an interesting thing to follow and see how many Category 3 riders jump at the chance.
The stages themselves will fall on different days in 2007. Friday's Stage 1 will again be an individual time-trial in Leipers Fork, but Saturday's Stage 2 will be the circuit race instead of the criterium like last year. The circuit race on Stage 2 will include one more lap than last year for each category, which means an extra 11 miles of grueling up and down along the rolling hills of Williamson County. Hopefully 2007 will bring calmer weather for the Pro 1/2/3 field since last year's Pro 1/2 race was cancelled after a couple of laps due to severe thunderstorms and lightning.
Sunday's Stage 3 will now be the criterium, which as stated will likely take place in downtown Nashville. Last year the criterium was held on Saturday in the Maryland Farms business district of Brentwood, and if the downtown venue isn't secured it will return to Maryland Farms. Monday's grueling Stage 4 in Spencer, Tennessee will be the decisive day for each category. Last year the 3.5 mile finishing climb back into Spencer proved to be the deciding terrain, and this year's Pro 1/2/3 field will scale the climb twice as the mileage increases to 109 for the day.
Registration has already started on BikeReg.com, and it's highly recommended that you register early. Race organizers expect all fields to fill quickly and reach the limit, especially considering this year's event is part of the Maxxis Georgia Cup Series. Don't be left out on this opportunity to enjoy stage racing at its finest right here in your own backyard.
Last but not least, yes, J Alexander's podium girls will be back in 2007! There's no better way to celebrate your victory than with a kiss from the podium girls of the popular Nashville based restaurant. Not only will the racing experience be like a professional, but also the celebrations!
You can learn more details by visiting the registration page on BikeReg.com.
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 2/09/2007 10:31:00 PM
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