Twenty teams participate
in cycling race
By Beth Simons
Staff
Writer
On Sunday, cycling enthusiasts gathered by the
Food Sciences Building to support and cheer on their favorite teams
in the Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference.
More than 20 teams participated in the Purdue Criterium,
which consisted of five categories: two women's and three men's. The
men’s C and women’s B category was 20 laps; the men’s
B and women’s A category was 35 laps; and the men’s A was
50 laps. The categories were divided according to experience and ability.
Some of the teams that participated in the race
were from the University of Illinois, the University of Wisconsin, Depauw
University and Ohio State University.
"Teams from all over the Midwest come to compete
in these competitions because the races can get very competitive,"
said Ken Nowakowski, the head coach of Marian College.
The race produced a good sized crowd of friends
and families of the participants and people who just wanted to see a
good race. The audience showed its support by wearing its school colors
and by screaming enthusiastically. Some of the spectators even brought
their pets to watch the race.
Every year Purdue chooses a different site to host
its race.
This year’s course was approximately one km
in length and included five left turns and one right turn. The wide
roads and smooth pavement allowed the cyclists to have a fast race.
Joe McDonald, the assistant coach of Marian College,
enjoyed this year’s race and was satisfied with the turnout, but
he liked last year’s better.
"The race held downtown last year was really
enjoyable and the scenery was more exciting. Racing gives you a sense
of satisfaction and as you continue to compete it really allows you
to see the progress that you are making," said McDonald.
Aside from measuring the participants' progress,
the races measure the amount of points each individual or team earns.
Every five laps there are sprints that allow each individual the opportunity
to earn extra points for his or her team. At the end of the race the
points are added up and the winners are announced.
The goal of each team is to earn enough points
to qualify for nationals. The nationals are being held in Vermont on
May 10,11 and 12.
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