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One Mile in Three Minutes

400+ bicycle racers coming to Sussex this May

Bike racers from near and far will be coming to ride in the Sussex Criterium hosted by the Café Hollander Bike Team again this year on May 22.

This event brings more than 400 bicycle racers to ride multiple laps of a one-mile loop starting on Executive Drive near the watertower. 

A criterium race is not a specific distance.  Each race has a specified length, from 30 to 60 minutes.  After the clock has reached the time limit the racers complete one additional full lap, with the winner crossing the finish line first. 

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The races are categorized by fitness level, gender, and age.  Category 5 is the easiest, and category 1 is professional.

Race Director and Cafe Hollander Bike Team Director Corey Dempski will ride in the category 3 Master’s 30+ race.  He has four teammates in that race, and they will use team tactics to help their best rider win.will ride in the category 3 Master’s 30+ race.  He has four teammates, and they will use team tactics to help their best rider win. 

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“One way to help your best teammate ride faster is to use draft.  The faster teammate will ride 6 to 12 inches behind the other bicycle racer in the more aerodynamic position where it is easier to pedal,” said Dempski.

The Sussex Criterium race will only have individual awards.  But teams can earn points toward the season awards, which will include 16 races in the Midwest states this year.

Bicycle racers will train for months to increase their physical endurance by completing longer rides and doing high intensity sprints, but it’s difficult to prepare for the mental challenge of the race.

“The most challenging thing about bicycle racing is getting used to taking corners at fast speeds around 20 mph while riding just six inches away from your competitors,” said Dempski.

Anyone can join this race; even a road bike would work to ride a category 5 race.  Professional riders will opt for lighter bikes with frames made of carbon fiber weighing about 15 pounds.  A typical road bike will weigh about 26 pounds.

To ride, simply show up on the day of the race to register.  You will also need to purchase a one-day USA Cycling License for $10.  This supports the cost of hosting races.

The races will start at the watertower on Corporate Drive at the top of the hill on May 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There will be 12 races.  For more information, visit Café Hollander Bike Team’s website.

There are also races for ages 13-18, and a bicycle safety class.    

To view the race, spectators can go to the Sussex Corporate Center at W248N5499 Executive Dr.  The racers will complete the loop approximately every 3 minutes, which promises to provide a day of exciting races.

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