The Battenkill-Roubaix Race/4th Annual Tour of the Battenkill
12/19/2007
Salem, NY - Farm Team Cycling of Cambridge, NY and The Towns & Villages of the Battenkill Valley are proud to announce the 4th Annual Tour of the Battenkill cycling race on April 19, 2008 in Salem, NY. Already the largest Pro/Am race on the East Coast in 2007 with more than 1000 racers from 25 States and Canada, the 2008 edition is expected to draw nearly 1500 racers from throughout North America. Formerly known as the 'Battenkill-Roubaix' the race is a unique event on the North American cycling schedule. With direct passes through the small villages of Southern Washington County, NY, difficult climbs, and extended portions on dirt and gravel roads the race rivals many European races in scope and scenery. See www.battenkillroubaix.com for race details.
Most racers will compete on a single, 55 mile loop. Starting and finishing in the scenic Upstate New York Village of Salem, the race travels over local roads to the tiny hamlet of Eagleville and over the Eagleville Covered Bridge, through the Village of Cambridge, to the Town of Easton, through the Village of Greenwich, and finally back to Salem. Along the route, racers will be tested with now-famous dirt roads such as Juniper Swamp Road in the Town of Salem, Meeting House Road in Easton, and Ferguson Road in the Town of Greenwich, among others. A full race expo with food vendors, local crafts, and live entertainment will greet each racer at the finish line in Salem. The elite and professional men will compete on an 82 mile course, while the Juniors age 10-14 will race on a 13 mile course.
There will be 15 separate races for amateurs to professionals, youth to senior. Races will begin at 9 AM on West Broadway, Salem. Online registration will open on Friday, December 21 at 12 noon at www.bikereg.com. Most races are expected to fill to their respective limits very quickly. There is no mail-in registration.
Several events are being planned around the race, including a pancake breakfast, guest-speakers at local venues preceding the race, and.a bike-art competition and auction sponsored by the Towns & Villages of the Battenkill Valley (www.visitbattenkillvalley.com). Proceeds from the event will benefit Farm Team Cycling - a regional cycling club for youth, and the Public Libraries of Southern Washington County, NY.
For sponsorship & volunteer information, please contact Race Promoter Dieter Drake at promoter@battenkillroubaix.com.
