San Dimas Stage 2010 - Race Preview
The 11th edition of the San Dimas Stage Race returns with
over 800 competitors for three days of racing in cycling crazy sunny Southern
California.
San Dimas Stage Race
Presented by Southern California Velo
March 19 - 21 2010
World class professional and talented
amateur cyclists from around the world are once again gearing up to compete in
the 11th annual San Dimas Stage Race. The race, hosted by local bike club SC
Velo, is scheduled for March 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Three exciting stages of
racing are planned as well as a Kids Race on the last day. Over 800 amateur and
professional cyclists are expected to compete for cash prizes. The San Dimas
Stage Race has grown and matured from its modest beginning in 2000 to become
a well known and highly regarded within the cycling community. The race is a key
preparation event to prepare for the the Redlands Classic and the west coast
swing of the USA Cycling National Race Calendar. The race typically draws pro
and elite teams for their second meeting of the year after the Merced Merco
races.
2010 San Dimas Stage Race
Stage 1: Glendora Chevrolet Time Trial 3.8 miles
Stage 2: San Dimas Hospital Road Race 84 miles
Stage 3: Incycle/Cannondale Old Town Grand Prix
Stage 1: Glendora Chevrolet Time Trial ITT 3.8 miles
Stage 1 consists of individual time trials on a 3.8 mile course that winds its
way up Glendora Mountain Road. Glendora Mountain Road (GMR to locals) ranks
among the most popular climbs in Southern California. GMR poses a steady pitch
between 4.5 - 5.5 percent.
Stage 1: Riders line up for the start of the time trial.
Photo courtesy of SCVelo
The climb confronts racers with a dizzying number of corners, as it twists
and turns up the mountainside. Historically the time trial used the full 8
miles of GMR. A road closure, however, forced the reduction to a 3.8 mile
stretch. That once necessary reduction remains unchanged since the race director
and teams noted that it makes for a more competitive race.
With the size of the field, it will be a long day of racing, with the first
rider starting at 9:00 AM and the last one going out in the late afternoon, the
exact time being dependent on the number of riders. Sponsor: Glendora Chevrolet
Stage 2: San Dimas Hospital Road Race - 7.5 Mile
Circuit
Pro & Elite Men: 84 miles
Women's Elite: 56 miles
Stage 2 is the traditional Road Race around Bonelli Park. San Dimas Hospital
once again returns to sponsor the stage. The course is made up of a rolling and twisting 7 mile circuit
which includes a couple of short, but steep, grades.
Men's Peloton rounding a curve in Bonelli Park road race.
Photo courtesy of SCVelo
The race course terrain makes this course a challenge with a daunting climb
up Cannon road that has a13% section; once over the climb, the challenge more
suits the fast men over the flats for a few miles before the hills return. The riders will make
several loops around the course, with the overall racing distances varying from
35 to 84 miles, depending on their category. The first group will start at
7:55 AM and the last group will start at 1:15 PM. The best spots for viewing the
race will be along Puddingstone Ave, which is where the Start/Finish Line will
be, and inside Bonelli Park along Via Verde.
Stage 3: Incycle/Cannondale Old Town Grand Prix
Men's Pro/Elite: 90 Minutes
Women's Pro/Elite: 55 minutes
The race climaxes with the SCriterium around the streets of Old Town San Dimas.
The City of San Dimas has welcomed racers to their town for one of the fastest
criteriums in Southern California. The Grand Prix course is adjacent to the
western themed historic Old Town San Dimas. The race features a technical 1.2
mile six corner parcours perfect for the optimists to give the slip to the
peloton. Once around the corner there are three long straight-aways equally
suited for the chase to keep the raiders in sight; making for an action packed
race.
Elite Women's Peloton head through corner one in the
downtown San Dimas during the Stage 3 Criterium.
Photo courtesy of SCVelo
The long slightly downhill section previous to the finish favors incredible
speeds into the final corner and long finishing strait. The course is
challenging for the riders and has many shady locations for the spectators to
watch the action. In the past I've enjoyed walking around the course facing the
riders camera in hand watching the action and shooting some photos.
The first group starts at 8:45
AM and the last group will start at 3:00 PM. For spectators, this will be an
up-close and fast race, with lots of good viewing spots around the course. Sponsored
by Incycle bike stores and Cannondale bikes.
The Kids Races are always a fun event hosted on Sunday, March 21st, at 12:300 PM in
downtown San Dimas. Sponsored by Shimano, the race is free to all children, so
get your kids’ bikes out and ready to ride. Please note that helmets are
mandatory.
All of these events offer great opportunities for participation by amateur and
professional cyclists, as well as wonderful viewing for cycling fans. There is
no fee for watching, just pick a spot along the race route and be prepared to
see some exciting racing. For the photographically inclined, the photo-ops will
be unparalleled, with lots of up-close action, so bring your cameras.
For more information about the race please go to
www.scvelo.com
Online
Registration is currently open and spots are still available.
Race Website:
Directions to
the race.
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