Putnam Cycling Classic Draws International Participants
This Sunday’s Ridge Hill Putnam Cycling Classic, in only its second year of existence, has attracted competitors from across the America’s and Europe. With 24 different states represented, Canadians hailing from Newfoundland to British Columbia, a contingent of Costa Ricans and one, but very famous, star from Belgium, the event is confirming the hopes that sponsors and the Putnam County Tourism Office have put into it.
“Our status as the only North American stop on the UCI World Cycling Tour has given Putnam County great visibility and a 75 percent growth rate over last year. That’s success!” Said Libby Pataki, director of the Putnam County Tourism Office.
“It is rewarding yet humbling to have someone fly across the country, from California or British Columbia, to participate in our event,” Stated John Eustice, event director for the competition, “The wonderful support that Westchester’s Ridge Hill has given the Classic has made this international participation possible.”
Sunday’s Ridge Hill Putnam Cycling Classic is the fifth stop on the UCI World Cycling Tour. The UWCT is a global series of Gran Fondo’s (timed rides on professional racecourses) that serve as qualifying events for the UCI World Master’s Championships, to be held this September in Trento, Italy.
The Ridge Hill Putnam Cycling Classic will start from Dockside Park in Cold Spring, NY this Sunday, May 5, at 10:30 am. Riders have 37-mile and 79-mile racecourses to choose from. Short course competitors will begin to finish at 12:15 pm and the first long course winners are expected back in Cold Spring at 1:30. Men and women compete according to age groups ranging from 16 to 65 and over. Cold Spring is holding a flower festival in conjunction with the race, and its restaurants and famed antique shops give spectators plenty to do while waiting for the racers to finish.
For more information please go to: www.putnamcycling.com.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
