EASTON, Pa. — Cyclists from the Lehigh Valley and beyond braved the heat Saturday for the city’s fourth annual Twilight Criterium.
Professional cyclists and amateurs alike participated in races on a 0.8-mile circuit winding through Easton’s Downtown throughout the day and into the evening.
Reigning national champions from five different countries signed up to participate in the pro races in the evening, according to Event Director Gabe Lloyd.
“We've created Yankee Stadium in downtown Easton that the actual Yankees of cycling are coming to race at.”Event Director Gabe Lloyd
But the afternoon started with a Community Ride, in which people could bike at their own pace through the course.
“Imagine if you got the chance to go play at Yankee Stadium as a Youth League rider. That's what we're doing here,” Lloyd said.
“We've created Yankee Stadium in downtown Easton that the actual Yankees of cycling are coming to race at.”
About 550 cyclists pre-registered for races this year, Lloyd said, and more registered the day of the event. He said next year’s races will have larger field sizes, since some races sold out.
One of those cyclists was New York resident Alexander Polanco, with the amateur sports team Rockland Development Program.
He came in first place in the Men 4/Novice with a time of 32:41 — just a few seconds ahead of the pack.
Several people fell during the race, as the temperature was about 84 degrees at the time.
“It was very hot, and very intense,” Polanco said.
Polanco said he enjoys being part of the cycling community.
“We always go at it together to make it possible. And also to not crash, you know. We help each other to make it out alive,” Polanco said, laughing.
Results from the races are posted live online.
‘Anyone can be involved’
The event was not only about participating in the races.
Several vendors lined the streets giving out freebies and setting up activities for onlookers to participate in.
One of those vendors was Homebase Skateshop of Bethlehem. They offered free “Learn to Skateboard” workshops for children to promote their Push Ahead after-school skateboarding program.
“We teach kids the basics of skateboarding and also, at the same time, try to teach them life lessons,” said owner Andy Po, “such as resilience, social-emotional skills, and just general camaraderie and how to support each other through difficult challenges. Because skateboarding is a very difficult challenge.”
And, of course, there were about 7,500 spectators expected to attend the event, according to Lloyd.
“Watching them come around the turn down by Larry Holmes Drive at the speed that they’re going — it’s fun to watch,” Easton resident Joe Kulig said.
Attendee Mary Coryell works with Discover Lehigh Valley, but she came to the Twilight Criterium on her day off.
Coryell said she agrees that the pro races are a highlight of the event.
“But seeing the community ride, with everyone from little kids to adults, just having fun and riding with your family and stuff — it's great seeing that. Anyone can be involved in this event,” Coryell said.
Women's pro race top finishers
1.Coryn Labecki (EF Education-Cannondale)
2.Skylar Schneider (Miami Blazers)
3.Arielle Verhaaren (Automatic-ABUS)
Complete results
Men's pro race top finishers
1.Lucas Bourgoyne (Austin Outlaws)
2.Alec Briggs (TEKKERZ)
3.Noah Granigan (Miami Blazers)
Complete results
