Cyclists create downtown buzz

In a flash of color, cyclists whizzed by cheering spectators Saturday.

Cyclists from throughout the state, and elsewhere, took to the streets of downtown in the fourth annual Sedalia Historic District Criterium, a USA Cycling-sanctioned race.

Brad Fletchall, race promoter, said he expected to have about 300 participants. Last year, 284 racers participated. 

The race course consisted of a 0.7 mile loop downtown. Racers made the loop for a timed period plus five laps. The longest race, the expert level, lasted 55 minutes, plus five laps.

Several cyclists said they liked the four-corner course, a bit different from a typical eight- to 12-turn course. 

“The course is fast, which I like that,” said Jose Bugarin, 42, of Hermann.

Bugarin, a former triathlete of 12 years, said he took up cycling last fall. Bugarin attended the criterium last year, and took second place in a beginners category Saturday. He said he returned because he liked the course and enjoyed the good crowd.

“It looks like Sedalia is all for cycling,” he said.

Organizers estimated the event would draw several thousand spectators by night’s end. Shirley Appleman, 62, of Sedalia, said she had regretted not attending in previous years, “so today we made it a point to come watch.”

Appleman said she was impressed with the strength of the cyclists. And, she enjoyed watching the race “very much.”

“It’s better than car racing; you don’t have to smell the fumes,” she said.

Sedalia’s own, Ebby Norman, owner of Pro-Velo Cycle Sports, drew cheers from the crowd as he made his first appearance in the Sedalia criterium. Norman has previously handled the organization of the event. 

Norman finished 11th overall in the ages 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 race, and seventh in the age 40 to 49 category. 

“You always hope to do better, but I think I rode within myself,” he said. 

Norman said he, too, enjoyed the course.

“There’s really no place to hide ... to roll off solo,” he said. “Chances are, it’s going to come down to a field sprint.”

Norman was scheduled to compete in the most-experienced riders category by the end of the night. 

Cyclists were divided into categories based on experience, age or gender. Women competed in two categories, and youngsters 10 to 18 were in a junior division. Fletchall said more juniors competed this year than any other, 18 in all.

Connor Estes, 11, of Springfield, competed for the second time in the Sedalia criterium. Estes, who started cycling at 7, got serious about the sport last year. He likes the Sedalia race because “it’s just good experience.”

Cyclists competed for prize money, with the biggest award of about $400 going to the winner in the most experienced category. 

Lap prizes, called primes, were also awarded throughout each race. Officials announced primes, and the winner of that lap received a prize, which ranged from cash to gift certificates. The total value was $1,000 for all the primes.

“It breaks up the pack and makes it more interesting,” Fletchall said of the  primes.

Fletchall said the criterium attracted more community support and sponsorship this year. Members of the Pearl River Bicycle Club are expected to organize and run the event next year. Fletchall said the group is hoping to have a festival-like atmosphere. 

Vendors sold drinks, hot wings and barbecue. George Esser, owner of Fifth Street Brew Pub, said the race is “great” for his business. The pub had a sandwich special, and Esser was expecting a large dinner crowd.

“These guys are burning some serious carbs, and breaking every speed law in downtown,” Esser said.

Cycling action continues today with the Otterville Road Race at 9 a.m. Many of the cyclists in Saturday’s criterium enter the road race.