Weekend races expected to attract hundreds of cyclists

The Sedalia Historic District Criterium and Otterville Road Race is expected to attract hundreds of bikers from all over the United States this weekend.

The fourth annual Sedalia Historic District Criterium will begin in front of the Pettis County Courthouse at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

The 0.7 mile race will start and finish in front of the courthouse on Ohio Avenue. Racers will travel south on Ohio Avenue, turn right on Sixth Street, then go north on Osage Avenue and right on Second Street. The final right turn will end on Ohio street.

Beginning at 1 p.m., Second through Sixth streets will be closed between Osage Avenue and Ohio Avenue.

Last year, 189 cyclists participated in the event, Ebby Norman, coordinator for the event, said.

Participants will ride for 40 to 55 minutes. Winners of the races will receive cash prizes.

The second annual Otterville Road Race will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday. Participants will begin on Highway DD in front of the public pool.

The competition will feature six races, including a junior race, 40 and older race, and 50 and older.

The 24.4-mile race will run north along Highway BB and go to Highway 135 and back east to Highway A. The route will transverse Highway A south to Old Highway 50 back toward Otterville. A right turn will send riders to Boonville Street and back to the finish line.

Professional riders will make the 24.4-mile lap three times, averaging about an hour per lap.

Bradly Fletchall, coordinator for the Otterville Road Race, said $3,000 in cash prizes will be offered.

The race had 260 participants last year, and Fletchall expects even more for this year’s race.

Many of the bikers participate in both races, Travis DeMoss, coordinator for the event said.