Racers were hit with warmer weather this weekend at the Kaw Point Criterium race weekend in Kansas City, Kansas. Fairly nice-sized fields were present despite the recent constant threat of pop-up storms in the Kansas City area. Both days of racing took place in Kansas City, KS. The two courses were relatively close to each other, offering riders two different race experiences.
Saturday’s race was held at Waterway Park, the same course used for last year’s race, known then as The Cathedral Criterium. The course is fast and offers just enough elevation change to allow riders to hurt each other if they choose. Seven corners and a few sweeping curves make this a fun and challenging course for racers to navigate. Speeds are fast, so riders have to stay on their toes as the relatively high number of corners come up quickly.
Some of the riders were unlucky enough to have the showers roll through during their event. Caleb Teague of Team Prologue jumped into his first bike races on Saturday and discussed just how much some rain can completely change race conditions, “One turn had a small river flowing through it, and the [wet] metal manholes in the road were scary.” As is the nature of the region’s spring storms, the rain came and went, so many of the racers were able to compete in dry conditions.
Kaw Point Criterium Results (Day 1)
Sunday’s course was a new venue just up the road from Saturday’s course. An otherwise typical four-corner criterium was interrupted by an off-shoot out of one corner with a nearly 180-degree turn.
Kaw Point Criterium Results (Day 2)
The races benefited FreeWheels for Kids, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing underprivileged youth with education, cycling opportunities, and skills.
Photo: Dan Ruettimann
