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 really allow riders to hurt each other if they so choose. 7 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 the 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 a off-shoot out of one corner with a nearly 180 degree turn.
Kaw Point Criterum Results (Day 2)
The races served as a benefit for FreeWheels for Kids, a non-profit organization that focuses providing under-privileged youth with education, cycling opportunities, and skills.
Photo: Dan Ruettimann
