Residents of Southeastern CT and surrounding areas can look forward to the excitement of the Mohegan Sun Cycling Races taking place on September 20 and 21. In its second year, the races will be held in the communities of Sprague and Norwich, respectively.
The Mohegan Sun Cycling Races, sponsored by the Mohegan Sun, hosts two events: The Three Village Tour on Saturday, September 20, and the Rose Pedal Criterium on Sunday, September 21. This year, some 300 cyclists, including professional riders, are expected to participate in the races.
“The Mohegan Sun Cycling Races are important because they bring us together as a community,” says Margaret Carroll, resident of Norwich. “It gives the people of New London County the opportunity to shine as the great team that we are.”
The Third Annual Three Village Tour will be comprised of a 10-mile circuit that encompasses the three villages of the town Sprague, Baltic, Hanover and Versailles. The course is set in a countryside setting with rolling hills and parallels the beautiful Shetucket River. The proceeds from the race will go to benefit St. Joseph’s School of Baltic.
Presented by the YMCA of Southeastern CT, the Rose Pedal Criterium will feature cyclists of all calibers racing a 0.6 mile route in downtown Norwich. The challenging course will showcase the arts and entertainment district amidst the speeding colors and shapes. All proceeds from the race will go toward youth scholarships and programming for children.
“We seek to serve and respect the community of New London County by providing events with a positive, wholesome encounter which will accomplish community togetherness. Cycling is a social, athletic and recreational activity and to watch the cyclists round the corners with grace and ease is a spectacular sight,” says Cheryl Hughes, Wellness Director, YMCA of Southeastern CT.
Bill Humphreys of Bike Guy LLC, recently characterized the growth of criterium racing in the United States, “Criteriums are historically run on short laps through city streets offering spectators the opportunity to watch Olympians, world and national champions up-close as they ride at top speed. This has made the criterium format the most spectator-friendly form of cycling entertainment and this day of racing will re-emphasize an array of connections within the community.”
The communities of Sprague and Norwich promote a spirit of tolerance and understanding in this partnership event and welcome all to come to both events, which are free.
“With the economy as it is, society needs to focus on our local events and businesses. Take part, enjoy the activities right out your front door,” Cheryl says.
Competitive cycling continues to thrive and appeal to a number of contemporary trends and forces. It is photogenic and colorful, fast and exciting. Cycling is international in scope and environmentally sound in its presentation. It rings a bell for preventive health, personal fitness and energy conservation. Cycling allows everyone to participate, and they most certainly do.
For additional information on the races or to volunteer, please contact Cheryl Hughes, Wellness Director of the YMCA of Southeastern CT at 860.889.7349.
