Nebraska Cycling News

The 2008 cycling season is upon us and the Nebraska Cycling Association is working with area clubs to host a series of criterium training races to kick off the year March 22, March 29 and April 6. With races near Lincoln, Norfolk and Omaha, the NCA Criterium Training Series is designed as a way for new riders to try racing in a less formal atmosphere and gives veteran racers those much needed "race pace" miles in preparation for the eatrly season competitions.

The series will start with the 1-mile course at Branched Oak Lake, Lieber's Point near Raymond, NE on March 22. The event will be hosted by the Midwest Wheelmasters Cycling Club and feature multiple races for riders of all ages and abilities. 

For those that have never competed in a criterium, it is a discipline of the cycle sport that is typically held on a closed course 1/2 to 1 mile in length. Races are run on a timed basis with average lap times calculated early on by the race officials to determine the total number of laps to be completed. Riders will circle the course multiple times in their allotted race time. Race durations are usually 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length based on the race category. Criterium is a a french word for "short course" and is without question the most popular discipline of cycling in the U.S.

The race series is sanctioned by USA Cycling and requires a valid 2008 USAC license to compete. To learn more about USAC race licenses, both annual and 1-day options, riders are encouraged to visit the NCA website, www.nebraskacycling.org

The Nebraska Cycling Association consists of riders and racers representing multiple teams from across the state, both road and off-road. The mission of the NCA is to promote the sport of cycling and encourage riders of all ages and abilities to try competitive cycling. 

"There are a lot of great people with a passion for our sport in Nebraska," says NCA President, John Lefler, Jr. "The NCA has brought those people together to mobilize our efforts to recruit more riders to try racing and ultimately raise the level of competition in our state."

The Nebraska Cycling Association is the official governing arm of USA Cycling. In addition to the NCA Criterium Training Series, the NCA provides free clinics which give instruction on race officiating as well as race promotion.

More about the NCA Criterium Training Series Race #1...