Professional Race Awarded National Status for 2012
New York City – Rockstar Games is pleased to present the 39th annual Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic on Father’s Day, June 17 at Marcus Garvey Park in New York City (121st Street and Fifth Avenue). The historic community event provides a unique opportunity for cyclists from all levels and age groups to converge on the streets of Harlem in a day-long celebration of cycling filled with competitive, high-speed racing; music, food; and family entertainment.
After continued support and recognition on the professional circuit, the David Walker Memorial Race, the highlight of the festival for all cycling enthusiasts, has been awarded national status and is one of only four races nationwide named to the two national criterium – or short course – NCC and USA Crits racing calendars for 2012. Some of the world’s finest professional riders including two-time Tour de France stage winner Leo Van Bon of Holland will be taking part in what promises to be an outstanding sporting event. The race will be televised live on NYC Life TV, Channel 25 in New York City, and streamed live online – further details to follow.
“The Skyscraper is a perfect example of a strong USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar event” said Micah Rice, USA Cycling Managing Director of National Events. As a stop on USA Cycling’s National Criterium Calendar, the professional men’s race will attract some of world’s finest racing talent for an unparalleled display of speed, power and skill on the iconic streets of Harlem.
“I am excited that the USA CRITS Series is coming to New York City as a part of a great American tradition on Father’s Day,” stated USA CRITS founder Gene Dixon “As the longest running event on the series, there is no better place to define the sport of criterium racing.”
Founded in 1973 by David Walker, a Community Affairs Officer with NYPD’s 25th Precinct, the Skyscraper was designed to attract children to a cycling safety program through the excitement of professional racing, and to offer amateur riders a chance to race in a beautiful urban setting. Mr. Walker’s vision continues with Bike New York’s Learn to Ride program, which will be available, at no charge, to children from 1:00 to 3:00PM during the amateur races. Additionally, a BMX stunt show will take place, including BMX racing instruction for children.
Registration opens at 11AM on Father’s Day followed by a series of children’s and amateur races starting the day’s festivities at noon. Race winners will be going home with new bicycles – another David Walker tradition honored by the event. The day will conclude with the prestigious David Walker Memorial Race.
11am – Registration opens for Kids, Amateur, Pro races
12pm – Kid’s sprints and lap races begin
1pm – BMX stunt show begins with performances throughout the day and BMX classes for children
1 – 3pm – Bike New York’s Learn to Ride program
1pm – Amateur races featuring various men’s and women’s categories and events
3:55pm – Call to line for pro racers
4pm – Skyscraper NCC and USA Crits event – David Walker Memorial Race
The Skyscraper is, above all, a community cycling festival, with fixed gear races, children’s events, great food and music, and some of the most spectacular, professional racing to be seen anywhere. We’re extremely proud to be sponsoring the event for the fourth year in a row and members of the Rockstar Games team will be on-hand with Rockstar-branded merchandise to give away near the start and finish lines.
For more details on the event, check out their official site at http://www.skyscraperclassic.com.
About Rockstar Games
The Rockstar Games label was founded in 1998 to create the most innovative and progressive interactive entertainment. It is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). For further information, please visit www.rockstargames.com.
About NATIONAL CRITERIUM CALENDAR (NCC)
Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX, and cyclo-cross. Created in 2012 to showcase the country’s top criterium-only events, the National Criterium Calendar (NCC) recognizes the best crit racers on American soil by employing a season-long rankings system that identifies overall men’s and women’s individual and team series leaders.
For more information visit www.usacycling.org/ncc
About USA CRITS Championship Series
Now in its fifth year, the USA CRITS Championship Series is the premiere cycling series in the United States. USA CRITS was developed to feature criterium riders and to offer venues, teams and riders the ability to excel in a unique discipline of cycling.
The races that form the USA CRITS series represent more than 100 years of criterium racing and have the ideals that have made criterium racing an American legacy: challenging courses that showcase arts and entertainment districts; a large and growing base of spectators; broad community support; and strong marketing opportunities for partners.
For more information please visit http://usacrits.com/
About Sparta Cycling
Sparta Cycling provides cycling promotion services and creates world class bicycle races and rides that meet the needs of sponsors, teams and riders, spectators and supporting communities. For more information, please visit www.spartacycling.com.