Wednesday, August 22, 2007
St. Louis Fun on Wheels
Labor Day has always been a time for BBQ’s and pool parties. But for those in St. Louis seeking some thrills and excitement, the holiday weekend is better known as Gateway Cup weekend, when professional and amateur cycling takes to the city streets for four consecutive days. As always, the event will not only entertain but inspire, with all proceeds benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization dedicated to the fight against cancer. For spectators, the events are free and open to the public.
This year’s race begins on the evening of Friday, August 31, when the cyclists will battle it out under the street lights of Lafayette Square (first race at 5 pm, with kids’ race at 6 pm and pro race at 9:30 pm). The following day, the race tears through the streets of downtown St. Louis along a one mile, closed-circuit course in the Washington Square district (racing start at 1:30 pm, with kids’ race at 4:30 pm and the pro race at 6 pm). Sunday’s Giro della Montagna action heats up in the heart of The Hill, one of St. Louis’ oldest and tastiest neighborhoods (races start at 12:15 pm, kids race at 4:15 pm and pro race at 4:50 pm). For its climactic finale, the Gateway Cup Bicycle Race crosses its ultimate finish line on Monday in the University City Loop (races start at 9:30 am, kids at 1:30 pm and pro race at 2 pm).
This sporting event attracts the country’s top profeesional men and women bike racers. Local competitors and beginning riders also get to follow the same courses in races of their own, giving them the opportunity to see how they measure up to their fellow riders and the pros. In addition, races for children will be held at all four venues.
The exhilaration is palpable for onlookers as well, who are captivated by the dramatic competition and awed by the sight of racers slamming into 90 degree corners at 35 miles per hour. This is the only event of its kind and caliber in the St. Louis area, and it doesn’t cost spectators a single penny to be a part of the action.
Funds raised through the Gateway Cup will enable the Lance Armstrong Foundation to continue helping people across the nation with physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the LAF has awarded more than $29 million to cancer survivorship programs and research. A booth will have Yellow LiveStrong bracelets available for a $5 donation to the foundation and visitors may also have an opportunity to pay tribute to cancer survivors, and to honor the memory of those who lost the fight with cancer.
For more details and registration information, check out the race’s website at www.stlbiking.com/gateway_cup.htm
This year’s race begins on the evening of Friday, August 31, when the cyclists will battle it out under the street lights of Lafayette Square (first race at 5 pm, with kids’ race at 6 pm and pro race at 9:30 pm). The following day, the race tears through the streets of downtown St. Louis along a one mile, closed-circuit course in the Washington Square district (racing start at 1:30 pm, with kids’ race at 4:30 pm and the pro race at 6 pm). Sunday’s Giro della Montagna action heats up in the heart of The Hill, one of St. Louis’ oldest and tastiest neighborhoods (races start at 12:15 pm, kids race at 4:15 pm and pro race at 4:50 pm). For its climactic finale, the Gateway Cup Bicycle Race crosses its ultimate finish line on Monday in the University City Loop (races start at 9:30 am, kids at 1:30 pm and pro race at 2 pm).
This sporting event attracts the country’s top profeesional men and women bike racers. Local competitors and beginning riders also get to follow the same courses in races of their own, giving them the opportunity to see how they measure up to their fellow riders and the pros. In addition, races for children will be held at all four venues.
The exhilaration is palpable for onlookers as well, who are captivated by the dramatic competition and awed by the sight of racers slamming into 90 degree corners at 35 miles per hour. This is the only event of its kind and caliber in the St. Louis area, and it doesn’t cost spectators a single penny to be a part of the action.
Funds raised through the Gateway Cup will enable the Lance Armstrong Foundation to continue helping people across the nation with physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the LAF has awarded more than $29 million to cancer survivorship programs and research. A booth will have Yellow LiveStrong bracelets available for a $5 donation to the foundation and visitors may also have an opportunity to pay tribute to cancer survivors, and to honor the memory of those who lost the fight with cancer.
For more details and registration information, check out the race’s website at www.stlbiking.com/gateway_cup.htm
# posted by The CVC Team @ 4:34 PM 
