Thursday, April 25, 2013
FAYETTEVILLE — Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean more when it comes to the number of competitors in the annual Joe Martin Stage Race.
While it’s difficult to increase in numbers because the courses won’t allow it, the race is growing every year, said race director Bruce Dunn.
Each year the competition is getting better and the race is gaining more national recognition as one of the most competitive events on the professional cycling circuit.
“We always say that we want to have the best race of our size in the country,” Dunn said. “We’ve been consistent and on the race calendar for 11 years, and not a lot can say that.”
The event, which will begin today and end Sunday afternoon, is expecting about 700 riders and 1,500 support staff. The large number of support staff is something Dunn said is a true sign of the race’s expansion.
“You know your race is being taken seriously when the teams are bringing their entire support staff,” Dunn said.
Riders from 20 countries and all 50 states will make their way to Fayetteville for the four-stage race, competing for more than $55,000 in cash and merchandise.
Josh Estes is one of the riders this week, but won’t need to make his way to the race. Estes graduated from Fayetteville’s U23 program and now rides for a team out of Dallas, but still lives in Fayetteville. He will compete in the Pro Men 1 division.
Estes said being familiar with the courses in Fayetteville is an advantage, but not as much as some might think.
“Most of the guys are pretty familiar with Fayetteville because it’s such a good race, and they’ve been here,” he said. “Anyone in the race is going to do their homework and know what’s going on.”
The real advantage is competing in your hometown and not traveling, Estes said.
Regardless of the benefits of being at home and being familiar with the terrain of the courses, this weekend will still prove to be a grueling one, he added.
“These are tough courses and conditions,” Estes said. “It’s very hilly and the road race days are over 100 miles, and you’re constantly going up and down mountains.
“These are roads that people wouldn’t want to walk up, much less race their bike up.”
WHERE: Fayetteville
WHEN: Today-Sunday
Race Schedule
Today
Evert^Distance^Start Time^
Pro Men 1^2.5 Miles^1:30 p.m.
Pro Women 1,2^2.5 miles^3 p.m.
Men 1,2^2.5 miles^4 p.m.
Friday
Men 1,2^110 miles^1 p.m.
Pro Men 1^110 miles^2 p.m.
Pro Women 1,2^64 miles^2:30 p.m.
Saturday
Amateur USCA-Only Time Trial
Master Men Group B^2.5 miles^8 a.m.
All other categories^2.5 miles^TBD
Road Race
Pro Women 1,2^68 miles^11:15 a.m.
Master Men Group B^45 miles^11:30 a.m.
Men 4^45 miles^11:40 a.m.
Men 5^45 miles^11:45 a.m.
Women 3,4 and Master Women 40+^45 miles^11:50 a.m.
Pro Men 1^114 miles^2:45 p.m.
Men 1,2^92 miles^2:55 p.m.
Men 3^68 miles^3 p.m.
Master Men Group A^68 miles^3:10 p.m.
Sunday
Criterium
Category^Race Time^Start Time
Women 3,4^25 minutes^7:45 a.m.
Master Women 40+,50+^25 minutes^8:20 a.m.
Men Cat 4^35 minutes^8:55 a.m.
Master Men Group A^45 minutes^9:40 a.m.
Master Men Group B^35 minutes^10:30 a.m.
Men 3^45 minutes^11:15 a.m.
Pro Women 1,2^50 minutes^12:10 p.m.
Cruiser Parade^Parade lap^1:15 p.m.
Kid’s Ride (free)^25 yards-1 mile^1:15 p.m.
Pro Men 1^85 minutes^2 p.m.
Men 1,2^50 minutes^3:30 p.m.
Men 5^25 minutes^4:40 p.m.
Women 3.4^