FAYETTEVILLE -- Competitive cyclists from all 50 states and 20 countries will coverage on Northwest Arkansas this week for the 37th edition of the Joe Martin Stage Races.
More than 700 athletes are expected to compete in more than 10 different men's and women's categories. The Joe Martin is one of only nine races listed on the USA Cycling National Race Calendar and is the biggest event of its kind in the area.
37th Joe Martin Stage Race
When: Today-Sunday
Where: Fayetteville
What: The four-day, four-stage race will offer more than $55,000 in cash and merchandise to competitors across 11 categories. This year event planners are expecting 700 riders with approximately 1,500 support personnel for the four-day event. There will be riders from 20 countries and all 50 states.
Schedule: The complete four-day race schedule can be found at www.joemartinstager….
"We have seen a real increase in the quality of the racers in all divisions over the past few years," Race Director Bruce Dunn said. "Even in our amateur divisions, you won't see a lot of competitors out here for their first event. They want to get 2 or 3 other events under their belt before they are going to try to race in the Joe Martin.
"It's a tough course with top-notch competition."
Racers compete in four events over four days in a team format.
The Devil's Den Time Trials start things off at 1:30 p.m. today as racers face a 2.5 mile challenging course uphill.
The Road Race portion will be held on Friday and Saturday with the event to wrap up with Sunday's Criterium with racers roaring down Dickson Street and up around the Fayetteville square on closed off streets.
"The Criterium is really the most fan friendly event and is a lot of fun to watch," Dunn said. "It is what American-style racing is all about."
The races were begun by local cycling enthusiast Joe Martin in 1978 who served as race director until he was diagnosed with cancer in 1988. After his death, the races were renamed in his honor in 1989 and have continued to grow into one of the premier cycling events of the year.
"Being able to celebrate 37 years last year was a great accomplishment and it speaks a lot about this community, the racers, and the fans that come and support it," Dunn said in a news release. "A lot of great races aren't around after 10 years, and here we are, now celebrating our 37th year as a race. That is such a great accomplishment for the community and for the supporters of this event."
The four-day, four-stage race will offer more than $55,000 in cash and merchandise to competitors across 11 categories.
Sports on 04/24/2014