the 2005 event.
(File photo)
Racers and organizers are getting ready for the ninth annual Alpenrose Challenge.
The event — which is free to spectators — will feature three full days of track racing action on southwest Portland’s world-famous Alpenrose Velodrome.
The race will draw top track talent to Portland to compete on the legendary steep banks of the track for a share of a $12,000 purse.
Race Director and event founder Mike Murray says,
“Nine years ago we wanted to create a local event that featured national and international caliber riders and would showcase the unique attraction that is bicycle track racing, and we succeeded.”
Racers will duel each other and themselves in a wide variety of formats including: 4K Pursuit, 500-meter and 1-kilometer Time Trials, Sprints, Miss & Out, Keirin, Madison, Flying Lap, 10-mile, and Olympic Sprint.
If that’s all Greek to you, race organizers have put together a handy “Track Racing 101” guide on their website.
Racing starts this Friday (7/6) and goes through Sunday from 10am to 4pm each day.