Races scheduled to rev up more interest in cycling
Nanticoke and W-B events set for kids, newcomers to sport as well as professionals.
BILL O ’ BOYLE This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
NANTICOKE -- Bicycle racing is getting more and more popular and Phil Cable wants to help young people learn the right way.
Cable said there will be opportunities for kids and new-to-racing cyclists as well as experienced racers at the First Nanticoke Criterium Bike Race on Saturday at John S. Fine High School, Kosciusko Street.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. and racing starts at 9. All the participants get a T-shirt and medal, Cable said.
Cable is working hard to promote cycling in the area. He also has organized a pro-am race for the evening of Sept. 4 in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
“We are kicking off the evening with kids’ races and a celebrity race for charity,” Cable said.
“The goal is to help kids get involved in cycling,” Cable said. “I coach and promote races. The Nanticoke event will consist of youth development races sanctioned by the USA Cycling Federation, an affiliate of the U.S. Olympic program.”
Cable said he feels it’s important to hold this event because of the increased interest locally in bicycling.
“It’s important for the community,” Cable said. “Cycling is a passion for me and it’s really taking off in the area; you see more and more people out there with gear on.”
Cable said bicycling is “an addictive sport” that requires endurance. He said as cyclists get more fit, they want to do it more.
“People have helped me in my life and so has cycling,” Cable said. “I want to give back to the community and help grow the sport.”
On Sept. 4, Cable will hold the Wilkes-Barre Pro-Am Twilight Criterium. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania has signed on as a sponsor and Jack Williams Tire is sponsoring the youth races.
The youth events will feature three age groups: 6 and under; 7 to 10; and 11 to 14. The pre-registration deadline is Aug. 25. More information can be obtained by calling Cable at 570-814-5326, or e-mailing him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The main event will be a 50-mile race through downtown Wilkes-Barre. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded with the top payout $800. Start and finish will be on Public Square.
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