Colebrook Cycling Stage Race rolls into town

COLEBROOK—Nearly 290 cyclists raced through the streets of Colebrook and surrounding towns May 30 and 31 during the town’s first Colebrook Cycling Stage Race.

Cyclists from all over New England and as far away as Colorado competed in three competitions in five categories with overall winners receiving purses from $600 to $2,000.

First Selectman Tom McKeon said he was amazed by the talent that filled the streets of Colebrook over the course of the weekend. Good weather and many cheering fans certainly added to the community spirit, he said.

On Saturday, May 30, cyclists participated in two races. An individual time trial, consisting of an 8-mile course, kicked off first thing in the morning. In the afternoon was a 25-mile race for all categories. This race was a 3.1-mile circuit that racers traveled eight times.

On Sunday, May 31, there was a 91-mile road race. Beginning in Colebrook Center in time-delayed phases for the different categories, racers traveled from Route 183 north to Route 23 in Monterey, Mass. From there they picked up Route 8 in Otis, Mass., traveled south to Sandybrook Road in Colebrook and picked up Route 183 south back to the center. Continuing through, cyclists traveled to Route 182A toward Norfolk and then took Route 57 to New Boston. Once again they picked up Route 8 south to Sandybrook Road and finally ended in Colebrook Center.

Beginning next week, McKeon said he will sit down with event coordinator Jim Thompson of Avon to begin planning next year’s race. While the first event ended in the red despite the hundreds of riders who participated, McKeon said the event has a 10-year plan already established, and next year’s race weekend should be bigger and better. Thompson was not available to comment on his plans for the 2010 event.

The excitement of the event spilled over into surrounding towns. McKeon said that nearly every hotel, motel and inn in surrounding towns — as far away as Torrington — was booked for the entire weekend, giving local businesses a much needed economic boost.

Racers have already expressed a desire to return to Colebrook next year. Competitor John Hanson wrote in an e-mail that local accommodations and the course were amazing.

“I really enjoyed myself racing this weekend, as did the rest of my teammates...I thought it was a great course and it led to some fun racing on our behalf,� said Hanson. “My team and I hope you have it again next year.�