RED HOOK — Red Hook's nighttime urban bike race is back for its eighth year with a new course and competitors from around the world, organizers said.
The Red Hook Criterium is slated for April 25 with a nearly 30K bicycle race and 5K foot race at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, founder David Trimble said.
The 24-lap bike race will be similar in overall length and design to previous years, but will feature new start and finish lines, he added.
"The infrastructure is going to be better for spectators and for athletes," said Trimble, who noted that for the first time in years, the event would be held in April instead of March to avoid bad weather.
In 2008, Trimble started the high-intensity race that's grown in size and popularity over the years, with events now held in Barcelona and Milan.
The Crit will also host a seperate bike race for women that the organization launched last year.
"We're expecting athletes from around 25 to 30 countries," he said. "It gets bigger every year."
Only 85 of 250 entrants can earn a spot in the main race during qualifying rounds held in the afternoon prior to the final.
The remaining riders will then compete in a "last chance" race, with the top 10 competitors moving on to the featured race, in which average speeds reach 27 to 28 miles per hour.
"It's getting faster every year," Trimble said.
Prizes for the bike race have not yet been announced, but runners in the 5K race could win cash prizes with up to $1,000 for the winner.
Registration for the Red Hook Criterium bike race opens March 1. To register for the 5K race, click here.
