RED HOOK — The Red Hook Criterium is speeding back into the neighborhood for its ninth year with a shorter course that will give spectators a better view of the action, organizers said.
Hundreds of professional cyclists from around the world are expected to take part in this year's race, scheduled for April 30 at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook, founder David Trimble said.
"We're expecting riders from at least 30 countries this year," he said.
The nighttime event will also feature a 5K foot race for men and women as well as food and drink vendors for spectators.
This year's circuit will be one kilometer in length instead of 1.5K, "which means it will be even more spectator friendly," Trimble said. The men's race is 30K and the women's race will be 24K.
In 2014, the Crit launched a separate bike race for women that's grown in size and popularity over the last two years. This year, there will also be two different 5K foot races for men and women, he added.
Around 300 cyclists took part in the race last year, and about 300 runners as well. Trimble expects closer to 500 runners for this year's event.
The race for professional riders and urban cyclists started in 2008 and has since expanded to Barcelona, Milan and London.
On April 30, the event will begin at noon with qualifying around for the cycle races. The 5K runner's race will take place around 6:30 p.m. and the bike race will begin after that.
Registration will open at noon on March 8.
