The Gateway Cup, Bicycle Racing in St. Louis (w/Video)
Labor Day weekend means many things to many people. To cyclists the weekend is all about racing with hundreds of cyclists from a multi-state area converging on St. Louis to compete for, as they say, cash and prizes. Below is a short video (9:37) from each of the four days as well as some still images. Enjoy!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEQPG7tRGP8[/youtube]
Friday August 31, 2007 – Tour de Lafayette around Lafayette Park:
Above, riders speeding by race control as evening sets. This Friday evening tradition brings out many spectators.
Saturday September 1, 2007 – Downtown St. Louis:
Above, an early race turns onto 14th from Locust.
Above, final men’s group on Locust.
Above, racers on Washington Ave at the start/finish line. Races are up to 115 minutes + 5 laps.
Above, racers make the turn from Washington Ave onto 20th.
Above, expensive racing bikes resting against the wall of the recently condemned Centenary Tower building at Locust and 16th. The team van is just out of view. This team was from Iowa.
Sunday September 2, 2007 – Giro della Montagna (Tour of the Hill):
Above, “The Italian Immigrants” outside St. Ambrose are not dressed for cycling.
Above, I spotted this old car in an alley and had a little fun with editing features in Apple’s excellent iPhoto program.
Above, back at the main race area crew were busy keeping bikes in top shape for the riders.
Above, every year the Italia-America Bocce Club hosts a pasta dinner following the races. The dinner is free for riders but $7 for adults — well worth it in my view. The rider in line in front of me didn’t want meatballs on his spaghetti and the older gentleman serving was completely shocked. When I said “no meatballs” he couldn’t believe it. I had moved on to the salad and he was telling the other volunteers, “they didn’t want any meatballs!” The ladies were great, they were like, “Not everyone eats meat.”
Above, friends and parents greet their kids at the finish of the children’s races.
Architecturally the Hill neighborhood is one of the most interesting in the city. While some buildings are similar to those from other parts from the same era, some are quite different. The Hill seems to have more 2nd floor balconies such as this one on Marconi.
Monday September 3, 2007 — The Delmar Loop:
Patrons at Brandts enjoy the view of the first corner of the race, out of view to the right.
The sidewalks were packed!
Above, at this point I’ve got a slice of cheese pizza from Racanelli’s in one hand and the camera in the other.
Above, riders making the first curve of the course. Joe Edwards’ Blueberry Hill restaurant and club is in the background.
Good times, good times…
For more information & professional photos of the races visit stlbiking.com. If you missed these races, mark your calendars for next year!
