One of the year's most highly anticipated local cycling events, the Turlock Lake Road Race, will take place this Sunday.
After a popular and successful inaugural event in 2011, the Turlock Lake Road Race has grown to become one of the top bicycle racing events on the Northern California/Nevada Cycling Association racing calendar.
The Turlock Lake Road Race, now in its third year, draws in hundreds of race participants and spectators, and receives significant recognition from thousands of licensed racers throughout the Northern California and Nevada bicycle racing community. Turlock’s very own Bell Real Estate Cycling team will have riders competing in the race as well.
The 22.8-mile loop includes many small to challenging rolling hills on country roads just northeast of Turlock, surrounding the Turlock Lake State Recreation Area. Throughout the course, stunning views of Turlock Lake can be seen by both racers and spectators, making it a beautiful experience for all who participate.
Depending on their category, racers complete 2 to 4 laps. New this year is the “County Line Sprint” which will feature special prizes for winners of the first lap sprint to the Merced County line.
Both cash and donated prizes will also be awarded to race winners and podium finishers.
But it's not just about the riders – with plenty of parking and food vendors, the Turlock Lake Road Race is a spectator and family friendly race that everyone can enjoy, organizers say.
The Ciclistas del Valle (“Cyclists of the Valley”) Cycling Club, Inc. is the organizer and promoter of the Turlock Lake Road Race, and is a charitable organization dedicated to many forms of bicycle riding and racing.
Founded in 2009, the organization helps promote mountain bikes, road bikes, triathlons, cyclocross, and more. To promote fitness among cyclists, the Ciclistas del Valle Cycling Club organizes various group rides and activities for all ability levels along with structure, development and encouragement for both racing and training.
The organization is a member of USA Cycling as well as the Northern California/Nevada Cycling Association, two of the governing bodies of bicycle racing. With a strong dedication to promoting the sport of bicycle racing throughout Northern California and Nevada, sanctioned races are held every weekend throughout the year, including dozens of one-day and several multi-day events.
For those interested in participating in the race as a bicyclist, pre-registration must be completed by April 4. To register in advance, visit www.bikereg.com. The registration fee for those who pre-register is $32. On-site registration is also available at 7 a.m. at the Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, however, a $10 late fee will be added for those who register on the day of the event.
For more information regarding the Third Annual Turlock Lake Road Race, visit www.fsbcyclingteam.com.
