If you haven't yet made plans this Sunday, and if you love bikes, consider checking out a cycling race in Commerce City with a unique co-ed competitive format.
The National Cycling League (NCL) is hosting a free cycling race at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City this Sunday, Aug. 13. The men's race will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the women's race will start at 4 p.m. An awards ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Founded in 2022, the NCL is a majority women- minority-owned league that promotes gender equality in its competitions. As part of a four-race NCL cup, ten co-ed teams of professional cyclists will compete for a share of $1 million in total prize money at the end of the season.
"With more than 50 million cyclists in the U.S., we have an opportunity to grow the passion and excitement for cycling among the next generation of fans by introducing them to the fast-paced action and excitement of criterium racing and creating a league format similar to other professional sports," said Andrea Pagnanelli, CEO of National Cycling League.
Here's how the race works
The race is formatted so that men and women compete on the same team, on the same course, in a way that respects differences.
Men and women riders compete separately in roughly 30-lap, approximate 1-mile criterium loops and accumulate points. Team points are earned each lap, depending on rider positions, and riders can substitute in and out anytime during the first 25 laps.
The 2023 NCL Cup is taking place in Miami Beach, Denver, Atlanta and Washington D.C. This is the second stop in the series and local team Denver Disruptors hold first place with 139 points with Miami Nights trailing in second with 95 points.
Fans will be able to watch real-time data and scoring through the NCL's scoreboard.
The Denver Disruptors are coached by Svein Tuft, 11-time national champion, silver medal winner in the individual time trial at the 2008 World Championships in Varese, Italy, and seventh in the individual time trial at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Other notable athletes on the team include two-time Olympian Leah Kirchman, and six-time Tour de France participant Reinardt Janse van Rensburg.
Here's what you need to know
A live virtual race qualifying event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Left Hand Brewing's RiNo location (4180 Wynkoop St.). The event is free.
On Sunday, Aug. 13, fans can arrive as early as 9:30 a.m. to attend a street festival and expo featuring food trucks, vendors, community bike builds and more.
VIP tickets are available for $150 but the event, as well as parking and bike valet, is free and open to the public.
For more information on the NCL Cup Denver race, click here.
