Redmond gets its own cycling race

Redmond wants to showcase what it has to offer to the cycling community, so Sunday, a cycling team held their own race.

The first annual Redmond Downtown Criterium was hosted by the Trinity Bikes Cycling team and drew racers from all over the state.

Racers took part in an L-shaped course from 6th Street out to Deschutes Avenue and down 11th Street to Evergreen Avenue, then back to 6th Street.

The course consisted of nice, fast straightaways and short, technical corners.

One of the many reasons they held this event Sunday is because there’s no other major cycling event in Redmond.

“We just want to bring it here,” said Shane Johnson, Trinity Bikes Cycling Team manager. “There’s a lot to offer. It’s just an absolutely fantastic community.

“There’s people that actually live here that they just don’t really claim the cycling scene. (We’re) trying to make people come out and really show what cycling is all about.”

Johnson says cycling is a positive sport and hobby, as you could see from the many smiles on the faces of the racers and spectators.

Many sponsors helped set up the event and pay for cash prizes that were awarded to the top three racers in each category.