2012 Criterium Cycling Race - Speed Week

The lady racers roll down Main Street

After the race, the ladies shared stories

The pro men take turns at high speed

What better way to enjoy the Lowcountry outdoors than to ride a bike, or to watch pro cyclers compete in the late afternoon. Each year in the spring the CRITS Speed Week comes to Walterboro, in what is one stop on a seven-stop circuit that included a race in Beaufort on Tuesday night. Their are time trials that are a part of the longer endurance rides, where the cyclists ride through downtown streets that only get blocked off for very special occasions. The races began at 4 p.m. after the heat of the day had passed, and a Master's Race was followed by a minor leaguer type class of racers. A hotly contested ladies only race was held at 6 and the pro men's race kicked off right before dark, and the main event did not disappoint. Speed Week is right when the top men get up a head of steam, and besides one race delay for a crash, the race went smoothly and the patrons enjoyed cheering them on. Local businesses set up hospitality tents and folks sort of meander around and stop by to say hello and perhaps graze on some salmon or brie. The Colletonian newspaper sponsored a special ladies reception after their race, and many of the same racers returned from last year to say they were looking forward to their visit to Walterboro. For race results click here.

Ladies reception by The Colletonian newspaper

To view past blog entries from the Criterium Cycling Speed Week click 2015 - 2014-  2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010, - 2009