Comments on xXx Racing Action!: Goodbye, Beth

That's true, the long distances of bike races will...

2007-07-04T13:08:38.200-05:00

That's true, the long distances of bike races will close a lot of pavement unless you're doing laps. A rolling closure sounds like a logistical nightmare. However, I also don't have any better ideas except trying to keep the course on four-lane roads to reduce head-on traffic.

Very cool blog, by the way. Love the videos!

Andrew-Unfortunately, with many ability and age ca...

2007-07-04T12:23:20.539-05:00

Andrew-

Unfortunately, with many ability and age categories resulting in many separate races over long distances, it is often prohibitively expensive to close roads for a road race. Usually the last kilometer is closed for the sprint and there is a pace car in front the whole time. Sometimes there is a follow vehicle as well. The "don't cross the yellow line" rule is often enforced through relegations but in this case it couldn't help.

I just heard one estimate that it would cost an extra $50-100 per rider to secure the police and other resources for a closed course. There is also a tremendous amount of resistance to the idea from local residents. Honestly I don't know what should be done but for now (I hate to say this) I'm no longer planning to do any road races.

The past two years I competed in the Burlington Road Race, a Pro/1/2/3 event that has a rolling closure. I thought it was wonderful but there is even some debate about that format going on at bikeiowa.

Thanks for reading...

Nice tribute, Matt. I'm sorry to hear about your ...

2007-07-04T07:00:24.938-05:00

Nice tribute, Matt. I'm sorry to hear about your teammate and I hope you and your team get through this OK.

I'm amazed that the road wasn't closed for the race, especially that close to the finish. Is that normal for a cycling event?

Every road running race I've done has had a closed course except for a non-competitive "fun run" that used a pedestrian path.