The 38th Annual Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic

New York, NY – April 13, 2011 – The 38th annual Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic presented by Rockstar Games, the only professional cycling race in New York City, will return on Father’s Day, June 19, 2011, to Marcus Garvey Park (121st Street and Fifth Avenue). The landmark event marks a unique opportunity for professional, amateur, and child cyclists to converge on the streets of Harlem in a day-long celebration filled with competitive, high-speed racing; music, food; and family entertainment. The race will be televised live on NYC Life TV (Channel 25 on Comcast, RCN, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOs and over the air, and Channel 22 on Cablevision) in New York City, and streamed live online.

"We want to celebrate the long and rich cycling heritage of New York City and its historic Madison Square Garden races by bringing that format to the streets of Harlem," said Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic promoter John Eustice. "We’re assembling the best track racing cyclists from around the world and are putting on a spectacle of speed and skill. We’re actively encouraging participation from all levels of the community, regardless of experience. This is the ultimate culmination of cycling appreciation wrapped in a festival that only New York can put on.” 

In addition to a rare look at world-class professional cyclists, the day-long cycling festival will feature a "Bike Bonanza," where kids can improve their riding skills, get a free bike helmet, swap their bike for a better one, or register their bike through the New York Police Department. Bike New York is teaming with the Department of Transportation’s Education and Outreach division, DOT Bike Program, and Recycle-A-Bicycle to offer the program free to children of all ages.

“New to the popular kids’ races, is a unique discovery component to help USA Cycling identify future talent among youngsters who participate in them,” added Eustice. “Olympic silver medalist (Los Angeles, 1984) and Harlem native, Nelson Vails, got his start at this very event, winning all the age-category races over the years before being picked up by the national program. We want to continue that process to help USA Cycling find the next great American cyclist."

The family and spectator-friendly atmosphere was the goal and achievement of Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic founder David Walker, a New York City police officer who first put on the race in 1973 with the idea of incorporating a children’s bicycle safety program into an afternoon of bicycle racing. 

"David saw that New York’s children needed to learn cycling skills, so he created races for them and brought in the top pros to rub shoulders with and to see how the top riders controlled their machines," concluded Eustice, himself a former two-time U.S. national professional champion and a pioneer of American cycling. "We’ll have plenty of food and drink, a free children’s inflatable park, top-class BMX demonstrations, a messenger race, and great music.”

The day’s events will kick off at 12:00 p.m. with the children’s races, a chance for the youth of New York City to showcase their cycling talents in front of a roaring and supportive crowd on the streets of Harlem. A full card of amateurs will then take to the streets beginning at 1:30 p.m., followed by the main event featuring the elite men’s professionals at 4:00 p.m. – the only event in the greater New York City area to pit the best cycling has to offer against one another. The day’s events are a true celebration of all things cycling, bringing together the best of BMX, road racing, and fixed-gear racing in a festival that surpasses age, experience or gender.

·       12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m. – Harlem Cup Children’s races: discover NYC’s future racing talent and Olympic prospects.

·       12:30 p.m. – BMX street and vertical stunts begin with performances throughout the day.

·       1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Amateur races featuring various men’s and women’s categories and events.

·       4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. — David Walker Memorial Pro Men’s race, introducing the all-new, multi-race Omnium format and a high-speed Keirin race finale.

·       4:15 p.m. – Fixed-Gear race.

Rockstar Games is sponsoring the event for the third consecutive year, firmly establishing itself as the preeminent supporter of professional and local cyclists, and cycling enthusiasts. Members of Rockstar Games will be on-hand with Rockstar-branded merchandise near the start and finish lines.

“We’re pleased to once again be a part of the Harlem Cycling Classic,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “Cycling is a passion and way-of-life for so many of us at Rockstar. It’s an honor to support not only the singular professional cycling event in New York City, but also a day filled with great races and entertainment.”