International Bike Race Returns to Basking Ridge

Nearly 100 professional cyclists from around the world are expected to participate in Thursday's Base Camp International Bike Race, when downtown Basking Ridge is due to be turned into a closed course for an international bike race.

The races are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of in downtown Basking Ridge, and could last up to two hours, said Steve St. Clair, marketing director for the race. Liberty Cycle is hosting the annual event, and the two main sponsors are and Base Camp Outfitters, said St. Clair.

The winner of the main race stands to win $15,000.

As it was last year for the first time, the event again will be listed on the National Racing Calendar of bike races, St. Clair said on Saturday. The NRC listing attracts the very best pro cyclists from all over the world, particularly the European circuit, he said.

The races also may attract up to a few thousand spectators to cheer on cyclists who will be repeating laps along a 1.1-mile "criterion" course to be routed through downtown Basking Ridge, St. Clair said on Saturday. Children especially enjoy a performance by a stunt cyclist who will be part of the event, he said.

Along with professionals, some of the area's top cyclists, who are close to professional, are due to compete, St. Clair said.

The BaseCamp International will feature a fast, technical 1.1 mile loop through the center of Basking Ridge. The course has eight turns and one incline up to the finish, according to the Liberty Cycle organizers. Racers will complete 40 laps in total, St. Clair said.

The race is a colorful and entertaining sight for spectators, St. Clair said. "They're flying around the street," he said. The racers travel at speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, and are led by a motorcycle, he said.

As of late last week, 81 of the top road cyclists in the world had signed up, including Jaan Kirsipuu, a four-time Tour de France stage winner and yellow jersey holder, who has started 12 Tours, according to information from Liberty Cycle.  He rides with Team Champion System.

Here are just a few of the teams among those scheduled to race through the streets of Basking Ridge:

Chemstar Elite Cycling Team
CashCall Cycling
Jamis Sutter Home Professional Cycling Team
ABD Cycling Club
Team Mountain Khakis
Bissell Pro Cycling Team
U23 Trek - Livestrong
Kelly Benefit Strategies-OptimumHealth Pro Cycling
MetLife Cycling Team
Jelly Belly Cycling Team

Most of the riders are not from the area, St. Clair said. Those interested in watching the professional bike race should visit Liberty Cycle's website for more information.