World's Best Pro Bicycle Racers Compete in Bernards Tonight, Downtown Streets Will Be Closed

Some of the world's fastest professional bike racers are descending on Bernards tonight at 6 p.m. to compete in the Base Camp International in downtown Basking Ridge.

The race is just one of 24 official events on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar, which dictates the season schedule for the best professional racers in the country and abroad. Viewing is free and open to the public.

The competition occurs on a 1.1 mile loop that runs from the start outside of Base Camp Adventure Outfitters on S. Finley Ave to W. Henry St, Brownlee Pl, E. Oak St, Lee Pl, Hillside Terrace, Dayton St, N. Finley Ave and back to Base Camp in downtown Basking Ridge. All of the streets will be closed off by Bernards Police before the race begins.

A short track means a furious pace, according to Ian Hughes of Liberty Cycle, a co-sponsor of the event. Asked about the difference between tour-style racing, popularized in the U.S. by riders like Lance Armstrong, and what spectators will see tonight, Hughes said, "This is criterium style racing. It's much faster overall, it's very high paced. There's a lot of changing of positions, it's very team tactic based, as is tour riding, but you'll see teams attacking a lot."

The racers will complete 40 laps for a winning purse of $15,000. Hughes said that spectators can get a good view of the race from anywhere in downtown Basking Ridge, along with the side roads like Oak St, Dayton St or Henry St. The sponsors will also host stunt rider Jeff Lenosky as added entertainment before the race.

"It's a family event, we just don't do the family race," Hughes said. All riders tonight will either be professional or "category one," which Hughes said are often professional-level racers who have other full-time jobs.

Among the competitors will be the U.S Professional Continental teams, Lance Armstrong's Livestrong team racers, and several other top professional teams from around the country. "There will be professional riders from around the world," Hughes said.