IU Health Momentum Indy returns
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"Ann" watchers over bikers in the Mass Ave Crit. Photo: Courtesy of IU Health Momentum Indy
Indy's biggest bike weekend is back, and it starts Friday.
Why it matters: The IU Health Momentum Indy brings some of the country's top pro cyclists to the city to compete for thousands of dollars in prize money and draws thousands of spectators downtown for two days of (free) excitement.
Riding the news: The event includes two criterium races — the Mass Ave Crit Friday and the Indy Crit Saturday.
State of play: The Indy Crit started in 2010 as a bike race through downtown and has since grown into a multiday festival.
What to expect: The Mass Ave Crit will have a "street-party vibe," with crowds gathered along the technical, 1-kilometer course that includes some of the city's most popular bars and restaurants.
- Races start at 4pm, but the pros don't take to the roads until later in the day — women start at 6:55pm and men at 8:15pm.
- Both are part of the American Criterium Cup series — the fifth of eight criterium races across the country.
- Races are timed, between 30 and 70 minutes.
Saturday's event at University Park will have a "family-friendly festival" atmosphere, says Jennifer Cvar, executive director of IU Health Momentum Indy.
- Racing on the 1.13 km course starts with juniors at 9:30am and continues throughout the day, finishing with the pros at 2:45pm and 4:05pm.
- Kid-friendly events include a youth race for ages 3-12 and two BMX shows.
- Races last from 20 to 70 minutes.
What they're saying: "You can stay in one spot, and they keep going by every two minutes," Cvar said. "There's always something happening."
If you go: The Mass Ave Crit is 4-9:30pm Friday.
- Pro tip: Stand near the corners of Mass Ave and Vermont or East streets to watch riders navigate technically challenging turns greater than 90 degrees.
- Racing starts Saturday at 9:30am and lasts until 5:30pm.
If you don't go: Road closures around the courses start at noon Friday and 6am Saturday.
Meanwhile, you can get in on the action with a 14-, 30- or 62-mile community ride at 9am Saturday.
- Cost to participate is $95.