Nanticoke bike race puts a positive spin on the city

NANTICOKE -- Bicycle enthusiasts from all over the United States and some from as far away as Canada and New Zealand gathered on Saturday to race in the streets of Nanticoke at the second annual Nanticoke Criterium Race and Jack Williams Tire Youth Challenge.

They sped along Kosciuszko Street turned on Union Street and circled behind the Nanticoke Area John S. Fine High School with speeds reaching almost 30 miles per hour. Dressed in brightly colored suits astride high tech racing machines, they cut through tight corners with barely inches separating them.

Ten different racing categories were set up. In the youth development categories, the races included a 200-meter race for 6 year olds and under, a one-mile race for 7 to 10 year olds and a three-mile race for 11 to 14 year olds. The youth development races were sponsored by Jack Williams Tire.

The adults competed in 21-mile races for juniors aged 17 and 18 and 45 years old plus masters; a 25-mile race for women and a 36-mile race for top professionals.

Event promoter Phil Cable from Facet Cycling in West Pittston said what started as a way to bring city youth out to enjoy healthy outdoor activity grew into an event for participants of all ages.

Saturday’s race not only provided an opportunity for local bicyclers to race in a USA Cycling event but also promoted downtown revitalization and community development, Cable said.

Mike Borowski, a councilman from the City of Nanticoke, called the event a “shot in the arm” for all of Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was a chance to bring in people from all over to see what the area has to offer as well as to patronize local businesses.

Borowski added the event did not cost taxpayers in anyway except for services provided by the city police and fire, city housing and recreation departments, and Greater Nanticoke Area School District, which provided the venue. It’s good to see the various agencies working together for the community, he added.

Nicole Kruszek, chairwoman of the Nanticoke recreation board, said city youth were offered a chance to take part in a healthy activity. Residents were also able to enjoy watching the event, she said.

Jean Ditzler, director of the city housing authority, who initiated the event two years ago, said she hopes it will expand over the coming years. It could change the image of Nanticoke as a “distressed city,” she added. She hopes the children living in the city housing will become more involved.

Andy Mount, 15, who came from Virginia to participate, said the course was very fast with sharp turns. The back straight behind the school presented a challenging hill climb, making the racers push to keep their power going.