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WILKES-BARRE — Cycling will return to Northeastern Pennsylvania tonight with the Wilkes-Barre Twilight Criterium.
The event will start at 5:30 p.m. and the course will be closed to all traffic starting about 5 p.m.
The course will have the start/finish line on South River Street, turn left onto South Street, proceed up South Main Street and cut across Public Square against the normal flow of traffic to Market Street and back towards the finish.
“We’re trying to highlight downtown Wilkes-Barre,” said promoter Phil Cable. “The city put so much into the new river front and the lights along River Street, we’re trying our best to get them noticed.”
Along River Street will be a family atmosphere area with live music and food stands.
“It’s such a nice scene, we want people to come out and experience it,” Cable said.
South Main Street, the back end of the route, will feature more of an outdoor dining experience, including radio station Rock 107.
“A lot of the restaurants are willing to open their patios up,” said Cable. “It should be really interesting.”
There are five races scheduled: youth ages 6 and under; youth 7-10; youth 11-14; a celebrity race; and the feature Pro-Am.
Registration for the youth races will begin at 4 p.m. at the start/finish line on South River Street.
The celebrity race will include Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton.
“The celebrity race will be really exciting,” said Cable, who is a former professional cyclist and has competed against Lance Armstrong.
Sixty-eight riders have already registered for the Pro-Am, according to Cable, which has a $3,000 purse with $800 to first place. Also, $700 in prizes will be award during the race for winning specific segments.
“The pro-am should be quite an event,” Cable said. “It’s nice to have so many riders. It’ll really be a treat for the people who come out to witness the event.”
Up next
Wilkes-Barre
Twilight Criterium
5:30 p.m. today
Start/finish line will be on South River Street, Wilkes-Barre