SALEM — The Witches Cup, Salem's cycling race, will return to Salem Common on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
In the cycling boom of the 1980s, Salem proudly hosted annual elite caliber bicycle events with national exposure. Until last year's reincarnation of the Witches Cup, the race was last held as part of the America Cup in 2000. Race organizers are working to revive Salem's strong bicycle racing tradition and make the Witches Cup an annual event.
This year, the Witches Cup will feature racing at all levels for both men and women around historic Salem Common, concluding with a professional race. A free kids' race on soft grass will also be held for children, ages 5-to-12. The day's events will begin at 4 p.m. with the professional race at 6:45 p.m.
The Witches Cup is a criterium — a short, fast bicycle race requiring a mix of power, speed and technical skills. Those skills include the ability to corner rapidly and sharply, all while riding safely with a large group on a short circuit. This requires exceptional fitness to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate around corners.
These races are 45-60 minutes of very fast cycling, with racers averaging 25-35 mph and reaching speeds of up to 45 mph during sprints and attacks.
The 2008 Witches Cup will follow tradition with nationally-ranked cyclists committing to participate.
Beverly native Tim Johnson, team captain of the HealthNet Pro Cycling Team, Multiple National Cyclocross Champion and winner of Australia's Herald Sun Tour in 2003, is planning to attend.
"The Witches Cup is a spectacular race course, and I look forward to racing in front of friends and family," Johnson said in a press release. "After traveling around the country, I can't wait to get back in front of the home crowd."
Canadian Olympian and cyclocross champion Lyne Bessette will headline the women's race. She's also looking forward to racing near her adopted hometown of Beverly.
Beverly resident and seven-time National Cyclocross Champion, Jesse Anthony, will also be at the starting line. "I grew up on the North Shore, and my family is still here. I am psyched to have world class racing right here in Salem," he said.
