Downtown cycling race set for Sunday

Cyclists of all ages and abilities will converge on downtown Vancouver on Sunday for the sixth Vancouver Courthouse Criterium.

The flat, figure-8 street course is expected to attract teams from around the region for a 13-race schedule that starts with kids racing at 10:30 a.m.

Several downtown streets will be closed all day for the races.

The most accomplished riders will race in the afternoon, culminating with the senior women’s 40-minute race at 2:45 p.m., the 40-and-older race at 3:30 p.m., and the hour-long senior men’s event starting at 4:20 p.m.

The start/finish line will be westbound at the intersection of 12th and Daniels.

The course will take riders west one block, then north one block on Esther Street, then west one block on 13th, south one block on Franklin, east one block on 12th, south one block on Esther, east two blocks on 11th, north one block to 12th, then back west one block to the start/finish line.

Riders can register beginning at 9:30 a.m. Riders may enter up to 20 minutes before their race. Cost is $30 per rider for one race, $15 to enter additional races, with discounts for junior riders.

The day begins at 10:30 a.m. with a special two-lap tandem race featuring Washington State School for the Blind students. Three five-minute kids races for ages 12 and younger will follow. The first juniors race, for ages 12-14, starts at 11:05 a.m.

The Vancouver Courthouse Criterium is sanctioned by the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association. All participants must be OBRA members. Sunday’s races are part of the Oregon Cup, a year-long OBRA points series.