Hanford criterium continues to grow

HANFORD -- Another record-setting field is expected for the Sentinel Criterium, which is scheduled for Sunday in downtown Hanford. The field for the annual bicycle race has grown throughout its history, and this year will be no exception, said Justin Bowman, one of the event organizers.

"Last year, we had about 270 riders,'' said Bowman, who's president of the Kings County Bicyclists. "This year, there'll probably be 300 at least.''

Cyclists from throughout California compete in the event, and in 2007, there were even riders from Japan.

One of the more well-known squads competing in Sunday's sixth annual race will be the Vanderkitten women's pro team, which features Mary Maroon.

Competition takes place over a 0.9-mile hourglass-shaped course. The start/finish line is on Eighth Street, near the Downtown Plaza.

There will be at least eight races, with levels ranging from kids and public adult competition to professional. The women's pro race is scheduled for 11:15 a.m., and the pro men's race is slated for 1:15 p.m.

More than $5,000 in cash prizes and $2,000 in primes will be at stake in the pro races. There will also be free prizes for all entries in the kids races.

In addition to cycling, there'll be a pancake breakfast served by the Hanford Breakfast Lions Club, vendor booths manned by local sponsors and carousel rides for kids in the Hanford Courthouse Square.

Portions of the proceeds will go to the Hanford Soup Kitchen.

Velo Promo promotes the event in conjunction with Kings County Bicyclists, a 10-year old organization that promotes cycling.

"We have more racers and more sponsors every year,'' Bowman said.

Bowman said cycling is a rewarding sport in more ways than one.

"It's good aerobic sport, and it's something you did when you were a kid, so it kind of makes you feel like a kid again. And it gets you outside, instead of being locked inside in a gym.''

For more information on the race, call Bowman at 925-7880.

(March 25, 2008)