Winfield Criterium spectator tips

If helmet hair and spandex speed suits aren’t your thing, fear not. The 2011 Winfield Criterium weekend is just as much fun for spectators as it is for competitors. Event director and race promoter Rich Johnson and Athletes by Design Team Director Mike Ebert offered first-time fans a few tips for watching the festivities.

타 Bring a chair. Johnson admits that “standing gets old real fast,” especially if you plan to watch the races for an extended period of time.

타 Find a spot near the start or finish line for the perfect cheering venue.

타 Don’t hesitate to bring the kids. At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, there will be a Good Old Days Kids Parade, and a $3 kid’s bike race begins at 1:10 p.m. Sunday.

타 Pay attention to the riders’ strategic moves. Ebert says “a lot of people don’t realize how tactical” bike races are and urges spectators to keep an eye out for riders jostling or maneuvering to help teammates.