Ride the same closed course as the racers during Sunday’s Family Fun Ride

On Sunday, April 29, Pittsburgh will host the Steel City Showdown, a one-of-a-kind criterium style bicycle race, featuring a downtown course that loops over bridges on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Cash and prizes totaling more than $4,000 will be awarded in categories ranging from junior racers under age 19 to over-55 Masters. The event also features competitive women’s races, offering prize money equal to the men’s top fields.

The Steel City Showdown was first run in 2008 as a collegiate race, and was remembered fondly as the “bridge crit” by local and regional racers. Last year the race was successfully revived by four local bike racing enthusiasts to showcase their love of bike racing and their hometown of Pittsburgh.

With hundreds of racers and spectators expected, organizers aim to create an event that is fun for everyone. The Showdown Tailgate, located between the racers’ parking lot and starting line, will provide a sideline festival atmosphere.

Free closed-street public ride 3-4pm

There will also be a free public ride on the Steel City Showdown course following the conclusion of the racing.  The bridges will be open to bicyclists and free of cars from 3-4pm.  Come down and watch the races and then enjoy some traffic-free laps on the iconic Steel City Showdown race course.

“The Steel City Showdown is incredibly important for the city” said Scott Bricker, Executive Director of Bike Pittsburgh. “It’s been far too long since Pittsburgh has been host to a bike race that attracts people here from all around the region to watch and participate. Kudos to the organizers and sponsors for putting Pittsburgh back on the map as a bike-racing city.”

For more information, check out the Steel City Showdown’s website

Not a member of BikePGH? Join today! We need you to add your voice! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride. For more info, check out: www.bike-pgh.org/membership