Witches Cup Bike Race on Wednesday

One of Salem's favorite perennial events returns on Wednesday!

The Witches Cup Bike Race will speed around Salem Common starting at 4:30 PM on August 12th. If you haven't seen a Criterium style bike race, I highly recommend coming to watch. It is fast-paced and exciting. The cycles move at a really incredible pace!

Here's a bit of race history and the race schedule from WitchesCup.com: In the cycling boom of the 1980's, Salem proudly hosted annual elite calibre bicycle races with national exposure. It's the goal of the Witches Cup organizers to revive the strong bicycle racing tradition in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. After a seven year lull, the Witches Cup under the direction of Salem-based promoters, returned in 2007.

The 2009 Witches Cup presents racing for both men and women at all levels.

This year is the 3rd year since the reincarnation of the Witches Cup and the 30th Anniversary of the original Witches Cup! This year will prove to be the biggest yet with a hospitality tent sponsored by Wachusett Brewing Company, racing for all levels, race winners jerseys provided by Primal Wear and equal prize money for the Men's and Women's races!

Be sure to Join us at the Wachusett Brewing Hospitality on Salem Common during the Race!

Here's the schedule:

• 4:00pm Course Inspection

• 4:45pm Amateur Men (Cat 4/5)

• 5:45pm Women (Cat 1-4)

• 6:10pm Amateur Men Awards

• 6:45pm Elite Men (P,1,2,3)

• 8:00pm Awards Ceremony: Women & Elite Men

It's a blast, you should check it out.

Please note the following road closures that will be in effect for the race:

• Route 1A from Winter Street to Essex Street and all streets connecting to the Salem Common will be closed to traffic from 4pm to 9pm.
• No Parking around the Common beginning at 3pm.
• Please seek seek alternate routes during this time.

Enjoy the race!