Historic Downtown Sedalia Hosts 2013 Criterium Bike Race [PHOTOS]

Historic Downtown Sedalia was the backdrop once again for the 2013 Sedalia Downtown Criterium Bike Race. The races started around 4 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 24), starting with the first of five men's races.They also held two women's races and one junior race. The Final Men's Race started at 9 p.m.

Small crowds gathered around downtown Sedalia, sitting on sidewalks and at local restaurants and bars, watching the fast paced racing. The whirring of tires on the pavement and every now and then the "kerchunk" sound of of gears. The weather was outstanding compared to last year's race when the temperature was in the triple digits. So it was really a shock to me to see the crowds smaller this year than they were in the past.

This year, the race went the opposite direction than last year with riders heading north on Ohio, crossing over to Osage going south to 7th St. and back to Ohio. The Course was .7 miles. The majority of the races were 40 minutes long plus 5 laps. The final men's race was 55 minutes plus 5 laps. The reason for the course change this year is due to the road blockage from a fire earlier this year down in the 200 block of Ohio. Where a portion of the road is still blocked off.

If you didn't attend the Criterium you really missed out on a great family outing. So make sure you plan on attending next year.