July
2002
From
the Editor: First Union Classic was maybe more of a surreal experience
than it was meant to be
Attending
my first First Union Classic, I didn't know what to expect. I've
been to three marathons, and one thing I definitely know about
marathons held in urban settings is that pretty much, thousands
of people who run 26.2 miles in total run by you just once. It's
three grueling hours for them, a fleeting moment for the spectator.
Would a bike race be a similar experience?
My answer is that old favorite, "Yes and no." But I'll
get to that in a minute.
I
had the pleasure of witnessing the first bizarre First Union Classic
bike race. This year's event was beset by tragedy and weather
and shortened to nearly half its intended distance. With a very
dark rainstorm moving in, the race got set to start at 4:30.
Little
did anyone at the start line know that ten minutes earlier, down
East State Street, 53-year old Leatha Barr's life had just been
taken, apparently by a reckless teenager on an all-terrain vehicle.
Plenty
has been said about the alleged driver of the ATV and what allegedly
happened. Let's just say that, given the accident, holding the
event in the rain seemed appropriate. Some say the race should
have been canceled, which is classic overreacting. Why compound
the tragedy by widening its impact?
I
think the design of the Trenton First Union Classic race route-doubling
back on itself and going past the West State Street start/finish
line twice per lap-is a great idea. As opposed to a marathon,
the bike racers zoom past you many times. And zoom they do. So
fast that even getting a glimpse of their numbers as they go by
is virtually impossible.
With
a relatively short route, also, spectators have the opportunity
to move from place to place along the route and see different
aspects of the race. I watched much of the race from in front
of the Statehouse, but I also stood in front of Utopia on Front
Street and watched dozens of racers wipe out on the slick brick
roadway.
You
can't believe how fast these riders go around a corner in the
rain. Fearlessly and confidently. I suppose it would inspire awe
if it didn't seem so insane.
The
announcer was not too impressive. He couldn't keep straight who
was on which team. I sympathize with him for the difficulties
of sorting out the riders, and trying to speak quickly to keep
up with the action, but he made some pretty embarrassing mistakes.
I'm glad I don't know his name so I can't smear it in print.
In
the First Union hospitality tent, there might as well have been
no race as people sat and noshed on hot dogs, hoagies, beer, and
nacho chips that were soggy by the end of the race. Many sought
refuge from the rain in the tent and never ventured out again.
If they had no umbrella, they can hardly be blamed.
Attendance
overall was down this year. It was understandable, but disappointing
nonetheless because the First Union Classic really is one of the
premier events in the Mercer County area every year. Next year
let's hope there's no tragedy and no rain so there's no excuse
not to go. It's well worth it.
-Joe
Emanski
