Top riders tear through the CBD

Hundreds of elite bicycle riders raced through the CBD in a criterium event in perfect weather conditions.

Events ranged from juniors to masters, while in the city’s main street trick BMX riders thrilled the crowd with high flying performances.

Thousands attended the event, with the criterium featuring teams of riders reaching speeds of more than 50km/hr.

Redland City Council mayor Karen Williams was among the spectators, saying it was a spectacular event.

“I expect this will get more and more popular as time goes on,’’ she said.

Fans were treated to street food stalls, rock bands and entertainers.

But the real star was the hard racing on the tight street circuit, an event more commonly seen in Europe.

Organiser John Smallwood said it was a huge night for cycling.

“There was top class racing over all groups,’’ Mr Smallwood said.

“And the final race involving the top riders from the trade teams reached speeds down the home straight in excess of 55kph which was very, very exciting.’’

“There was only two minor accidents throughout five hours of racing.’’

The event was staged by the Redland City Council, Wynnum Redlands Cycling Club, Cycling Queensland, Queensland Sports Management, local businesses and service clubs.

Mr Smallwood said the purpose of the event was to celebrate all aspects of cycling _ both recreational and competitive.

The BMX display drew large crowds of kids, mums and dads throughout the evening as riders flew high through the air.

Criterium racing is generally conducted on a tight street racing circuit of just 1km or 2km.

It features relatively short but tough races in which riders need good technical skills.

They have to have the ability to sprint continually and by doing this attack other riders.

Riders have to know how to maintain their nerve and choose a good line into corners to maintain as much speed as possible.

Riders repeatedly have to accelerate hard out of corners.