Bikers race in Grand Prix in downtown Oakland
on September 24, 2012
Cycling enthusiasts gathered downtown on Sunday for the Oakland Grand Prix Bike Race. 305 cyclists of all ages competed in 10 events, slicing through the streets surrounding the Kaiser Center. The .85 mile course traced a figure eight through Webster, Franklin and Harrison Streets.
The Grand Prix, organized by Velo Promo, drew riders from across Northern California. “The vast majority of participants are from the Bay Area, though we do have riders from L.A. and Oregon,” Robert Leibold, Owner of Velo Promo, said. “It’s a good race with good people.”
Sonja Klein, of Oakland, raced on Sunday afternoon. She said she races twice a month, and was drawn to the Grand Prix by “the thrill of competition and love of biking.” She was excited to see the Grand Prix in her hometown. “Any time it’s in Oakland I’m totally going to support it.”
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- Cyclists (from left to right) Rome Mubarak, Matt Conidaris, Ryan Goldman, Greg McCormac round a turn in the 45 and over event. (Photo by Mark Anderson)
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- The course cut a .85-mile path through downtown Oakland. (Photo by Aaron Mendelson)
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- Three city blocks were closed to traffic during the Oakland Grand Prix. (Photo by Mark Anderson)
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- Cyclist Ryan Goldman turns onto Webster Street. (Photo by Mark Anderson)
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- The event’s organizer, Robert Leibold, organizes over 40 races around California every year. (Photo by Mark Anderson)
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- Bill Kesselring and Eric Cinnamon crash to the floor after their bikes collided in the 45 and over race. (Photo by Mark Anderson)
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- The first aid tent tended to injured cyclists at the Oakland Grand Prix. (Photo by Aaron Mendelson)
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- Cyclists of all ages participated in the event. (Photo by Aaron Mendelson)
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- A racer gets a massage from the National Holistic Institute’s College of Massage Therapy. (Photo by Aaron Mendelson)
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- Benjamin Weekes (left) and Ryan Goldman (right) round 19th St. in downtown Oakland. (Photo by Mark Anderson)
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