While the Red Hook Criterium isn’t exactly the typical domain of ‘cross racers and gravel riders, the 2015 Men’s Singlespeed Cyclocross National Championship winner Tristan Uhl (Aventon Factory Team) raced the event this past weekend.
Run at night after a day of qualifying heats, the fixed gear crit features racers from around the country, and apparently across disciplines, taking to the dockside streets of the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, for a chance at brakeless glory.
The start of the Men’s Final was marred by an unfortunate and horrific crash (see the video below, but be prepared to cringe) involving the stalled lead moto. In the end, Uhl, no stranger to running one gear, rolled across the line in ninth bested by fellow Texan Colin Strickland (Allez Allez- Specialized) who won in a solo break and who has won the event previously.
Uhl was joined by fellow ‘cross racer and girlfriend Sammi Runnels (Aventon Factory Team) who was ninth in the women’s race, which was won by Ainara Elbusto of Spain.
Next up in the race series is London, England, on July 9, 2016. No word yet on if Uhl will be making the trip across the pond for round two.
Check out this footage, below, from on board Uhl’s bike during qualifying. Uhl posted the video to social media saying, “[a] little redhook [sic] carnage from qualifiers. Made it safely thru, now onto the finals.”
More info: redhookcrit.com
