The Witches Cup is a criterium - short fast bicyle race requiring a mix of good technical skills. In particular, riders must have the ability to corner rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional fitness to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners..

WITCHES CUP RETURNS TO SALEM COMMON
On Wednesday, August 10th, Salem comes alive with the unmistakable bee-hive hum of professional bicycle racing. North Shore residents and bicycling fans from across the country will experience one of the country’s most unique bicycle races.

FRONT-ROW ACTION
The 2011 Witches Cup will provide cycling fans a breath taking front-row seat at a professional cycling event. With speeds averaging 25-35 mph and reaching up to 45 mph during sprints and attacks, an exciting race is guaranteed. One hundred riders compete throughout the 70 lap, 35 mile race around the historic Salem Common. The crowds are just feet from the racers and can see all the action during the ½ mile loop around the Salem Common.

JOIN US AT THE HOSPITALITY TENT
Wachusett Brewing Company will be hosting the hospitality tent for the second year. Join us for a craft brew on a great summer afternoon of racing. One-half of the proceeds from the sales go to the Salem Public Education Fund so that we can all enjoy the Common for years to come.

NATIONALLY RANKED - LOCAL ROOTS
Confirmed for this year Witches Cup is Beverly native Tim Johnson, team captain of the HealthNet Pro Cycling Team, Multiple National Cyclocross Champion and winner of Australia's Herald Sun Tour. Racing in the Women’s event, and a Beverly resident, is Lyne Bessette, two-time member of the Canadian Olympic team, winner of the prestigious Tour de l'Aude Feminin as and the 2001 Women's Challenge, as well as the Beijing Olympic Cycling commentator in 2004. Also racing in the Women's event is the Boston Bike Czar and former US Olympic Cyclist, Nicole Freedman.

The Witches Cup is a spectacular race course and I look forward to racing in front of friends and family. After traveling around the country I can't wait to get back in front of the home crowd. Tim Johnson

ABOUT THE RACE
The Witches Cup, Salem's cycling race is returning for its fourth year after the successful rebirth of the historic race. In the cycling boom of the 1980s, Salem proudly hosted annual elite caliber bicycle events with national exposure. In 2000, the Witches Cup was part of the America’s Cup. The first edition Witches Cup ran from 1979 to 2001 as a top-level national event with such cyclists as Eric Heiden, Leonard Nitz and Frankie Andreau. After the past 4 great years it's easy to say that race organizers have revived the Witches Cup and the 2011 event is highly anticipated. The 2011 Witches Cup is sponsored by Primal Wear, Wachusset Brewing, Salem Cycle, Comprehensive Racing, Choriste Partners, and Focus Power.

2011 Schedule

• 4:00pm - Course Inspection
• 4:45pm - Amateur Men (Cat 4/5)
• 5:35pm - Women (Cat 1-4)
• 6:10pm - Amateur Men Awards
• 6:30pm - Elite Men (P,1,2,3)
• 7:45pm - Awards Ceremony: Women & Elite Men

Notes:

• All categories must have USA Cycling (USAC) road license.
• Register online at bikereg.com
• $5 fee for Day of Race registration
• Awards Ceremony to be held right after Elite Men's race.
• Neutral Support provided by Mark

For additional information, contact Kurt Maw at elmo1212@gmail.com

Registration: Register online at www.BikeReg.com - online registration closes on 10 August 2010 (2011) at 8:00am. There is a late fee for day of registrations. Late fee: $5. Day-of registration opens at 3:00pm and closes 30 minutes before each event.

Salem Cycle was founded in 2000 by Dan Shuman, 2009 Salem Chamber of Commerce Business Man of the Year, with a goal to make Salem the cycling destination of the North Shore. Salem Cycle caters to all levels of cyclists and sponsors Comprehensive Racing, a local racing club, with a common mission of bringing bicycle racing back to Salem. Salem Cycle is a full service bicycle shop that also sponsors social group rides and supports numerous racers, teams and community events. The shop's famous logo -- a witch riding a bicycle -- is prominently featured on many racers' uniforms and recreational cycle gear. Salem Cycle is also working with the Salem Bike Path Committee to make cycling safer in Salem and all over the North Shore.

For more information on Salem Cycle visit www.salemcycle.com.

Comprehensive Racing is a small cycling/triathlon team based on the north shore of MA, Worcester, and southern NH. The team began as a group of 3 athletes in 2001 and has since grown into one of the most welcoming and successful multi-sport teams in New England. Comprehensive Racing is now a group of about 50 athletes working to successfully balance the sports of triathlon and cycling, with the demands of life, family and friends.

For more information visit www.comprehensive-racing.com.