Squawk and roll

Road cycling action is returning as the annual Squawker Road Classic rolls into downtown Durango this weekend, April 4-5.

Events will kick off with the popular Neighborhood Criterium on Saturday, followed by the road race Sunday. The six-turn criterium course is .75 miles long and will start/finish will on 4th Ave. & 8th St. Sunday’s road portion is described as a mixed-surface lap on the Florida Mesa with “smooth mag chloride gravel,” pavement and a punchy climb just prior to the finish line. (Both courses can be viewed on Strava.)

Race organizer and FLC Cycling Director Chad Cheeney both races are USAC-sanctioned, so riders will need a license to race in their category. Racers without a license can sign up in their respective open category.

“We are looking to integrate more with USAC in the future leading up to Worlds, so plan on more local racing being USAC including the local cyclocross series this fall,” Cheeney said.

In addition to the races, FLC will be hosting an alumni block party from 2-6 p.m. Sat., April 4, at the corner of 8th St. and 4th Ave. the first 20 alumni to stop by the FLC Alumni tent get a free food and drink ticket.

“It'd really help our local road cycling culture if you can come show support by racing or volunteering,” said Cheeney.

And speaking of volunteering, course marshalls are needed for 2-3-hour stints throughout the weekend. If interested, email btcowan@fortlewis.edu.

For more info. or to register (deadline is midnight tonight, April 2) go to www.bikereg.com/squawker-road-race-26#Register