By CAROLANNE MURRAY
Northeast News
June 19, 2013

On Friday, June 21, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. several roads in the local area will be closed due to the Tour of Kansas City bike races. This year marks the 50th consecutive year of the Tour of Kansas City bike races.

“In the past the race was held on Cliff Drive, but we discovered this year that Kansas City Parks and Recreation have placed speed bumps on that route which means we cannot race there. It could be dangerous for the racers,” Dave Gale of Tour of Kansas City said. “This year we have a new course, the Corinthian Hall course,” he said.

The new route will start at the corner of Gladstone Boulevard and Walrond Avenue, then proceed down Gladstone Boulevard. Bikers will then head west on St. John Avenue. From there they will travel south on LeBelle Drive and then Bellefontaine Avenue The bikers will continue until they reach Anderson Avenue. After turning east on Anderson Avenue they will head north on Benton Boulevard. They will travel east on St. John Avenue, north on Indiana Avenue, west on Norledge Avenue, and finally south on Walrond Avenue to the point of origin.

Streets will be closed to the public from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be three races held during that time. The first race will begin at 5 p.m. and will last 45 minutes with an additional three laps. The second race will begin at 6:05 p.m. and will be 55 minutes with three laps. The last race will be 65 minutes and three laps as well. It is estimated that there will be about 80 registered racers and approximately 280 total people in attendance. Cash prizes will be awarded to individual winners.