Photography by Matt James Photography
This weekend, kids on Big Wheels and training wheels will have the chance to cross the same finish lines as some of the sport’s leading competitive cyclists as part of the 36th Gateway Cup.
The state’s top cycling event runs from Friday through Monday, with each day featuring races and an event expo showcasing a different St. Louis neighborhood. The competitive courses—in Lafayette Square, St. Louis Hills, the Hill, and Benton Park—are set up as 1-mile laps, offering spectators the opportunity to see cyclists’ strategies develop as the pack passes every few minutes.
While kids can’t vie for a share of the event’s $70,000 prize, they will get a real feel for what it’s like to compete with the pros as they’ll use part of the same course in each of the four featured neighborhoods, says event director Mike Weiss.
“Each day, we have five heats of kids’ races that are announced by nine-time Tour de France finisher Frankie Andreu. They get the actual experience of racing across a pro finish line complete with crowds and announcers,” says Weiss, who also owns Big Shark Bicycle Company. “The Kids’ Races are immediately prior to the two main events, the Men’s and Women’s Pro Races that are our ‘title fights.’”
Young racers ranging from preschool age to 12 will receive an event T-shirt, finisher ribbon, and race number as part of their pro race experience. To compete, participants must bring their own helmets and bicycles and a completed permission form to register on the day of the event, sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The cost is $7 per ride, with any additional donations going to the foundation.
Photography by Matt James Photography
Cyclists of all ages and abilities can pedal along on the free Gateway Cup Ride to Unite from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday morning around the closed course set up in St. Louis Hills’ Francis Park. The ride pairs celebrity cyclists with visually impaired children on tandem bikes and welcomes all types of cycles and riders. Although it’s set at five miles, riders can exit at any time, and the entire event is centered around making cycling accessible to all.
“We partner with local charity groups that help kids with a variety of challenges have access to cycling. The first hour of the Saturday [Gateway Cup event schedule] is a 4-5 lap ride on the racecourse with all of the kids, the top professionals, and whoever else would like to share an awesome cycling experience that brings together everyone,” Weiss says.
Recreational riders can also take a tour of historic St. Louis on the Trailnet Giro Della Montagna Fun Club Ride Sunday. Cyclists choose a circular route—there are 22, 30, 4—and 100-mile options—all of which begin and end in the Hill neighborhood in time for them to enjoy the Gateway Cup’s last afternoon of races. Advance registration cost is $12, $18 for the century ride. Day of registration is $18/$28.
The event's full schedule:
- Friday, August 30—Tour De Lafayette (Lafayette Square)
- Saturday, August 31—Tour De Francis Park (St. Louis Hills)
- Sunday, September 1—Giro Della Montagna (The Hill)
- Monday, September 2—Benton Park Classic (Benton Park)
