This article originally appeared in the Oakland Tribune on July 19th, 2002 and is posted with permission.

By Kristin Bender ,STAFF WRITER

ALAMEDA -- Every Tuesday night this summer, a slice of the former Navy base
is transformed into an outdoor track where newbies and hard-core cyclists
alike battle it out for cash prizes and an ego boost.

They fly around the closed track at speeds up to 30 mph, men and women in a
rainbow of Spandex.

Tanned and toned teenagers and robust seniors on bikes that cost more than
some cars compete in varying races 6 p.m. to sunset.
Don't blink, you might miss them.

Welcome to the Twilight Criterium at Alameda Point, a short, closed course
where experienced racers can get a fun, energetic workout and beginners can
learn critical racing skills without the pressure of a crowded, aggressive
contest.

"We are really happy because in this country everybody is so uptight about
letting you race your bike," said racer Phil Roberts, 33, of San Francisco.
"And we have to develop our riders to compete (in large rides and races) in
Europe."

This is the second year the Berkeley Bike Club has used Alameda Point -- the
former U.S. Navy base, which closed five years ago -- for the races.
"The surface is relatively good and in nice shape, and what makes it
attractive is the center green, where spectators can sit and watch," said
Howard Ashcraft, an organizer from Alameda.

On a recent Tuesday evening, about 100 men and a dozen women turned out to
round the 1-kilometer course, which begins at West Mall at Alameda Point.
What followed were several hours of fast-paced, 30- minute races with plenty
of attacks, tactical moves and sprints.

"It's a good course, a little short, but it's a lot prettier than
Hegenberger Road and not as windy," said race promoter Peter Dahlstrand, who
was supervising last week's race and ringing the cowbell when it was time
for a sprint, or "prime." Racers previ-
ously used a stretch of Hegenberger in Oakland and a spot on Bay Farm Island
in Alameda before moving to Alameda Point last year, Dahlstrand said.

The Criterium begins with men age 45 and older and beginner and advanced
women. Women are mixed in with the guys because there hasn't been enough
interest for a separate race. "We'd like to have more women," said Jennifer
Rosen, 33, of Oakland. "Then we could have our own race."

The second race is for men under 45. The final races are open to cyclists of
all ages.

Twilight racing usually draws people from Concord to the Peninsula. But some
come from much farther, such as the Jamaica National Team, which races the
last and most advanced race, and Dave Zabriskie, a Salt Lake City-based
racer on the U.S. Postal Service's Pro Cycling Team, who showed up on a
recent Tuesday.

There are also "mentors," who ride in the pack, coach new riders and look
out for unnecessary swerving and other potentially unsafe maneuvers.
Organizers say injuries are rare. There were none the first year and only
one broken hip last year. There was a small collision involving a handful of
people last Tuesday, but almost everyone got up quickly, dusted themselves
off and jumped in their saddles again.

"There is obviously some risk; however, this type of racing is not as
aggressive as a regular weekend sprint, because it's seen as practice," said
Dan Dole, a race promoter with the Berkeley Bicycle Club.
Ashcraft added, "The most common injuries are to pride and a little skin."
The Berkeley Bike Club in partnership with Building Futures for Women &
Children will sponsor a bicycle race with cash prizes to support the Midway
Shelter in Alameda. Races begin 8 a.m. Sunday and continue through the
afternoon. The course is the flat, 1-mile, eight-corner Criterium at Alameda
Point.